“Let’s get to work, hotshot.” I’m ready. If this bastard is here, I’m going to find him.
Chapter 22
COLE
I rest my hand gently on her lower back, sticking close as we move into the crowd and the rapidly flashing cameras. There’s a cut-out in the back of Ryder’s dress, and I’m careful not to make contact with her bare skin as we wait our turn.
She was a different woman when she stepped into the kitchen this evening. She stood nervously before me in a black dress that took my breath away. I’d always heard that expression and thought it was ridiculous, but evidently, I was naive. It’s short, tight, and shows off her body in a way that makes her squirm.
I watched her in the car, fiddling with the material as if stretching it would cover more of her up. Keeping my eyes on the road instead of her toned, bare thighs took the kind of willpower I didn’t know I possessed. It was a torture no man should have to face, but I did. I would never do anything that would make her more uncomfortable than she already is.
The confident, no-nonsense woman I’m beginning to know has been hurt. Badly. I’d suspected it, but admitting she doesn’t like to be touched was proof.
We wait in line, and she twists into me. The strong, capable, kick-ass woman has returned. Her shoulders are back, her gaze is roaming, and she’s on high alert.
“Tell me everything. Who these people are, how they know you, and what you know about them.”
“It’s like playing spy for the evening,” I whisper.
Her head falls to the side an inch. “Matthews, you’d be a terrible spy. . .or singer.”
When it’s our turn in front of the cameras, I slip my hand around her waist, careful to keep the pressure light. Surprisingly, she turns into me, her arm draping around my back as if it’s the most natural thing. Instead of looking at the camera, her face tips up to mine.
“Although you could be a dancer. Who knew the superstar quarterback could move?”
She bites her lip, hiding a smirk, but there’s a beautiful smile behind it. She doesn’t let it appear with just anyone. It has to be earned.
Something about having her arm around me, her body barely pressing into mine, and giving me shit in return, makes me pull her a little closer. The good news is, she lets me.
We do that several times more, and I talk to her through the whole thing, telling her who I know and what I know about them, hoping to make it tolerable. When we make it through the sea of lenses and into the open, the party is alive.
The lights are dim, music is playing in the background, and people are scattered everywhere. Massive banners and vendors line the perimeter, while people linger with cocktails and champagne.
She bumps my arm with her elbow. “Give me a second.”
We don’t get a second.
“Cole.” An editor forSportsEliteapproaches, extending her hand.
“Hi, Megan.” I shake her hand, giving Ryder time.
“We’re so excited to have you this evening.” Megan’s attention shifts to Ryder, searching for recognition.
She steps closer, and Ryder slides between us, creating a clear boundary, her hands slipping in front of her, poised and ready.
Megan continues, unfazed. “The spread and interview you did last year is still one of our top-selling issues. We’ve contacted your agent in hopes of snagging another next year. A recap after a couple of seasons in the NFL.”
“I let him do all of the negotiating.” I glance down at Ryder, and she’s still shifting through the crowded area, her shoulder blades bumping my chest.
Megan smiles. “We have some amazing photos and interviews with your dad. We’re thinking a spread featuring the two of you. Father and son. Two generations of greatness.”
I try really hard not to, but I tense at the word “father.” It’s still a knife straight through my heart. He was my dad, my hero, and the best man I’ll ever know. I will never stop missing him.
“Hey, look, there’s. . . ” Ryder tips her head to the right, tugging on my wrist. I have no idea what she’s doing, but she said to follow her and not to ask questions.
Megan glances in that direction, but I stop her. “Thanks, Megan. My agent will be in touch.”
She nods, smiling as Ryder ushers me away. We weave through people until we’re out of Megan’s sight, and stop against the wall.
