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Why that thought pisses me off, I don’t know.
Or maybe I do.
When he pulls her in for a hug, a red haze clouds my vision and I cut a direct path to her. It doesn’t take long to reach the small circle of people and push my way to the center. My gaze flickers from Juliette and this asshole to her father. I force a smile and thrust out my hand, shaking Brody’s before hugging Natalie.
Over the years, these people have become like second parents to me. I spent my childhood at their house, hanging on Brody’s every word, staring at his jerseys that line the walls and all the memorabilia on display in his study and in the basement.
To have such unrestricted access to a sports legend as a kid was the stuff dreams were made of. He took an interest in me at a young age and helped nurture and develop my talent. This man is a big reason I’ve achieved as much as I have. He’s been such a solid presence in my life. Especially now that he’s taken me on as a client and is guiding my career.
Well, potential career.
My gaze resettles on Juliette, and I try to strike a low-key chord, not giving away too much. “Hey.”
The way she tucks an errant lock of hair behind her ear has even more need gathering inside me. “Hi.”
“Long time no see.”
Her eyes widen. “Um, yeah. Thursday. The game.”
I smirk.
Sure, we’ll just go with that.
The guy at her side gives me a chin lift in greeting.
Juliette clears her throat as if only now remembering him. It’s enough to assuage my pride. “Sawyer, this is Ryder. You’ve met before.”
Sawyer.
Right.
Now that my memory has been jogged, I recall meeting him several times over the years when the McKinnons would host holiday or birthday parties. His parents are family friends or something like that.
“Good to see you, man,” he says, sizing me up as he keeps an arm slung loosely around Juliette’s shoulders as if trying to stake a claim.
I don’t like it.
Not one damn bit.
“You, too. Been a couple years. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
He grins good naturedly before shrugging. “I’ll take that as a compliment. I graduated two years ago and am working at an investment firm. All that sitting around at a desk ten hours a day wasn’t doing me any favors, so I changed up my eating habits and started lifting.” He pats his toned belly. “Now, I’m in the best shape of my life.”
“You look good,” I say grudgingly, because it’s true.
“Thanks.” He glances at Juliette. “I’m trying to convince Jules that we should go out.” He gives her a little wink. “For old times’ sake.”
Jules?
Who the fuck does this guy think he is?
Is he really trying to swoop in and steal my girl?
I almost wince.
This situation is so much worse than I thought.
I lift my brows and flick a steely look at her. “Is that right?”
