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Jesus.
They must expect nothing less because all they do is wave her off and chuckle. “You always threaten the players?” I ask Navy.
“You bet your ass I do. It’s how us women establish respect around here.”
“Fair enough.”
“Social media girl, huh? Didn’t know we needed one of those.”
There’s only one man left near us. Only one who could possibly have a gravelly voice with the smokiest edge to it. Only one standing behind me, currently taking in my conversation with the Strikers’ sideline reporter.
I guess this is the point where I work to establish my own respect.
“Got a problem with that?” I turn, swinging my head in his direction. The only one yet to introduce himself.
His playful grin greets me, and it sends a shock of awareness rippling through my body. He’s absolutely striking. Chiseled features and a flawless complexion. Dark brown hair lies messily on top of his head and neatly fades on the sides. Hypnotizing caramel brown eyes lock with mine, only bringing more attention to that sinful mustache.
“August Graves.” He reaches for my hand, surprising me with the least amount of contact. Not what I expected based on judgment alone, but I’ll work with it. “Definitely no problem here,” he retorts, eyes making no apologies in their examination of me.
Navy is concerningly silent beside me, and I find myself intimidated by the strange encounter. There’s a looming danger I suspect. One I know isn’t of harm…more like possibility.
The possibilities with August Graves are dangerous.
I like to think I have somewhat decent instincts and intuition about people.
“Tenley,” I introduce myself and return his handshake, but he doesn’t let go.
“Yeah. You said that.”
Why is he still holding my hand?I quickly pull away and bring my hand to my side, too afraid he’ll reach for itagain. I’ve worked here a total of two hours, and I’ve already been thrown to the wolves.
Well, wolf, in this case.
“Gus, don’t be weird,” Navy tells him—Gus.
“Just introducing myself to the beautiful woman, Navy. No harm in that.” He turns toward me. “You let me know if you need any help getting settled, Tenley. I’d love to show you around.”
Oh, he thinks he’s cute.
“I’ll manage.” I send him a snarky grin.
August laughs, stepping closer and crowding my space.
“Gus,” Navy warns, but he holds his hand up to stop her.
It’s not until he’s a breath away that I peer at him, taking in his full height. I won’t back down. He’s not threatening me by any means. He actually makes me feel strangely…relaxed.
“I’m horrible at social media. Despise it, actually,” he tells me close to a whisper.
I don’t know why we’re whispering, but it feels necessary.
“Seems that’s why they hired me.”
August chuckles, and it’s velvety and full. Could he be more of the full package? “Jack couldn’t just hire a quiet one, could he?” he turns to ask Navy.
Ballsy, too.
“Takes a strong woman to handle a Striker, Gus. You know this,” Navy answers, sending me a smile of pride.
