* * *
Ida Jane
Hangingout with the other women dating Wildcatters players made a nervous sweat bloom over my skin. Keelie had called to ask me to dinner soon after Maxim’s call, and while there, we’d hit it off. I’d stayed with her at Cormac’s home that night, sleeping better than I had since the night of my birthday. So, when she asked me to watch the game the next night with some of the Wildcatter wives, I couldn’t say no.
I didn’t want to say no. Spending time with these women was infinitely better than returning to Millie’s condo or Maxim’s large house. Even if I did have a security guard trailing my every move during the day, I’d never felt so alone.
“I’m not sure how you talked me into this,” I said when Keelie picked me up from work the next evening. We drove to Naomi’s, the goalie’s wife, where we planned to watch the game. The security guard Maxim had hired drove in the car behind us. He was big, with cool, assessing eyes, and very polite. He made me nervous, too.
“Well, I’m new, too, so I figured we’d be freaked out together,” Keelie said. “Plus, you’re my roomie now.”
“Just until Cormac returns,” I said. “Then I’ll head back to my place.”
No, I wouldn’t. I’d never feel safe there again. Plus, the subletter moved in at the beginning of the month. Worry burbled through my gut and I had to swallow it down.
“Okay, so that’s on Thursday. You have a little time, and I’ll be glad for the company. So, what’s going on with you and Maxim?” she asked.
I scooched down in my seat with a sigh. “I’m just Maxim’s feel-good project.”
“That isn’t true. Maxim told Cormac he likes you. I heard him on the phone.” Keelie chewed her lip. “I’m nervous. Naomi’s fun, but she’s loud and asks a lot of questions…”
I perked up. “I have an enormous family with tons of nosy women. Those I know how to handle. Consider me your wing woman.”
“That would be amazing. I think Naomi and I could be great friends once I figure out how to handle her.”
I giggled, but it turned into a groan. “Don’t make me laugh. The bruises hurt.”
“Sorry.”
Naomi stood with the wood-and-mullion glass door open and waved with her right hand, a margarita in her left. She wore glitzy sandals and a romper that flowed over her figure.
“This is going to be crazy,” Keelie said, glancing back to the driveway.
My bodyguard opened my car door and stood nearby. “You need anything else, Ms. Barlow?”
“We’re good.”
He nodded. “Well, as soon as you’re inside, that’s a wrap for me. Someone will be at your office to walk you up tomorrow.”
I nodded, but I planned to talk to Maxim about the security—it was too much.
“Yay, you’re here!” Naomi beamed. “Nicole brought a margarita machine, so that’s going to mean loose lips and a hangover tomorrow.” Naomi’s grin faded as she caught sight of my battered face.
“Who the hell did this to you?” she demanded.
“My ex—”
“Did Maxim beat the shit out of him?” Naomi remained stiff, her expression furious.
I shook my head. “No, the rat bastard ran away cuz he’s a cowardly sack of horseshit. No offense to horses. But now I have security—courtesy of Maxim.”
Naomi sniffed, her disdain clear in every line of her expression and body. “Horsesshouldbe offended. When the police find the man, I want a turn.” She curled her lip, anger vibrating off her. “My boyfriend in college hit me. If Mimi hadn’t come home in time…” She guzzled her margarita.
“I’m sorry that happened to you,” I said, touching Naomi’s shoulder.
We shared a long look, cementing a bond that only women who’d gone through such trauma understood. Naomi’s eyes shuttered for a moment as if she were packing away her terrible memories, then she brightened.
“Sorry, that was a lot for the welcome committee. Come on in. Hey, girls! Keelie’s here with Maxim’s CAT.” Naomi winked. “Mimi, be sure to lay off on the questions. Ida Jane’s face got stomped.”
