Page 21 of Her Player

I made my way back onto the porch, tucking myself around the corner edge of the house. And as I stared at the forest of willow trees that lined one side of the property, I dialed Jett’s number again.

“You get away from those sons of bitches?” Jett asked when he picked up.

I nodded. “We did, thanks for your help. But I need it again.”

“They still following you? Where are you guys at?”

I shook my head. “We’re fine. Coach and Bry, along with me and Victoria, are holed up at Victoria’s estate for now. Just taking it step by step. The girls are a bit overwhelmed.”

I heard his grin when he spoke. “The girls, huh?”

I rolled my eyes. “Just shut up and listen, Jets. Have you completely pissed off that Lindley girl yet?”

“The officer? Yeah, we’re still cool. You know, between an hour and a half ago when you first called, and now.”

“You’ve ruined shit quicker than that.”

He chuckled. “Very true. Yes, she and I are still fine. So fine, in fact, that she’s currently passed out in my bed.”

Jett was nothing if not a bachelor. “Can you message me Sheriff Hainley’s number? Coach is a bit out of it right now, otherwise I’d just grab it from him.”

I heard him ticking around on his phone before my phone vibrated against my cheek. “Anything else?”

“Don’t piss off half the department until we can get this situation under control.”

“Fuck her and keep her happy until the press is done devouring us. Got it, Cap.”

I snickered and shook my head as he hung up the phone. Jesus Christ, I was surprised that man’s dick hadn’t rotted off yet with the amount of pussy he slayed in Las Vegas on a given basis. And with us now packing out Caldwell Arena for our games every week, the PHL had even started running feature segments on us as the league’s breakout franchise of the season, he practically drowned in it.

Still, sometimes his hookups were useful, and I quickly dialed the sheriff’s number.

“This is Sheriff Hainley.”

I put on my best smile. “Sheriff! It’s Stone!”

“Well, hey, hey, hey!” he said, cheering up almost instantly. “To what do I owe the pleasure of the phone call?”

I sighed. “Well, not quite a pleasure this time around. I assume you know about the sticky situation we’re in right now with the press.”

His voice fell to a grumble. “Are they bothering you? Do I need to send someone?”

“Worse. The press is gathered at the Willow Estate gate. Miss C and Bry are terrified of coming outside right now. Any way you can disperse them? At least for the rest of the evening.”

I heard something creak and crack on his end before a door slammed closed. “I’m coming personally. Stay inside, and I’ll text you when I’ve got them gone. Mind if I save this number?”

“Go right on ahead, Sheriff.”

I heard him ticking around on his phone before his voice sounded. “Great. I’ll shoot you a text when I’m done. I’m headed that way now. Hey! Packard! With me! We got a crowd to disperse! And grab Lindley while you’re at it if she’s still here!”

I had to pinch my nose to keep my snicker at bay. “I really appreciate it, Sheriff.”

“Not a problem. We’re on the way now. And if you guys need escorts anywhere, use this number and give me a call. I’ll have someone over there to help in a jiff.”

“Thanks. Talk soon.”

“Talk soon. Bye now.”

After hanging up the phone with the sheriff, I took one last look down the driveway before I shook my head. I headed back inside, and I didn’t stop moving until I found Coach standing at a random window toward the back of the living room.