Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Brodie
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I’ve been around beautiful women my entire career. I’ve fucked them, had them use me, and used them, too. I’ve fallen in love with them, and was loved back more than once, but I’ve never felt prouder than I do when I take Reese’s hand and help her out of the car. It’s not because she looks absolutely stunning—although, she does—it’s just her. Her brain, her ability to make me laugh, and how fucking happy I am just being in her presence. As soon as she’s got both feet on the pavement, and before we even reach the red carpet leading into the hotel, cameras begin going off, startling her. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I smile and wave when my name is called, but I don’t stop to talk to the press.
“I think you forgot to tell me about the camera thing,” she whispers, leaning into me when we get inside. I look down at her.
“Sorry. I should have thought about it. I’m just so used to it.”
“It’s okay, I was just caught off guard.” She takes her eyes off mine and looks around, then her eyes widen. “Is that the famous basketball player who is in all those Papa John’s pizza commercials?”
“Probably.” I don’t bother taking my eyes off her to look over and confirm. “There are lots of players from all different sports here tonight.” She looks up at me. “This event helps raise money for youth sports in big cities that don’t get the funding they need for gear and travel expenses.”
“That’s cool.”
“Do you want to walk around and see what’s up for auction?”
“Sure.” She takes my hand, and the two of us walk into the ballroom, where tables are lined up with different items up for grabs, from sports memorabilia to an entire island available for a week, including a chef and staff. As she looks at a pair of earrings, I turn my head when I feel eyes on us, and frown at the guy standing a few feet away staring at Reese in a familiar way that sets my teeth on edge. He’s tall with broad shoulders and looks familiar, but I can’t place him. Resting my hand on Ree’s lower back, I watch his eyes travel from my hand up to my arm. When his gaze meets mine, he looks shocked. What the fuck is that about?
“Ree.”
“Yeah?” She tips her head back, and I bend my neck to whisper in her ear.
“Do you know that guy?”
She pulls back to look me in the eye, then, with her brows together, glances around. I feel her muscles under my palm bunch when her eyes land on the guy still staring.
“Shit,” she whispers, turning toward me and bumping into my chest.
“Shit, what?” I ask as she steps around me, grabs my hand, and starts dragging me away in the opposite direction of the guy.
“That’s my best friend, Kirk. Or he was my best friend.”
I frown, and she glances up at me, rolling her eyes.
“My ex-boyfriend?”
“The one that fucked your sister?” I stop allowing her to pull me along, and she comes to a halt with me.
“She’s not my sister. She’s my mom’s fiancé’s daughter. But…yes.”
“Why the fuck is he here?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him. But he did just sign with one of the NFL teams here in New York, so he might be here for the same reason you are.”
I blink at her. “He plays for the NFL?” I glance over my shoulder at him. Shit, now I know why he looks familiar. Kirk Finer is not just a football player; he’s one of the NFL’s top draft picks this year. And he used to date my girl.
“Does it matter that he plays for the NFL?” No, but also…fuck yeah. I’d thought her ex would… Well, honestly, I assumed he would look like one of the dudes who used to get straight As in science class back in college. I didn’t know he was Kirk Finer. I look over her head and see him walking our way. “He’s coming over here.”
“Great.” She groans, and I almost laugh.
“It’s fine, just play it cool.”
“Uh, Reese?” he says, his tone unsure as he stops a foot from us.
Her shoulders fall, and her forehead drops to my chest. Then, after a deep breath, she tips her head back and glares at me like this is my fault before spinning around.
“Kirk.” There is no warmth in the greeting.
“I thought that was you. Then I wasn’t sure because...” He glances up at me quickly before refocusing on her. “Wow, you look amazing.” He lets his eyes wander over her and her dress, and I want to punch him in his fucking face so fucking bad. Instead, I wrap my arm around her and tuck her snugly against my side.
“You are?” I ask, playing stupid. He pulls his eyes off her to meet my gaze.
“Kirk Finer. And you’re Brodie Larsen. I used to watch you when you played for Tennessee.”
“How do you know my girlfriend?” I ask, again playing stupid but also wanting him to know she’s mine. And yes, she is mine, and I don’t give a fuck that we’ve only shared one kiss or haven’t talked about where this is going. I’m claiming her. We’ll figure out the rest with time.
“We were…”
“What we were doesn’t matter.” She cuts him off, and hurt fills his eyes as he looks at her.
“I’ve tried to call and text.”
“Sorry, I’ve been busy.”
“Kirk.” A blonde in a tight red dress walks up to join us, and I feel Ree’s spine stiffen as the female who looks like every sorority girl I’ve ever known slides her arm through Kirk’s. “I’ve been looking for you.” She smiles up at him and then looks at us, her plastic smile firmly in place before her gaze lands on Ree.
“Reese?” Her smile slides away, and her eyes widen.
Shit, this must be the stepsister.
“I…” Kirk glances at whatever her name is and then looks at Reese, remorse slashing through his features. “Can we talk?” He glances at me quickly, while Ree’s nails dig into my side through my tux. “Alone? Just for a few minutes.”
“Sorry,” I cut in before Ree can respond, then look down at her. “We need to go find our table, baby.”
“Of course.” She leans her weight into me and then looks at Kirk. “Have a good night, Kirk.” Then she dips her chin toward the woman on his arm. “Melissa.” Turning her away from the two of them, I start walking her through the room, then lean down and whisper, “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t expecting to see him, and I really wasn’t expecting to see her , so I just…” She glances up at me. “I don’t know what I feel right now besides blindsided.”
“That’s understandable.” I squeeze her hip, and she returns the gesture by squeezing my waist.
“Thank you for rescuing me again.”
“I didn’t rescue you.”
“You did by not giving him the opportunity to talk to me alone.”
“That wasn’t me rescuing you, Ree. That was me being selfish and territorial,” I mutter honestly, stopping at the board where the table assignments are laid out.
“Well, still. Thank you.” She presses her body into mine. “Where are we sitting? And please don’t tell me we’re sitting with them.”
“You’re safe.” I point at the list of people at the table with us. “Do you want a drink before we go over?”
“Yes. Tequila. I’ve never had it, but I’ve heard it’s the go-to drink when you want to wake up the next day with no memory of the night before.”
“How about a glass of wine since I’d like you to remember tonight?” I laugh and lean down, touching my mouth to hers without thinking. She kisses me back with ease.