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People still danced, unaware of their conversation. She did see that Jack, Kate, Paul and Hannah watched them close. They were all back at their table now, sipping drinks and munching nachos.
“Well, I’m only in town for a night. I flew in to see you then I have to get back.” He stuck a thumb out over his shoulder towards the door.
Drew’s thumb rubbed against her wrist. A sign that he was still there. Had her back. Literally. But Erik was harmless. If he needed to talk to her, then they’d talk and he’d be on his way.
“Okay.” She turned in Drew’s arms and looked up at him. “It’s okay. I’ll just be a few minutes.”
His eyes searched hers to see if she was truly fine with things. She smiled and placed a hand on his cheek. With a nod of understanding, he kissed the inside of her hand and then turned to join the others at the table. Not before a parting, “Nice to meet you,” to Erik and a look between the two men that was not lost on Baylee. Drew would have an eye on her. A comforting thought, even though Erik was harmless. Arrogant and self-centered, but harmless.
*
Drew made hisway back to the others. Kate eyed him as he took the seat beside her again but he didn’t speak. He didn’t trust himself. Aware of all eyes on him, his never left Baylee. She and Erik were sitting at a small table just off the dance floor. People moved back and forth in his sight line, but he watched Baylee like a hawk. Every movement, every gesture, trying to read her. If she even blinked in a way that made him think she needed him, he would move.
“Who’s the guy?” Drew heard Jack’s question but didn’t take his eyes off Baylee.
“That’s Baylee’s ex-husband, Erik,” Kate answered.
“I wonder why he’s here?” Hannah asked.
“Maybe he wants to just visit. See Casey.” Jack offered.
“I doubt it.” They all looked at Kate, even Drew. Although he kept one eye in Baylee’s direction.
“Why’s that?” Paul asked.
Kate looked as if she regretted saying anything. “Nothing, really. He just didn’t fight Baylee for custody and hasn’t paid much attention to Casey since. He’ll call every once in a while, but Casey isn’t much for talking on the phone.”
Hell, Drew had only known the kid a few weeks and he knew that. Anyone who had spent any time with Casey would know he liked his food separate on his plate at each meal, nothing touching. He talked in statistics and facts. He could draw like a professional and loved his mother fiercely. Casey didn’t have to say a ton of words for anyone to see that, it simply took watching the kid with his mother. Something Casey’s father apparently had never thought to do.
Drew took a slow, deep breath through his nose and let it out his mouth. One minute Baylee had been giggling, tickled by Drew kissing her neck, the next, she tensed in his arms so fiercely he’d held her tight, every instinct in him to protect her, even though he had no clue from what.
“Relax, Drew.” Kate placed a hand on his arm. “She’s okay. Erik’s not the greatest guy, but he would never hurt her. Or Casey.”
Maybe not physically, but Drew knew enough to see that Erik had hurt her emotionally and that was a problem. He watched as they talked. Baylee had relaxed a little, but he could sense she wasn’t happy and he hated that. All he wanted in the world was for her and Casey to be happy.
The others kept talking, trying to steer the conversation away from Baylee, keep him distracted. But his attention never wavered from her. His sister said not to worry. Every fiber in his being said otherwise. Baylee looked his way and smiled, but her eyes were dim. She was putting up a brave front. Why? What the hell did this guy want?
*
“So. I sawyour picture on twitter with this guy. When you aim, you aim high, Lee.” Erik used his nickname for her. One she used to feel indifferent about, but now it just grinded like nails on a chalkboard.
“Is that why you’re here?”
He sat back in his chair, his legs stretched out in front of him. Acted as if he didn’t have a care in the world. But Baylee learned long ago how to read him. Something was up. Of course something was up. He was in Silver Bay. A fact she still was struggling to wrap her head around.
“Not exactly, no.” He turned to look in Drew’s direction then back to her.
Without even looking, she knew Drew had eyes on them. She could sense it. He’d be there in a flash if she needed him. She turned as well, gave him a smile. He didn’t return it. Just leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as if wanting to be closer to her. She gave a slight nod and turned her attention back to Erik, hoping Drew would get the message that she was fine.
“Although I can’t say I blame you. I couldn’t make it in professional sports. Why not move on to someone who has?”
Baylee pushed down the desire to roll her eyes. “Erik, stop.” Did he honestly believe she went looking for a professional athlete to have in her life?
She moved to Silver Bay for a simple existence, not a flashy one. And yet, she was willing to give her heart to Drew. She looked at Erik. The two men were alike in some ways, but so different in others. Different in the ways that mattered.
“I get it. I do. He’s a major league pitcher. Can’t do much better than that, Lee. Although I hear he’s out and may not come back. That would be a bummer. Looks like you’re rolling with another injured has-been.”
Baylee bit her tongue to keep from saying what immediately came to mind. Drew was far from a has-been. She knew that and so did Erik. He was just trying to get her worked up. Defensive. It was his MO when they were married. Something she recognized and fought hard not to engage him in.
