I haven’t taken my attention off her. I’ve tracked her every move like an obsessed stalker and maybe I am. God, I feel like a creep, but I can’t help it.
I could handle Isaiah dancing with her because I knew he was fucking with me. In fact, I could handle most of the team dancing with her, even though I watched with unblinking attention, making sure not a single one of their hands dropped too low. It’s even come to my attention that Travis was playing me, and there’s a large part of me that’s brimming with the desire to fuck them all up for it.
But instead, I’ll go home and take care of my responsibilities.
I pat my brother on the back as our right fielder takes a turn with Miller on the dance floor. “I’m taking off. Keep an eye on her for me and make sure she makes it back to the hotel, okay?”
“What?” Isaiah turns around in his seat, giving me his full attention. “Don’t leave, man.”
“I’ve been pounding beers to keep me from saying or doing something I’ll regret, so I think it’s time I go.”
“Fuck, Kai. We were kidding. We just wanted you to be selfish for a second and go get the girl.”
Palm to cheek, I tap my hand against him. “Love you. Don’t do anything stupid tonight. Let me know when you make it home safe.”
I connect my fist with a few of my other teammates at the table, saying goodbye, but as I turn to leave I give the dance floor one more glance, only to see Dean Cartwright take Miller into his arms.
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.
Jaw ticking, my blood heats. I can feel it flowing through every vein, rushing towards my fists. I’ve controlled myself since becoming a parent, but I’m pretty sure I’m about to publicly lose my shit over Max’s nanny.
Dean is smiling like the pompous ass he is, and I can’t read Miller’s expression or body language. They’re talking a lot though and I don’t like it.
“Malakai,” my brother warns, dragging out my full name.
“He better get his fucking hands off her.”
Isaiah steps in front of me. “Don’t.”
I keep my eyes on the two of them as I move towards the dance floor. “I’m just gonna go have a word.”
“Kai, if you fuck up your hand, Monty will literally murder me.”
“I’m not going to hit him.”
Dean’s hand that was on her back drops dangerously lower.
Okay, I lied. There’s a chance I’m going to jail tonight.
It continues south, resting just above Miller’s ass that looks unbelievable in those tight jeans.
I don’t see anything around me other than red, but somehow I keep my steps at a casual speed, even though there’s nothing casual about the pure rage thrumming through my body.
“Get your fucking hands off her,” I say, pushing his chest to break the contact he has on her.
He only wears an arrogant smile as he rights himself. “Kai Rhodes. Shocked to see you out tonight. Shouldn’t you be at home with your son? Wouldn’t want another absentee father now, would we?”
“What the fuck did you just say?” I step into him, but I feel the tug Miller has on my shirt.
Dean has been a nuisance since we were kids. He’s known us long enough that I understand he’s referring to my own father.
“Or let me guess. You’re out here looking for a new mommy for your son.”
This time it’s Miller making a move, but I hold out a single arm to keep her behind me.
“Oh.” Dean lights up, looking from me back to Miller. “Is this Max’s new mommy? C’mon, Ace, she’s far too young to force into that kind of life with you. You’re better than that.”
“Kai.” I hear my brother’s warning voice somewhere behind me, but mostly my ears are pounding with seething anger.
If he talked about me, that’d be one thing. But Max? Not a fucking chance.
I step into him, tauntingly knocking the side of his jaw with my knuckles. “You need another one? Maybe one on the left side to match the teeth I knocked out on the right?”
“Kai,” my brother warns again, but it does nothing to pull my attention away.
“Wow, that was so much easier than I expected.” Dean laughs like the arrogant little prick that he is. “Does your coach know you’re foaming at the mouth over his daughter?”
I shake my head. “Fuck you. It’s not like that. She’s just the nanny.”
I fucking hate the words as soon as they’re out of my mouth.