Page 100 of Keep Me Never
My smile is instant, and I nod. “Mason, yeah. He’s one of Chase’s oldest friends. He and Brady, our first-string defensive end, and their other best friend have had unofficial interest from several teams for the last few seasons, so they’ve stayed on their game. But tomorrow”—I can’t help the grin that breaks across my face—“Chase gets his chance to earn his own.”
Prescott’s brows jump. “He has scouts coming?”
I nod vigorously.
“Wow.” He pauses, his interest polite and genuine. “Big day for him.”
“It is,” I say quietly. “He’s worked really hard for this.”
My grandpa hums. “You build something with hard work. But you protect it with loyalty.”
He doesn’t elaborate, and I don’t push, though the words seem to burrow deeper than I expect, catching on old wounds I didn’t realize I had. My mother didn’t choose loyalty in the end, but I wonder, in some way, if he’s not just talking about her or the business she was supposed to take over.
Pulling my phone out, I send Chase a quick message, then tuck it back away in my purse.
We make small talk as we move along the green strips, folding over the hills until the country club finally comes back into view.
Prescott lets out a low whistle, and I look just as the golf ball falls near the tall stick with the little flag sticking out. It must have gone where he wants because he turns around with wide arms and a grin. “Not bad for an afternoon’s work.”
“Not bad,” I echo, but my gaze is already shifting, tugged toward a figure emerging over a small hill.
My heart kicks.
The sun flashes across his face and then his eyes find mine, sending an instant warmth through me. He strides over, all tall and broad and confident, like he owns the damn place.
Or maybe it’s just that he owns what he’s come to collect.
Me.
Without hesitation, he crosses the grass and scoops me up, spinning me once in the air before setting me down, my laughter spilling free.
“Angel,” he murmurs against my ear, his grin wicked as his hands linger on my waist.
Behind us, a throat clears, but I barely hear it.
Chase kisses my hair and steps back, but not before his palm slides along my lower back on its way to take my hand. He’s not so subtly claiming me in front of the man he felt wanted a chance, letting him know he won’t be getting one.
It’s… Yeah. Maybe his show of possessiveness shouldn’t be so endearing, so alluring, but it is. Maybe because it’s not in a malicious or arrogant way.
It’s not a warning. It’s just a fact.
I am his.
I look over and find my grandpa watching, his gaze steady and unreadable, but there’s something in his expression that shifts. Something quieter, somethingolder.Something that looks almost like…regret? Maybe even longing.
I don’t know, but when Chase steps toward him, he blinks and it’s gone.
“Prescott.” Chase dips his chin, holding his hand out to my grandpa.
He takes it immediately.
“Good to see you again, sir,” Chase says kindly.
My grandfather offers a small smile. “You too, son. I hope they didn’t give you too much trouble at the gates.”
“No, sir. At least, not after I mentioned who I was here for.”
“That will do it.” My grandpa chuckles, nodding his head.He turns to me, and his chest falls with a heavy exhale. “I guess you’re off then?”
