“That’s because I don’t have one.”
“Yet,” I added, earning a very exaggerated eye roll from Tate.
“We bumped into each other last week,” she said, sounding defensive, like she had to explain herself to him.
“You using protection?”
“Dustin!”
“Dude, you’re an invasive asshole.”
We both said at the same time, and I looked between Tatum and her brother to see her blushing about fifty shades of red, and his cocky smirk was back. He liked to tease her now, it seemed.
“How about you tell him what happened last night before I mess up my good hand.” I wouldn’t punch him. I had far too much on the line with the pennant race coming up and the possibility of pitching again. But the thought was nice, and the look of fear on his face was a very nice cherry on top.
“We were held at gunpoint last night,” Tate said, standing up from the table and taking our plates to clear it.
“What the fuck? What do you mean? Because of his celebrity status? Did you put my fucking sister in danger? I will kill you. I don’t care who you are.” Dustin raised a fist in my direction as he spoke, body trembling with rage. I was about to tell him that he couldn’t kill me if he tried, but suddenly, Tate was standing in front of me.
“You always do this. You jump to conclusions when youknow absolutely nothing, and not to mention, you don’t get to come in here and act like some big hero or like you’re a caring brother. You aren’t. You’ve never been. You’re here out of obligation and no other reason.”
I didn’t like the way Tate’s voice shook or her small fists that she kept glued to her sides. I hated that Dustin had never been the brother she needed.
Placing my hands on her hips, I slipped my thumb underneath the hem of her shirt and gently stroked her warm skin, hoping to soothe her. I half expected her to step away from me or shake my hands off, but instead, she shifted closer to me.
“He’s not good enough for you. He left when things got tough. Do you remember that, Tate?”
“Like you did?”
“I didn’t leave you. I just chose to be with Dad.”
“You left me and Mom! You never came to visit! You never called us! I haven’t forgotten the past, Dustin. If you came here to judge my life and question it, then take your shit and walk back out the door. If you came to be my fucking brother for once in your life, then sit the fuck down, and I’ll tell you what happened.”
Dustin looked at me and then Tate in shock. I think our faces mirrored that shock because I’d never heard her assert so much authority before. He had pushed her too far, or rather, she wasn’t holding back anymore.
He sat down at the table and then looked at her. “I’m listening.” He grunted.
Tate left my grip to sit beside him, and I sat down across from her so I could read her the whole time. I wasn’t sure who she was right now, but it seemed she’d entered her villain era. I would gladly be her henchman.
“I was at the grocery store last night when three men came in to rob the place. I was held at gunpoint so they could get cashout of the register. Griffin also happened to be there, and he stood in front of me. He tried to scare them off, but thankfully, before anything could happen, the cops arrived. There’s nothing else going on between us, other than two campaigns with a jewelry company and a swimwear boutique that we are the models for. We aren’t dating. We aren’t even friends. We’re just testing the waters, and I’d really appreciate it if you left your judgment at the door.”
We aren’t even friends.I rolled my eyes. Riiight. Maybe I should bring up that kiss from the other night.
She didn’t look at me, her gaze fixed on her brother, who seemed to be processing everything.
At least she painted me as the hero.
“Were they caught?”
“Yes, and brought in for questioning. We are waiting for a full report from the police. I already pressed charges, and we now must wait for their trial.” Tate finally shifted her gaze to mine. Those beautiful green eyes that I loved so much were misty.
“I don’t want the paparazzi coming after her. She has enough pervs to fend off with her career. Don’t need to add those stupid ball bunnies to the mix.” He jutted out his chin like he was some hero for coming in and telling me to back off.
“Cleat chasers,” Tate added, and I fought a grin at the triumphant look on her face.
“Thought you weren’t into sports?” Dustin asked, his brows furrowing.
“I’m not, but the phrase you used was supposed to be puck bunnies for hockey. I read those kinds of books.” She blushed.
