I turn at Logan’s voice, and everything clicks into place. Seeing the two of them standing next to each other, it’s no wonder Owen struck me as familiar. They have the same gray eyes, similar jawlines, and they’re close in height, though Logan is far more muscular than his father. Looking at Owen Byrne, I can’t help wondering if I’m looking at Logan twenty-five years in the future.
If I were the one seeing my dad after one of my games, I’d pull him into a big hug. But that’s not what Logan does. He extends his hand, jaw ticking.
“Son. Congrats on the win. You got lucky with that goal.”
My hackles rise for Logan as I watch my boyfriend’s shoulders stiffen. His jaw ticks again, jutting out stubbornly. “Right.Luck.”
“What a dick,” Mira whispers a little too loudly.
Reed nods. “No kidding.”
The rest of the guys file in around Logan, and I don’t miss the way every single one of his closest friends glares at Owen Byrne. I’m not the only one who isn’t a fan. The point is hammered home when Maddox, Bash, Ryder, and Griffin take up position at Logan’s back, rather than immediately greeting their wives and girlfriends.
“I got us reservations for dinner. We can discuss everything you could have done better then.” Despite being an inch or two shorter than Logan, Owen somehow manages to look down his nose at his son.
A flash of hurt clouds Logan’s eyes for a moment until he scans the room and finds me watching. He inhales deeply, posture loosening when I offer him an encouraging smile, and something warm expands in my chest.
It’s like watching Logan realize he can breathe freely after being held underwater, and I did that for him simply by being here.
“I’m not free tonight, Dad. I already have plans.”
Owen frowns, as if he’s entirely unaccustomed to being told no. Hell, he probably is. He sure seemed surprised when I shot him down.
“You can go out with your teammates another night. I traveled here to see you.”
Logan takes a deep, steadying breath. “Yeah, well, you never told me you were coming, so unfortunately, I’m not free. Next time, give me a heads-up, and I’ll keep my schedule clear for you.”
Owen looks at the men surrounding his son. “Surely none of you mind if I steal my son for the evening?”
“They’re not the ones I have plans with,” Logan says. His voice is steady, but I don’t miss the tension in his tone or his jaw. His turbulent gray eyes lock on mine. The question is clear.
Save me?
Igive him a subtle nod, and his smile is so bright and relieved, my chest fizzes with pride and pleasure.
I guess we’re going public.
Logan extends a hand to me, palm up, and I close the distance between us. He tugs me against his side before pressing a firm kiss to my temple. “Hey, angel,” he whispers for only my ears. Then he turns back to face his frowning father.
“I have plans with my girl and her little brother tonight, and I’m their ride. We’ll schedule another time to get dinner.”
Owen Byrne’s eyes narrow on Logan’s hand where it grips my hip. “Yourgirl? No wonder your playing was sloppy tonight. You were distracted.”
Logan’s chest rumbles. His fingers dig harder into my hip, just shy of being uncomfortable, but I don’t mind. My boyfriend needs me. Needs our connection. I don’t know everything about the relationship dynamics with his dad, but I know enough for my protective instincts to surge hot and fiery.
“I was not distracted tonight. Far from it.”
Owen shakes his head. “Women are always a distraction. You know better than this, son.” Once again, his eyes roam over my body, but this time, they’re full of disdain rather than heat. “It’s not like there’s anything special about this one.”
Logan sucks in a sharp breath, Maddox mutters a curse, and Reed takes a step toward me, his expression thunderous. They’re all about two seconds away from rising to my defense, but I’ve got this.
“You didn’t seem to think that when you tried—several times—to get me to go out with you tonight.”
Owen stiffens as Logan barks out a caustic laugh.
“He was the creep you texted me about?”
Looking up at Logan, I try desperately to keep from laughing as I shrug. Is it wise to insult your boyfriend’s dad the first time you meet them? Probably not. But I’ll be damned if I let Owen make Logan or me feel small. “Yep. I didn’t know he was your dad, obviously.”
