My empty glass is quickly replaced with a full one. The guys scatter off to their girlfriends and wives, a few move toward the pool tables and dartboards. I linger at the bar and glance around to see who all came out to help us celebrate.
I smile when I find a familiar face. She moves through the crowd to get to me, hand raised over her head to get my attention. Everly, my teammate Tyler Sharp’s younger sister, comes in for a hug when she finally reaches me. I get a mouthful of her blonde hair as she lunges with enthusiasm.
“Congratulations. You were on fire today.” She squeezes me hard and then pulls back, smiling proudly.
“Thanks, Little Sharpie.” I lean back against the bar. “Are you here alone?”
I look past her and search for her best friend and constant sidekick.
“No.” Her smile is apologetic as she glances over her shoulder and stands on her toes. I follow her line of sight. “Grace and her boyfriend Lane snagged us a table. You want to come say hi?”
“Nah, probably shouldn’t.”
“Lane’s cool. He won’t mind.”
It’s not Lane I’m worried about. For a short time, I considered making a move on Everly’s best friend. She’s beautiful and smart, but since she’s only twenty and still in college, I decided we were at two different places in our lives. I told her as much when she tried to kiss me at a pool party over the summer. She was embarrassed and I felt like an ass, but it was for the best. At least I hope so. The thought of going home alone tonight has me seriously questioning my choices.
“Give her my best.”
Ev nods. “I will.”
“You want something to drink? Soda? Water?”
“I’d love a glass of champagne.”
“Your brother would kick my ass.”
Her quiet laughter is barely audible over the noise. “We’re heading out soon anyway, but I wanted to say hi first.”
“I’m glad you did. How’s school?”
While she fills me in on all the classes she’s taking this semester, my attention wanes a little. I love chatting with Everly, but I’m still so wired from the game and it’s hard to focus. Out of the corner of my eye, a mane of curly blonde hair snags my attention.
I stand taller to get a better look as the crowd of people between us parts, giving me a clear shot. My pulse quickens as I confirm it’s the woman from the game. She’s near the door, arms crossed at her waist as her date towers over her, glowering as he speaks. I don’t need to hear what he’s saying to know he’s being a dick. Looks like a breakup is on the horizon even sooner than expected.
“Earth to Ash Kelly.” Everly waves a hand in front of my face.
“Fuck. I’m sorry. I just saw someone I know.”
“A girl someone?”
“Maybe.” I grin. “But I’ll find her later.”
“Go.” She chuckles. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Thanks, Little Sharpie. Good to see you.” I squeeze her shoulder as I pass her to head for the couple at the door.
But by the time I get there, they’ve moved. I turn in a circle, looking for them. His angry voice is what finally leads me in the right direction. Standing outside of the bar a few feet from the entrance, he backs her up against the building as he speaks. “Are you cheating on me?”
“What?” Her voice is stronger and more assertive than I imagined for her small frame. Her boyfriend is tall and broad. It’d be totally reasonable if she was intimidated, but she speaks loud and clear. “Of course not. I told you, I have to go to work.”
“Can’t you just call in? I’ve barely seen you this week. It’s not like you’re performing surgery or something. How much help can you really be?”
Her gorgeous features twist in annoyance. “Screw you.”
“I’m sorry. Fuck, it’s just that I want to hang with you and you’re blowing me off.”
“No. I’m not. I told you that I’d have to leave right after the game.”
I have an overwhelming desire to high-five her for sticking up for herself while this prick talks down to her and then switches to victim-mode.
“Hang out a little longer. I’ll drive you there when it’s time.” His tone is pleading and pathetic.
“I need my car. Otherwise, you’ll have to pick me up in the morning and take me home. Last time you forgot.”
“It was one time,” he says sharply. He wraps his fingers around her bicep. “Come on. Please?”
“I can’t. I really need to go.”
“One drink. You can stay for one drink.” He pulls her along by the arm.
She winces but doesn’t protest again as she stumbles after him.
I step in front of them. “Let her go.”
Her sharp inhale precedes him shooting daggers at me. “Fuck off, man. This doesn’t concern you.”
His hold on her must tighten because her face contorts with pain.
“The fuck it doesn’t.” My jaw tightens as I watch her face pale. “You’re hurting her.”
He looks down to where he’s gripping her and lets go. “Sorry. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
Her lips part and form an O, but it takes her a second to speak. “No,” she says finally. “I’m fine.”
“See?” He flashes a cocky smile at me. “She’s fine.”
“She doesn’t seem fine. I think you should take a walk and cool down.” I take another step toward him. He’s taller than me, but softer. He looks like he works out just enough to have the appearance of a fit guy, while I’ve trained nearly every day since I was fifteen. My muscles aren’t for show. Although, that is a nice bonus.
He huffs a laugh and sticks out his chest as he comes toward me. Too dumb to know he can’t possibly win this fight. “Run along before I kick your ass. She doesn’t want anything to do with you, Ash Kelly. You’re a has-been they should have traded years ago.”
Now I’m pissed. A rush of heat spreads through my body. I assumed he didn’t recognize me, but calling me a has-been? Fuck that. I take a step and curl my hand into a fist.
“W-wait.” The girl grabs on to his arm. Some of her long, blonde curls fall over her shoulder. I couldn’t make out her eye color earlier, but they’re a greenish-blue, almost turquoise. “This is stupid. Let’s grab a drink at that place we went last week and then you can drive me to work.”
It doesn’t take a lot of effort on her part to stop him. She shoots me a look that tells me to get lost. I don’t want to leave her alone with this guy though.
“Go,” she mouths. I hold my ground until she adds, “I’m fine. I don’t need your help.”
Her boyfriend sneers when I eventually step back. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
With a huff, he shrugs out of her hold and heads down the sidewalk in the opposite direction with her walking quickly to keep up. I stand there and watch, feeling all sorts of conflicted about letting her leave with him.
My body tingles as my temper cools. What a fucking asshole. Who manhandles a chick like that?
As they turn the corner, she looks back and smiles, but it’s fake as hell. Her dimples don’t even pop. Then they disappear out of sight.
2
DID IT COUNT?
ASH
One month later