Page 10 of The Game

“Good.” The noise of the machines has been replaced by the steady sound of the central air conditioning. I glance around the room. There’re only a couple of stragglers left.

He runs a hand over his face. “The asshole used to beat her up for sport. When she got pregnant, she had enough and left him. He’s been threatening to get joint custody.”

“That’s awful.” Tons of questions surge through my mind, but none of them are my business, so I keep my mouth shut.

“He’s a real prick.” Gunner’s hands ball into fists. “The only reason he’s still sticking around is that he thinks he can get money out of her through me. The guy’s getting nothing. If he ever touches my sister or gets near my niece, I’ll kick his ass.”

“I hope…” I hope – what? I hope I can watch you beat him up and kiss your bloody knuckles? I hope he disappears and leaves you all alone? What in the hell do I say? I cough. “I hope you work things out, and they stay safe.”

My knees buckle. Why in the hell does that turn me on? Oh, I don’t know – a swoon-worthy football player protecting his sister and niece. Yeah, it’s an easy question to answer.

“Thank you.” He runs a hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end. “Right now, we’re going through my attorney, but Veronica was telling me about his attorney’s response. I can’t believe the balls on this guy for a pussy.”

I place a hand on his forearm. “I’m serious. If you need anything, let me know.”

“Thanks, I will.” His eyes skate over me. Is he going to kiss me? His gaze darts away. Shit. He must have remembered I’m not his type. Or, I’m completely delusional.

He disappears from the gym as quickly as the flash of awareness sparked in his eyes.

Chapter Six

Gunner

The restaurant is full of football players, their significant others, and friends. The scent of oregano and bread tickles my nose the second I walk into the quaint café.

Although I’ve never met Chloe’s parents, I’ve been with Tony to the adjoining bakery. Her place is smaller but always smells like you can gain ten pounds by walking inside the door.

“Gunner!” Tony yells from across the room. He has his arm around Jenna’s shoulders while they chat with Dani.

I stop in mid-step. Dani’s hair is pulled up into a loose bun on the top of her head, and several loose strands frame her face. She’s wearing jeans and a top that flows around her curves as she uses her hands to talk. Holy shit.

One of the guys from the team runs into me. “Shit, Gunner.” He staggers backward. “Watch what you’re doing. We need your dumbass healthy for the game.”

“Sorry, Bull.” I punch Dillon McClinton in the arm. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

He grins. “Clearly.” Then, he glances over at Dani and arches his eyebrow.

Crap. Does everyone on the team know I have the hots for Dani? Screw it. I’m not going to confirm nor deny their suspicions.

I wave Dillon off and walk toward Tony, and the group of people he’s standing with. It has nothing to do with Dani. She just happens to be talking to one of my best friends. No big deal.

Ashley joins the group and throws her arm around Dani’s shoulders. Oh, fuck. I need to leave. My entire body tenses.

“Hey, Gunner.” Ashley waves with her free hand. “Join us.”

I’ve spoken with her a few times to get some menu ideas. Not scope out the competition. Seriously.

“Hey.” I press my lips together and nod at the group. Dani avoids my gaze and wraps her arm around Ashley’s waist.

“We thought you were going to stand us up.” Tony gives me a shit-ass grin.

I shrug. “These types of events aren’t my thing.”

Ashley glances at Dani. “You and Dani are perfect for each other. I had to drag her ass here.”

“Yeah?”

“Not everyone likes to be the center of attention like you.” Dani drops her arm from Ashley’s side and elbows her in the ribs.

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