“You don’t think we all notice? You never hanging out with the same girl twice? Hell, you’re never seen with any chick.”
I rolled my eyes and laughed. “That all you got? Lemme tell you something. I let my playing do the talking to get me in the press, not my personal life. I don’t like to talk bad about my teammates, but from what I heard, you’re damn lucky your baby mamas don’t press charges for child support.”
Scowling, he spit on the floor. “Those bitches? They think I’m a fucking ATM. I pay what I want.” His sneer disgusted me. “They trapped me with those damn brats. I never wanted them.”
Jonas, who had pictures of his daughter hung in his locker and a tattoo of her name over his heart, shook his head. “A man who don’t wanna take care of his kids ain’t no man at all.”
Zeke’s face grew red. “They know better than to make me mad.” He flexed his fists, and shock hit me like a tidal wave.
“Are you saying you’ve put your hands on them?”
Zeke shrugged with a grin. “They like it rough.”
“You pig. Keep your hands off women.” I poked him in the chest. “Haven’t you learned anything from those public service messages we do every year? Violence against women isn’t being a man. It’s being a coward. Stay out of my business and concentrate on your own life. You’re lucky your ass isn’t in jail.” Ignoring his glare, I went to take a shower.
Upon my return, I saw that most of my teammates had left, including Jonas, Marlon, and surprisingly, Zeke. I’d prepared to defend myself further and breathed a sigh of relief.
“I’ll catch you later,” Brody murmured, sitting on the bench. “I’ve gotta get in the whirlpool and get a rubdown and stretch. I’m gonna go to the hotel and relax.”
I wished I could go with him. “I’ve got all that, plus my shoulder stuff. The doctors checked me out and said I’m fine. No long-lasting effects.”
Big blue eyes traveled over my body, returning to linger on my face. “I’ll see you when I see you.” Brody hefted his duffel and walked away.
I followed his retreat, longing for him. Much as I loved playing the game, I missed the off-season and our time together.
**
Two hours later I left the stadium and headed back to the hotel. I texted Brody.
Where are you? I’m starving.
He messaged me immediately.
We’re all by the pool, having chicken. Zeke’s running his mouth.
My answer was short and succinct.
Fuck him.
The car pulled up and dropped me off. First, I stopped by my room to drop my bag off and change, and I made my way to the outdoor area. A big crowd had gathered, and I ducked in, hoping to slide by, but no luck.
“It’s Devil Summers. Look.”
“Can I have your autograph?”
“Can we have a picture?”
“Were you hurt? Is that why you were taken out of the game?”
A hand groped my ass, and I whirled to face a blond in a tiny bikini, who gave me a brazen once-over. “You were amazing out there. You’re my favorite player.”
My smile was thin. I had little use for people who thought it was appropriate to touch others without permission. “Thanks. But we’re just hanging out together as a team tonight. No visitors.”
“Is that why my friends are there?” She pointed a long, pink-tipped fingernail, then surprised me by wrapping her slim arms around my neck and pressing her lips to mine. “Mmm, come on, show me some of those Devil moves.”
Her sinuous body rubbed up on mine, and I could see the cameras taking pictures and videos. What I wanted was to pick her up and drop her in the pool, but instead, I undid her clinging hands and tried to keep the anger from my voice.
“I’m sorry, but we’re not allowed during the season. Coach’s rules.” I could barely speak through my tightly clenched jaw and pulled her over to a quieter place.
