Having played against Barbara’s conceited daughter in college, Marlie knew that rotten apple fell from the same cursed tree. She shook hands with the team and coach, saving Barbara for last.
“Reynolds.”
“Barb.”
The older woman glared as they shook hands.
Marlie sneered back and quickly took her hand away. Then, to be a good example to her players, she ignored the jeering crowd and herded the girls back to their parents, making sure everyone left safely. No one could accuse the Riverdown players of making trouble.
Unfortunately, that left her in the back hallway near the locker rooms, alone, after the last girl left.
“Well, well. If it isn’t the cheating coach of the Riverdown bitches.”
She knew that voice. Smothering a groan, she turned and flashed a bright smile at every coach’s worst nightmare. An abusive parent who thought high school sports the end-all to everything.
She’d met the douche last year, when she’d coached her girls to a victory over his older daughter, a junior still playing JV ball.
“Gee, Mr. Dorson. How have you been? It’s like I’ve been hearing that same tune you’re singing ever since we beat you last year. And the year before that. Oh, and just tonight. Merry Christmas!”
Marlie watched the dickhead with caution. He had a few inches and several pounds on her, a big guy with a belly, large fists, and little brain power to figure out issues like fair play and kindness. It was no surprise to see his daughter was one of the dirtiest players on the court.
“Marlie Reynolds. I know you think you’re better than the rest of us.”
“I don’t think that.”
“Yeah?”
She snorted. “I know that.” His face turned beet-red as she added, “We don’t cheat to win. We’re good players. If you guys would focus more on fundamentals and less on fancy moves that go nowhere, in addition to some much-needed defense, you might have done better tonight.”
Over his shoulder, she saw the guy’s two brothers waiting, glaring holes into her. Throwbacks to The Hills Have Eyes mutants, she thought with distant humor. Hmm. Maybe she and Damon should watch that movie next.
She couldn’t lie and say Dorson didn’t make her nervous, but more than that, he infuriated her with the way he ruined the game. If he put a hand on her, she’d make him eat his camouflaged hat.
Then she noticed Damon standing behind his family, fury building in his icy gaze. Uh-oh.
“I got this,” she warned.
Dorson took a few steps toward her. His brothers did as well.
Then Damon moved.
He pushed himself between the inbred twins behind Dorson, who stared at him in shock. A six-and-a-half-foot giant aimed for their brother, yet they didn’t warn him at all.
“Marlie, step back,” Damon warned.
Dorson turned around and found himself staring up into Damon’s flat expression.
“You got a problem with my girlfriend?” he growled. “Because I’m happy to fix that for you, fuckhead. Let’s step outside. Bring the stupid twins with you.”
“Damon…” Okay, honestly, he was totally turning her on. For all that he claimed to be a tough guy, she had the sneaking suspicions he was acting like a bad boy to make her happy. For the most part, Damon was a sweetheart.
And damn it all, she loved that about him.
But this… This mean, angry, rough guy ready to throw down was the real deal.
Dorson didn’t look so certain anymore. “Now hold on, fella, you?—”
“You hold on.” Damon’s voice didn’t rise, and he didn’t move. He just stood there staring into Dorson’s beady eyes. “You threaten a woman who did no more than coach a bunch of teenage girls to play fairly against your team. You lost. Suck it up. But no, you need to come out here with your backup dancers and act all tough.” Damon looked him over and snorted. “Come on then. Act tough. Let’s go trade punches outside.”
