AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We made our way outside to the car that Drew had waiting for us. My agent led the way, and I had Brinkley move in front of me, my hand on her lower back once I saw the guys with cameras lined up right outside the door. It meant that someone at the hotel had most likely made a call and tipped them off. It was shocking what people would do for money these days.
Sell a person out without so much as a thought.
“Lincoln, are you in town to meet with Coach Balboa?” one of them shouted, and I put my head down, urging her forward.
“No comment,” I said.
“Jaqueline Barrett said you two are back together. Is she helping you decide where you’re going to play?”
“No comment,” I said again.
“Jaqueline alluded that the two of you might be moving in together.” This time, the dude shoved his camera right in my face, nearly hitting me in the forehead.
Before I could do anything, Brinkley turned and stepped in front of me.
“Back the fuck off. He said no comment,” Brinkley hissed, her teeth grinding together.
Drew chuckled, and I stared with disbelief as the driver of our SUV opened the back door for us to slip inside.
“And who do we have here?” The man aimed his camera directly at her as I blocked his view and hurried her inside the car.
“Your worst fucking nightmare,” I said with a wink. “She’s the only one I’m giving my story to. Don’t waste your time hounding me anymore. You won’t get a goddamn thing out of me.”
I slipped into the car and pulled the door closed.
“Look at you, girl,” Drew said as he turned around to look at us from the front seat.
Brinkley buckled herself in as Drew told the driver where to go.
“That was rude,” she said. “He nearly hit you in the face with the camera.”
“You didn’t need to do that.” I glanced over at her, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I liked it.
Liked seeing that side of her.
“I guess you’re right. There are a lot of bloodsuckers out there.” She shook her head, and I chuckled.
My hand grazed hers between the seat, and I didn’t pull it away.
And neither did she.
* * *
My meeting with Coach Balboa and Jeff Robles had gone exactly as planned. They’d offered me what we’d discussed, and I’d told them I was ready to make the move.
It was time.
My time playing in San Francisco had come to an end.
I couldn’t play for a man that I didn’t respect.
This felt right.
This was the coach who’d given me my first break. A man who believed in me and did whatever he needed to do to protect me.
Protect his players.
And play good football at the same time.
