Chapter 42
Alex
I’m sittingat my locker after practice, sorting through the gear I need to take home and clearing out some of the clutter before we hit the road this weekend when I hear someone clear their throat behind me. I turn around and tense when I see it’s Daniels.
I’d had multiple meetings with coaches, management, and our agents when this thing first blew up before the season started. They’d settled things on paper after my PR team made it clear I’d only been defending my girlfriend. Drew and Sam had told me to keep appearances up with Harper and management had basically told the two of us to steer clear of each other as often as possible. Keep our tempers in check if we didn’t want to get benched.
We’d been successful so far in staying out of each other’s way so him standing here now has me on edge.
“Can we talk?” he asks, a reluctant but determined tone to his voice.
“Better keep it short,” I answer tersely, standing in case he decides he wants to talk with his fists.
His jaw clenches and he takes a breath, looking at the ground for a moment before he speaks.
“I want a place here. With this team. As long as you and I have tension, that’s never gonna happen. So I want to settle this without all the suits around.”
“How do you propose we do that?”
“I didn’t realize she was your girl. If I had, I would’ve never touched her.”
“You won’t win points around here touching any woman that doesn’t want to be touched. I don’t know what they did in L.A., but here that will get your ass beat every time—and you’re putting your life at risk if ends up being a wife or a girlfriend.”
“I get reckless sometimes when I’ve had too much to drink. I’m working on it.”
“Better work fast.”
His eyes meet mine and a little curl of his lip starts and then fades, like he’s thought better of whatever he was about to say.
“I don’t expect us to be friends. But I’m sorry for my part in that night.”
“You owe her an apology, not me.”
“Since I doubt you’d let me within ten feet of her, how do you figure that’ll happen?”
“I’m willing to pass on a note.”
His brow furrows, but he nods. “I’ll do it.”
“I don’t need trouble. I want to see this team win. That only happens if we work as a unit. I’m not going to apologize for defending her, by any means necessary, but I’ll admit I could have tried to keep a cooler head. You apologize to her—sincerely—and you keep your shit straight, I don’t see any reason for us to have animosity.”
“Deal.” He nods.
“Good. Let’s focus on the game this weekend then, all right?”
Another brief nod and he heads down the hall. I don’t have a ton of faith that I’ll ever see the apology note from him, but I’m willing to give him the chance to put this to rest if he is. I wanted to put this whole thing behind me. I had her now and between that and a Super Bowl run, I didn’t have room for any off-field drama so I’m only too happy to put him, Danica, and any other problems behind me.
* * *
Later that weekwe’re on the road and I’m with the guys at a burger place Saturday night before the game getting food.
“I just hate being away the first weekend she’s moved in. Wish I was there to enjoy it.”
“Well if you don’t fuck it up, maybe it’ll be permanent,” Colt offers.
“I’m not gonna fuck it up.” I take a bite of my burger.
“Assuming Danica doesn’t fuck it up for him.” Tobias smirks.
“What? Danica? I didn’t think you were talking to her anymore?” Ben asks.
“I’m not. She just stopped by my place after she saw me at the gala and was wanting what she always wants. It rattled Harper a little bit,” I admit.
“That woman would rattle anyone,” Ben mutters.
“I mean I know she’s no one’s favorite but…”
“The crazy was worth it for the sex?” Tobias offers helpfully.
“At the time. Not in retrospect. Especially if she’s gonna keep haunting the place and setting Harper off.”
“Yeah, well those are the consequences,” Colt adds.
“Thanks, Priest. I’ll keep it in mind.”
“I’m not a fucking priest. Just because I don’t stick my dick in every single warm body that comes my way.” Colt flicks me a look.
“Yeah. He’s not a priest, just a snob. Get it right,” Tobias pipes in and Colt turns his ire on him.
“So are you and Harper together then?” Waylon looks at me carefully.
“I mean we’ve been together. Just now we’re trying a little harder, I guess. She’s skittish after everything Drew put her through.”
“And your reputation.” Tobias smirks.
“Westfield. You’ll be in the hot seat some fucking day, and I’m going to mock you for it relentlessly, you know?”
“I’m just kidding. I’m happy for you, truly. If I had my own version of Harper, I’m sure I’d be acting the same way. I just don’t think that woman exists.”
“Probably not one who would want to put up with your shit,” Ben mutters.
“If East can do it…” Waylon hedges.
“Tobias has been twice as bad for twice as long,” Ben argues.
“Hey. I resent that.” Tobias pretends to be offended.
“Yes, well, we all know she’d have to be a force of nature and most of those women are wise enough to steer clear of guys like us. But you never know. If Harper’s willing to bet on me…” I tilt my head.
“I’m not in any fucking hurry.” Tobias levels me with a look.
“I wasn’t either.”
“How’s your agent dealing with the news?” Colt asks.
“Haven’t told him.”
“He doesn’t know you’re a real thing?” Ben looks at me with concern.
“He was in on the whole thing from the start, and I warned him I was going to pursue her. I just haven’t told him specifics. But he walked in right after, the other day. He saw her looking well fucked and happier than she’s been in a long time. I’m fairly certain from his attitude he put two and two together.”
“But you haven’t told him?” Colt raises a brow.
“No I haven’t discussed it in detail. How the fuck am I supposed to do that? Oh hey, thanks for the work you’ve been doing on that contract for me. By the way, turns out your ex-wife loves my cock. She’s not sure about the whole relationship thing yet, I’m working on that, but she’s all in on the benefits.”
“I’ve mentioned that I’m keeping any woman I have any interest in far away from you, right?” Tobias smirks.
“I saw her fucking first. I kissed her first. She wanted me. Don’t act like I’m being a dick here.”
“Fair, and he cheated on her, repeatedly,” Ben adds helpfully.
“It’s fucked.” I shake my head. Every time I think about him treating her that way pissing me off again.
“I’d still figure out a way to talk to him,” Colt warns. “Before it blows up in your face—and it will. I don’t know him well, but enough to know he has his own ego issues. You want to get ahead of that.”
“I’ll work on it when I get back,” I relent.
“Good. The last thing you need is more off-field drama.” Colt eyes me closely, ever the would-be father figure despite the fact he’s several years younger than me.
“Sure thing, Priest. The first thing you need is more off-field pussy so you’re less worried about the rest of us. You gonna work on that?”
“When I get back,” he mutters.
“Good,” I respond, a few of the guys snickering before his eyes fall on them and they pretend like they were just eating their fries the whole time.