Page 74 of Shootout
“Any issues with butthead while I was gone?” We hadn’t talked much since I’d been back. We’d been too busy getting reacquainted in bed to do much talking.
“Same old shit. Nothing’s changed.”
“He hasn’t gotten worse?”
She turned to look me squarely in the eye. “He might be worse. After all, I showed him women could compete with men at the highest level, and he hates that.”
“I’m sure he does. What crap is he pulling? I can thump him for you if you’d like.” My face showed too much eagerness, but what the fuck.
“Not necessary. Let’s not discuss him right now. I don’t want Jonas to ruin our good time. I’ll tell you the details later.”
“Agreed, but I do need to talk to you about something when we’re alone.”
“That sounds ominous.”
“It’s not. It’s good, trust me. At least, I hope you’ll see it that way.”
She eyed me skeptically, uncertain what I was getting at. I was purposely cryptic. If she had a hint at what I planned, she’d come up with a million reasons it was a bad idea instead of listening to her heart, and I was pretty sure what her heart would tell her.
I gave her a quick hug and whispered in her ear, “I promise. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”
Instead of being relieved, Jessie stiffened in my arms and pushed on my chest. I let her go, puzzled by her reaction and stumped by what I’d said that upset her. Only she wasn’t looking at me but beyond me. Her eyes widened with disbelief, and her lips tightened in a thin, disapproving line. Her every muscle tensed as if poised for fight or flight.
Next to Jessie, Wild swung his head in the direction she was staring and zeroed in on the door like a hunter sighting his prey.
“What the fuck is that asshole doing here?” Wild’s eyes narrowed in that menacing expression he usually reserved for players on opposing teams. Filled with trepidation and a sense of foreboding I couldn’t explain, I didn’t immediately look at whoever held their attention. If I denied this menacing presence, my life would stay the same instead of being changed beyond repair. Wild uttered curses, each one louder and more vehement than the last. My curiosity finally got the best of me.
I followed Wild’s line of sight. A tall, athletic guy about my age and build stood inside the door. He surveyed the large, crowded room as if seeking someone. His blond hair was arranged in a careful style that probably took an hour to get just right. He exuded an air of confidence and superiority I found annoying. I instantly disliked the douche.
Beside me, Jessie gasped and ducked her head as if she were hiding.
“What’s wrong?” I said.
She didn’t answer but put her hand over her mouth, slid off her barstool, and sprinted for the ladies’ room.
“What the fuck is going on?” I swiveled to question Wild, keeping one suspicious eye on the intruder, who was now threading his way through the tables of patrons and heading straight for us.
Wild’s answer wasn’t coherent, more like a growl, but his reaction was answer enough. I’d known instinctually since I’d first seen the surprise mingled with hurt in Jessie’s eyes. Only one man had the power to put that expression on her face.
Cin stood abruptly from across the table. “I’m going to check on Jessie.”
“Thanks,” Wild and I responded at the same time.
My stomach churned like an angry ocean in an epic storm, and my world rotated at a dizzying speed. I grasped the edge of the table to ground myself and slow the spinning. I was mildly successful. At least I regained control of my emotions enough that I wouldn’t embarrass myself. The majority of the guys and the WAGs caught on to something very wrong. Our table quieted in direct contrast to the background roar of the other patrons and our earlier rowdiness.
Rick headed purposely toward our table and straight to Wild. Despite the menacing glare and uninviting vibes Jessie’s brother radiated, Rick seemed oblivious, or he had a death wish.
“Wild. Good to see you, bro.” Rick clapped Wild on the back. Wild stiffened visibly and turned his back on Rick, a direct snub.
I caught Vick’s eye, and he cocked a brow. Based on what I’d told him about Jessie and her ex, he’d figured out this situation. The rest of the team watched the unfolding drama like spectators gathered around crime scene tape, knowing they shouldn’t be gawking but unable to help themselves.
Normally, I’d be the one jumping to Jessie’s defense or claiming retribution from the asshole who hurt her, but Wild was doing a good enough job by himself. If he needed me, I had his back and Jessie’s.
Rick wasn’t easily discouraged. “Wild, how’ve you been?”
Wild snarled something under his breath and whatever he muttered wasn’t complimentary. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
Before Rick answered, Jessie strode back to our table. Her shoulders were thrown back and her head held high. She was more composed than she had been a few minutes ago, but I knew her well enough to recognize the telltale signs of nervousness. Cin stuck close to her side, showing her support.
