Be My Game Changer: A Sports Romance(45)

There’s nothing good about this vile monster in front of me. Of all people to call weak-minded, Carter is the least of them. It’s more than evident he has no clue who his son actually is. “I doubt there’s much that could impede a man who’d break his ten-year-old’s arm out of jealousy.”

Shock is evident in his expression before he quickly recovers. “The fact that you know that tells me everything I need to know. So, here’s my offer. I need Carter on the field through the end of this season. He’ll be on suspension for that stunt yesterday, but I’ve received word that he doesn’t plan to return to the team after discovering some contract issues.”

Stupidly, I ask the only question in my mind. “Why do you give a shit if he plays or not? Especially after what you orchestrated yesterday to get him out of the game?”

“My son wants to prove to the world he is a better player than me. I set the stage, but he failed again.” He doesn’t hide his pleasure. Like a twisted bastard. “But if he doesn’t play, he’ll never know exactly how useless and pathetic his attempt to overshadow me was. So, here’s my offer: Keep him here in Canaan Falls, playing for the season, and you’ll be substantially compensated at the end of the season.”

“You really need to leave. Now.” What the hell is wrong with this delusional man? He really thinks I’ll help him manipulate Carter when I know the truth?

“My former alliance said you couldn’t be bought. But I wasn’t convinced. My mistake. But you have to know this doesn’t end well for you and Carter, not when the two of you clash at every turn with your different … lifestyle choices.” He takes a slow glance around the store, doing an assessment of my casual T-shirt and shorts. “How’s the teaching job going? I have a few buddies on the school board. I believe they have something to do with funding … and layoffs.”

It’s a threat. Clear as day. And he’s not done.

“Maybe I can do some publicity for this place. It would bring in more than that silly signing Carter arranged. Really put this place on the map.” His smile fades as he glares at me. “Or remove it completely. I can be an influential man within this community. I’d hate for the business your father built to be run into the ground. One bad experience can really put a damper on a small business.”

He wants to screw with my job, okay. My parents’ livelihood? Fuck no.

“My father built this place from the ground up alongside my mother. He knows every customer’s name and what they shop for during what season, down to the variety of roses they prefer. And they know the man he is. So, no one will ever believe your bullshit lies about him or this place.”

“Are you willing to risk all this?” He waves around, taking a step towards me. “Over a silly fling that won’t last either way. Take the payday and help me.”

The man that wants to be seen as intimidating appears as nothing but a weak, pathetic asshole in front of me. “You knew it then, and you know it now—Carter is a better player than you on the field and a better man off the field. And I will not take any part in your hideous plan. And I won’t stand for you being in his life. So, take your threats and shove them up your ass. And just know, if you try to hurt him or my family, I won’t hesitate to tell your adoring public the truth about the bastard you are off the field.”

His laugher fills the room. “Even if anyone would believe your claims, you’d never do that to Carter. He trusted you with a secret that he’s kept hidden for years. He’d never speak to you again. I wouldn’t be the monster anymore, you would. And you’ll be on the losing end once again.”

What a cocksure asshat. Taking a step forward, I look at him through narrowed eyes because I mean every word of what I say. “I’ve dealt with scarier bullies than you in my classroom on a good day. So, be sure that you don’t mind every single person in this city knowing what a brutally sadistic father you were because I will follow through on my threat. I don’t care if Carter never speaks to me again. I will do whatever necessary to keep him out of your grasp and as far away from your sorry ass as possible.” Shit, I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I can’t let this man think he has any power over me or Carter, because that’s what he thrives on. And after seeing Carter spiral out of control at the game, Cash can’t get wind of the damage he can really do. But he probably already knows.

“My offer stands. Either way, he’ll end up being his own undoing. He always has been just like his weak-willed mother.” With that, he arrogantly strolls out.

My hand automatically reaches out, bracing myself on the wood counter as I try to understand what just happened and figure out what to do. Carter might not want to answer my calls, but I have to warn him about what his father is up to. I need to reach someone who cares enough to keep Cash as far away from Carter as possible. If he’s blindsided, it’ll be even worse, and Cash Barlowe will not be Carter’s undoing. He can’t be. For Carter’s sake.





36





CARTER





Whoever is ringing the doorbell isn’t going away. What I really want to know is how the hell they bypassed the gate that is supposed to keep people out in the first place. And being that less than a handful of people have the code, no one should be ringing my damn doorbell.