Page 33 of The Wiener Across the Way

Fuck yeah.

She slipped out from under my arm, picked up her dog, who was definitely not done eating, and headed back to the table.

Mmm. I did enjoy the chase.

I was more determined than ever to win her over. This was no game to me either. It was the beginning of something I couldn’t, and didn’t want to, ignore. I was head over heels in love with Kelsey Best.

By the time the football game was over, Kelsey was cheering and booing the players on the screen along with the rest of us. I’d have to get her a Mustangs jersey of her own. With my name and number on the back.

We got up, ready to leave. I’d love to hang out longer, but I wanted to get back to her hotel safe and sound to prove to both her and her people that I could take care of her for a night off.

“That was kind of fun. I still don’t understand a thing about football, except that some of those guys need to work on their dance moves when they score.” Kelsey pointed to Everett and Hayes. “I expect to see better from you two.”

Everett did a little spin, worthy of a popstar, and pointed his finger guns at her. “I’ve got moves you ain’t even seen yet.”

“Oh boy.” Kelsey looked up at me. “Where did you find this one?”

“The backyard, I think. We had a very productive cabbage patch.” I put my hand on her back and guided her through the bar toward the front door. She gave some sweet waves to the people still gathered, and I’m quite sure she made the day for Tex, the old guy who owned the hardware store in town.

Just before we reached the door, the bartender swooped inside. “Bad news, Kingman. I’ve been holding off a camera happy crowd out there for the last hour. Told them this was my place, and we were closed for a private party, and they couldn’t come in. But they wouldn’t go away.”

Damn.

Kelsey took a long breath that I didn’t like one bit. “Guess our time pretending to be regular people is over.”

I jerked my chin toward the back. “Plan B?”

The bartender shook his head. “Naw, I saw a group of them head back that way too. They’ve got you figured out.”

“It’s okay. I’m used to it. Even this couple of hours out of the spotlight was nice.”

“I’ve got plans you ain’t even seen yet, sweetheart.” I whistled to the boys and waved them over. “Plan C. The papps are outside waiting for us.”

Trixie groaned. “Where’s a rooster when you need one?”

“What?” Kelsey stared at us all like we were insane.

“A story for another night.” Trixie patted Kelsey’s shoulder. “Let’s just say we’ve got experience with the press and the paparazzi, as does Luke Skycocker.”

Kelsey leaned over and stage whispered to me. “I know she’s saying words I understand on their own, but not when you put them in that order. I can’t wait to hear this story.”

“I promise to tell you after we make it through this gauntlet and get you home safe and unphotographed.” I turned to Chris, Everett, and Hayes, and nodded. They knew what to do.

The flash of cameras was like a sudden storm, blinding and disorienting. Paparazzi swarmed around us, shouting questions and snapping photos. The manager, who’d been a solid shield inside, looked apologetic as he held the door, powerless against the crowd outside.

Chris, Everett, and Hayes immediately sprang into action. The three of them pushed out into the parking lot, forming a wall of Kingman with me between Kelsey, Trixie, and the relentless cameras. Their imposing figures were a clear message, but the photographers were undeterred, and we were surrounded and couldn’t move without someone getting hurt.

Kelsey grabbed the back of my shirt and pressed her mouth to my ear from behind. “We need to be seen together, remember? Let’s just give them their shot.”

I clenched my jaw, the protective instinct roaring inside me.

“One picture,” I growled loud enough for the paparazzi near us to hear. “Then everybody back off, or I swear I’ll smash every camera here.”

Kelsey stepped forward, her hand finding mine, and struck a pose for the cameras. Her grip was firm, reassuring, as if she was the one grounding me instead of the other way around. She gave the cameras a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. The shutter clicks went wild, the flashes intensifying.

“Alright, you got your damn picture.” I held my hands up and glared at the people taking pictures. I didn’t yell. I just used my best linebacker growl. “Back off. Now.”

To my surprise, they actually started to disperse. It might have been because Wiener the Pooh peed on the closest guy’s shoe and looked like she was gearing up to shit on them too. Good dog. She was getting more cheese and peanut butter treats from me later.

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