On the Shore (Cottonwood Cove, #3)(72)
“If you want to bring your jersey over later, I can have him sign it for you,” she said as she waved, and he did a strange little jump and fist-pumped the sky.
“Thanks so much. I’ll be back later today.”
I laughed as we pushed inside because I was suddenly curious as fuck who was sending my girl flowers. I assumed it was Sports-X. I set the arrangement on the kitchen counter, and she plucked the card out of the flowers, and her smile dropped the slightest bit. Most people wouldn’t have noticed, but I knew this woman well. She either didn’t like who they were from, or she knew that I wouldn’t like it.
I snatched the card from her and read it.
Brinkley, there’s no one I’d rather have do me justice than you. I’ll be in town this weekend, and I’d like to see you. XO, Breen
I tossed the card onto the counter and stared at her. “Why the fuck is Breen Lockhart sending you flowers, and why does he want to see you?”
“I’m assuming the flowers are because the article went live today. It was probably just a friendly gesture. And I had no idea he was coming into town this weekend, but we’re friends, so it’s not odd to reach out.”
“Don’t be na?ve,” I hissed. “That fucker wants you, and we both know it.”
“And I can take care of myself. I shut him down the first time, and I’ll do it again this time, if necessary.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“Fuck that dude. You aren’t meeting him anywhere alone.”
She raised her brow. “Excuse me? Are you actually telling me what I can and cannot do?”
“Damn straight, I am. I don’t trust him.”
“You don’t trust him, or you don’t trust me?”
I walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water, thinking over my words before I spoke. I was a hothead, and she was stubborn. That combo could be explosive.
“I don’t trust him.”
“Neither do I. So you have nothing to worry about,” she said, her face hard and determined. “I know how to handle myself, Lincoln.”
“I’m aware. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to protect you.”
“I don’t need protecting. I’ve been surviving in this big, bad world all on my own for a very long time.”
“Are you going to meet with him?”
“I mean, he’s a friend. How can I not go say hello?” She threw her arms in the air.
“Easy. You just tell him to fuck off.”
“No, that’s what you would tell him. I’m making a name for myself in this business, and interviewing athletes is my job. I can’t have you freaking out every time I get together with someone.”
“I wouldn’t freak out about anyone else. This guy is different.”
“Why? Because he fucked your ex-girlfriend? Maybe you’re still hung up on her,” she hissed, and I moved close to her, backing her up until her ass hit the counter of the island.
“Don’t fucking twist this. I don’t give two shits about her, and you know it. I don’t like the guy; he’s bad news. I don’t want you alone with him. That’s all I’m saying.” My hand moved to her neck, and my thumb traced along her jaw.
Her gaze softened. “Fine. I’ll agree to meet him out in a group and invite my siblings, and you can even be there. But do not go all caveman barbarian on me. He doesn’t know we’re together, and he doesn’t need to. The first time I turned him down, I was single. I’ve got this handled.”
“Fine. I can live with that.”
She smiled. “Did we just work through our first disagreement? At least our first disagreement today.”
I leaned forward and kissed her. I’d let this go for now, but I had every intention of watching that bastard like a hawk.
She had no idea what a piece of shit the guy was.
“Are you going to be a baby all night?” Brinkley asked as we drove to Garrity’s, her family’s bar that Hugh and Lila also ran.
Apparently, Breen was in town with a few friends, some of them being women. Of course, my girlfriend was thrilled to tell me it was more of a couple’s trip. She loved proving me wrong, but I’d noticed the way he’d looked at her that first time he’d been in town, and that dude was not inviting her out as a friendly gesture.
“I’m not being a baby. I’m looking forward to seeing your family.” I’d been going to Sunday dinners for weeks now, and they’d all become friends of mine at this point. I played cards with all the guys last week, and they’d somehow convinced me to make our trip to Iowa for Lionel a full-blown boys’ trip.
“Remember… he’s a client, and I’ve got it handled. Don’t be storming the castle if the guy says hello to me.”
“I will let you handle it.” I shrugged.
Unless he’s inappropriate, which I know he’s capable of because I’ve heard a lot of rumblings about the dude.
But I wouldn’t go there right now.
When we arrived at the bar, everyone was already there. Maddox and his brother, Wyle, called me over to join in on a game of darts before Cage and Hugh came to join us, holding a bunch of beers. Finn was away filming final edits on his new show, and it was all everyone in town was talking about.