Be My Game Changer: A Sports Romance(47)

“Yeah. That’s probably it.” I agree because I want to think he’s staying away and avoiding my calls for that reason and not because he doesn’t want to see me.

“Besides, he’d be a real dumbass to not see what a wonderful woman you are.”

“Thanks.” My best friend is really trying to pull me out of my funky mood, so I resolve to do my best to enjoy the event. I fix a smile on my face as we’re greeted by Bodie’s family, including the brother I do my best to avoid. As soon as Russell makes eye contact and takes a step in my direction, Bodie says something to him, and I take the opportunity to pivot and find a place to hang out while they snap some pictures.

During the gorgeous ceremony, I tell myself I’m just wrapped up in the moment, but the truth is, I realize how much I want this. Not the wedding, not the showy day, just someone to spend the rest of my life with. And of all people, Carter enters my mind. Cash’s cruel words soon follow as I shake it all out of my head. There’s no point dwelling on something I have absolutely no control over.

Once the ceremony is over, the wedding guests are shuffled into the reception area where Bodie soon joins me dancing, laughing, and having a wonderful time. And it’s when I’m spinning out of a turn from Bodie that I spot someone else.

Carter.

He’s standing at the edge of the room, hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans. The sleeves of his button-down are rolled up, exposing his forearms as he stands casually, like he’s supposed to be here. Which is wrong. He shouldn’t be here. But damn, I’m glad he is. Only I can’t decipher the look on his face.

Bodie soon realizes I’ve stopped participating in the dance and looks to where my gaze is fixated, no doubt spotting who I’m seeing. He looks just as surprised, leaning over to whisper, “Told you he’d come around.”

With that, he takes my hand, walking me to where Carter is standing. Unfortunately, my brother, who I’m certain wasn’t on the guest list, is standing beside him.

“Ta-da,” Rhett says, gesturing to Carter, whose eyes are locked with mine.

“What are you doing here?”

“Stupid question.” Rhett laughs, slapping Carter on the back. “But now that I’m here, I’d better grab some grub.” He walks away, pointing his fingers at me. “You’re welcome.”

I might be thankful he brought Carter here but that won’t stop me from telling him what a buttface he is later.

“Carter Barlowe.”

Shit. Russell steps next to Bodie, who is already shoving him away. After a few choice words and redirection, Bodie gets the douchebag away, giving me an encouraging nod as he follows his brother.

“I should hire Bodie as my bodyguard.” Carter glances across the room to where Bodie is in a heated conversation with his idiotic brother.

“He was protecting me.” I admit as Carter turns his attention to me. “History. That’s it. A dumb jock football player who used me and almost cost me my best friend.”

“Ah,” Carter nods, looking back to feuding brothers. “Well, guess I have something else to thank Bodie for.” He returns his gaze to me. “You look stunning, Avery.”

Okay. This was not something I ever pictured happening. “What are you doing here?”

“I went to see you at your place, but you weren’t there, so I went to your parents’ place. Your dad told me about the wedding and had Rhett show me the way over.”

Out of all the people, he sent him with Rhett. Ugh, but I’ll take it.

“Can we go somewhere and talk?”

“I tried. I’ve been trying to call you all week,” I stupidly admit.

Carter takes a deliberate step forward, moving just in front of me. “I picked up the phone a million times. To answer, to call, to text, but what I had to say didn’t feel right coming through a phone. And I needed to see you when I said it. I’m so sorry, Avery. I’m sorry I scared you. I wasn’t going to touch—I’d never lay a finger on you. I just wanted to get you away from my father. I lost it. It made me crazy that he was so close to you.” He lets out a frustrated breath, stepping forward as he brings his hand up, sliding his palm along the side of my neck, his fingers lightly gripping as his lips move near mine. “I’m so sorry, Avery.”

My arms come up, wrapping around his neck as he places a tender kiss on my lips before leaning back. “Will you come somewhere with me?”

It’s not even a question, because I’m pretty sure I’d follow him anywhere he’d want to go, but I’m not ready to admit that to him just yet. So I simply nod my head, and he leads me away.

When I look back, I see a triumphant smile on Bodie’s face as he mouths, “I told you so.”

Yes, he did. And I’m sure he’ll remind me of such a few more times, but I can’t celebrate quite yet because as steady as Carter’s hand is in mine, I know our feet are on shaky ground. And I fear the damage Cash has already done will have a bigger hold on Carter than he can resist. It’s hard not to wonder what lurks around the corner when dealing with a demented man hell-bent on hurting his son.





38





AVERY





Out of all the places Carter drives, it’s to the ballpark. Most of the parking lot is empty, until Carter steers into the private area for the players where there are vehicles lined around.