Ballers: His Game (Ballers Series Book 1)(62)
“Tam, when it comes to you Brad will make anything an option,” Stacey chirps.
“Yeah, I get that now,” I nod and absently rub my still flat belly. My brother and husband just gave up a chance at winning the super bowl for me.
B
“Monroe, I don’t know what the f*ck you think you are pulling here,” the GM of the team bellows as he barrels toward me and Ellerie.
“I’m not pulling anything. I am well within my right not to play tonight. Just like you are well within your right to fine me if you like,” I smile.
I could give two shits about a fine or about not playing tonight. I have a ring and I know I can make it to the championship again, where I plan on going. Even if I don’t win another one, so be it. I love my wife more than anything and no one is going to get away with hurting her or her career without me having a say.
Ellerie on the other hand has made a big sacrifice here and as a brother I know I would do the same for Trevor or Ann in a heartbeat. The GM glares at me and then looks at Ellerie. Ellerie just glares back daring him to test him. Ellerie has been known to speak up when he feels something isn’t right or that the team isn’t treating him fair. So I know the GM is not going to willingly go there with him right now.
“You two are unbelievable. You pick game day to pull this shit,” he growls.
“You picked weeks before my wedding to demand I not marry the love of my life. You picked the first trimester of my wife’s pregnancy to threaten her clients into leaving her. You picked my engagement party to help my sister in law pay for that plane ticket for my ex to crash the event,” I bellow.
At his shocked expression I snort. “Yeah, I found out everything. You boys have been very busy. Have a nice game.”
I shove pass the dick that is standing with his mouth flapping open like a fish out of water. I have a wife to get home to. We have a lot of packing to do.
Chapter 27
Brad text me that he and Ellerie were boarding a flight home. I have been going out of my mind with questions since the press conference. They had the interview playing on repeat during the entire game. Needless to say that Brad was being blamed for his team taking an epic L.
I was a little shocked at the support that Brad was receiving though. It seems that speculations of Brad wanting to leave the team were already floating around the league. Rumors of the club having it out for Brad had gotten out there, he is receiving support from players, coaches and commentators alike, who have known him and know he is a great guy and dedicated player.
I was floored and brought to tears when a few of my loyal clients defended Brad. Without giving details they said they understood why Brad did what he did and they would have done the same. Ellerie wasn’t off the hook, they had comments about his refusal to play, but Brad was taking the brunt of it being the team quarter back and captain.
The family watched more of the news casts on the developments with Brad than the actual game. More than a few of us had questions about what was going on. Once the shock wore off I helped Gloria and my mom get everyone fed and distracted with games and movies.
I was so grateful to my dad and Vernon when they started to clear people out and guide the remaining guests that were staying at the house to their rooms. Ann was kind enough to take Ellie with her for the night, even though she would be sharing taking care of Ellie for the next two weeks, while Brad and I are away for our honeymoon.
It is already late and I have been wearing a hole in the floor with Six at my feet. I have to say I have become attached to the little puppy. My head snaps up and I am pulled from my thoughts as I hear heavy foot falls and Six takes off for the bedroom door.
The doors are pulled open and Brad squats down to rub the top of Six’s head. “Hey buddy, you keeping Mama safe,” he coos to the dog before his bright blue eyes look up at me.
“I don’t know about safe, but he has been some company while I have been wondering what has been going on,” I say tilting my head at him.
Brad lifts to his full height, closing the doors behind him and strolls easily over to me. He cups the back of my head and wraps an arm around my waist pulling me in for a hot, possessive kiss. I feel my toes curl in my slippers. My arms go around his neck and I hold on tight.
“Hello wife,” Brad murmurs against my lips as he breaks the kiss.
“Hello husband,” I laugh back at him. “Are you going to explain what happened today?”
“I sure am,” he says while walking me back toward the bed and nuzzling my neck.
“Will that be before or after you ravish me?” I ask breathlessly with a small laugh on my lips.
“I would prefer after, but I don’t know if you’ll let me get away with that,” he teases.
“Nope, not a chance, spill country boy,” I tease back.
Brad mock sighs and places his forehead to mine. “I love you,” he says as his intense stare send chills through me. I nod because I am becoming too emotional.
Brad shucks off his suit jacket and tosses it to the chair before sitting at the foot of the bed and pulling me into his lap. “I told you from the beginning I would take care of you and our family. To me that means making sure you are not disrespected or taken advantage of. I was willing to deal with the club when they were just targeting me, but when I found out that they were messing with your career all bets were off.