Further behind the bar, about six yards away, is the kids’ zone, complete with multiple bounce houses and blow-up toys. If I could just get over there before Max sees me, I could possibly avoid running into him.
The bartender sets my beer down and I reach for it, then crouch and—
“Sutton,” Max calls out as I start to make my escape.
Growling quietly, I turn around. Max’s eyes light up as he smiles, releasing those delectable dimples as he strides toward me.
My heart swells within my chest, and I find myself returning his smile even as I chastise my stupid heart for being so damn excited whenever Max is nearby.
“What a lovely surprise,” he says, that drawl out in full force today.
My eyes narrow. I’m beginning to wonder just howsurprisedhe really is, because it feels like he’s stalking me.
“Max.” I motion toward him. “Here you are again.”
“Here I am.” His grin widens and I roll my eyes, then turn my attention to the massive man walking beside him.
It’s impressive that anyone could dwarf Max Cruz, but Xavier Brown isn’t just anyone.
“You’ve met Xavier Brown, haven’t you?” Max claps the young man on the back. “One of Apex Athletics’ shining stars, and the best offensive tackle the Raiders have seen in some time.” He chuckles as he leans over to the man to whisper, “Y’all might actually have a chance at making it to the playoffs this season, huh?”
The two of them laugh and I try to keep my smile in place while Max butters up a player I wanted and didn’t get.
With Xavier Brown, the Raiders have more than achanceat seeing their name in the playoffs this year. Last year, the team hewas on won the Superbowl for the first time in decades. The man is a prodigy.
And if he’d given me a chance, Hart Strategic Management might be in better condition right now, but Xavier turned me down when I offered representation two years ago. It didn’t matter that our fathers were friends, or that his uncle was actually one of my dad’s teammates way back when.
And now I know why.
Surprising absolutely no one, Max swooped in and got what he wanted.
As he always does.
“Ms. Hart,” Xavier says, pulling my hand to his lips to plant a kiss on my knuckles. “You look well. No hard feelings, I hope?”
Beside him, Max’s eyebrows crawl upward as he realizes what that means.
Yeah, asshole. You stole him from me.Squeezing Xavier’s hand, I shake my head. “Of course not, Xavier. It’s just business.”
“Exactly. And Max knows this business better than anyone, so you can understand why I went with—”
“Okay, yeah,” Max says, stopping Xavier’s diarrhea of the mouth. Eyes twinkling with amusement, he says, “You mind giving me a moment with Ms. Hart?”
I scowl, but when Xavier looks at me, I quickly try to force my expression into something more neutral.
“Sure thing. It was nice to see you again, Ms. Hart.”
“You too, Xavier. Good luck this year!” I watch him stride back into the crowd, heat blooming along my side as Max moves closer. I shiver in response to his calculated maneuver, then quickly side step and move away from him, careful to keep the long bar between us. “You wanted to discuss something?’
“Not really,” he says, leaning onto the bar top.
I hold his gaze. “You asked Xavier to leave…”
“I did.” His grin widens. “Sorry about that, by the way.”
“About what?” I take a deep breath, then lift the beer to my lips, taking a sip while I wait for him to elaborate.
“Xavier. I’m guessing you tried to sign him?”
