Wes snarls, ready to spit venom at Adam, because he doesn’t like being told what to do. He pushes his face all up in Adam’s personal space. They are not quite eye to eye, because Wes is a few inches shorter than Adam, something I’m sure pisses him off.
Scar is fuming, nostrils flaring, and she’s got a familiar manic look in her eye. She obviously overheard him threatening me too, and she won’t forget his insult on her character in a hurry either. She steps forward. “You fucking—”
Zach appears out of nowhere, clamping his hand over Scar’s mouth. “Take your piece of ass and get lost, Wes.”
Wes looks Zach up and down with obvious derision. “What the fuck happened to you McCartney? You might still dress the part, but you look like fucking shit, man.”
“Think what you like. I’ve zero shits to give, Blakely.” His sharp glare dares Wes to challenge him. “Just fuck off and leave the girls alone.”
“You heard the guy,” Adam says through gritted teeth.
Wes pins me with a menacing look, one that promises retribution. “We were just leaving.” He slings his arm around Blondie’s shoulder, keeping his gaze locked on mine, ensuring I understand there will be payback for this. A shiver works its way through me, and Adam wraps his other arm around my waist, repositioning me, so I’m encased in his protective embrace with my back to his front. I shouldn’t allow him to hold me like this, but it’s been a long time since anyone has made me feel safe in their arms, and I’m not immune.
Wes casts one final derogatory look our way before sauntering off with his girl. My entire body slumps in relief, and Adam’s hold tightens.
“What the fuck was all that about?” Zach asks. “And what the hell are you doing here?” He eyeballs Adam.
Shifting his eyes around the room, Adam’s strong jaw becomes stone. “Partying like you,” he says in a low tone, conducting another sweep of the room.
Zach regards him cautiously, unsure what to make of him.
A tall muscular blond struts up, cautiously assessing the stare down between Adam and Zach. “Hey, hoss. Everything okay?” He directs his question at Adam.
Scarlett and I exchange a wide-eyed look, realizing he’s one of the guys we were ogling from behind.
Adam nods once to his friend. “Zach and I are cool, right?” Adam is strung tight as a violin string as he drills a look at Zach.
Zach bobs his head, knowing it’s in our best interest to keep Adam’s identity secret.
The blond dude lets out a sigh. “Good, because Coach Parker would have our asses if we got into a brawl.” With the threat of a potential fight gone, he regards Scarlett with interest. “Hi, I’m Carter.” He flashes her a blinding smile, but she ignores him, because she’s too busy watching me.
It takes me a second to register the name Coach Parker, and I glance up at Adam, catching my first proper look. He’s the other guy who was standing next to the blond dude in the corner. These are the guys I’d correctly guessed are footballers.
I can usually spot them from a mile away.
Immediately, I wriggle out of his embrace, and he frowns as he lets me go.
A petite brunette sashays up with wide brown eyes only for Carter. “There you are.”
Carter drapes his arm around her, and she snuggles into his embrace. “Don’t leave without me, hoss.” He dips his chin at Adam, and salutes Scar and me, before disappearing in the direction of the bar with the brunette on his arm.
“Emily, could we go somewhere quieter to talk?” Adam asks, in a husky voice that reaches hidden parts of me.
“We can talk here.” We need to have a convo to ensure we’re both on the same page, but I’m not keen on leaving with him.
I don’t know him.
Don’t know his agenda.
And while he seems like an okay guy, and he’s on my dad’s team, I’ve learned to be on my guard when it comes to strange men.
He addressed me by my first name, so one of his football buddies must’ve recognized me and told Adam before he made his approach. Or maybe he knew who I was last night but didn’t say anything. Or he has no clue I’m the coach’s daughter, and he just wants to ensure my discretion. Whatever the reason, we need to agree to keep the details of our dealings a secret.
“It’s too open here,” he replies. “I promise you’re safe with me.”
“Says the serial killer to his next victim.” I fold my arms around my waist, thrusting my chest up in the process, noticing how his eyes automatically lower to my tits. “And ogling my tits doesn’t help your case.”
He has the decency to look ashamed. “I apologize.” He clears his throat. “But youaresafe with me. Zach has my number, and as Carter pointed out, I play for Coach Parker. Would I be so forthcoming if I meant you any harm?”
