Page 63 of Caught Looking

My team was understandingbut they weren’tthatunderstanding. I could miss the game on Saturday but I was expected back on Sunday for the last game before break. Whatever. I didn’t care.

I just wanted this car to go faster.

I hadn’t sat still for one minute of the flight. I was just grateful that Jackson was waiting for me when I landed. “Were you there?”

“Mercedes and I were, yes.”

“Walk me through it.”

“Check your inbox. We didn’t send it before because it wouldn’t do you any good.”

Meaning they thought I’d go ballistic. They were right. As I watched the video recorded by Mercedes’ lapel camera I wanted to reach into the screen and beat the shit out of Owen Montgomery.

But when he touched her?

I dropped the phone. My heart stopped. How dare he fucking touch her!

Annalise hadn’t backed down. She came out when Owen started ranting, refusing to let those women take Owen’s venom alone. And when he came for her she didn’t flinch or back away.

“Verbally attacking the coach was enough to void his contract.”

Add inassaulting Annaliseand he wouldn’t be back.

At least there was one good thing that came out of this hell of a night. “Good work.”

“I’m just sorry we couldn’t do more.”

“Owen is responsible for his own actions.”

We entered the gated community. Rhett's house was four streets in. Marcus’s house was another five. His keys and alarm codes sat in the bottom of my bag. “Before you leave tonight I can hand over the keys to the Mayfield place for you to check over.” My team would give the house a once over, set up any additional security they thought was necessary, and let me know their thoughts on staying there.

“Wonderful. I think it’s a great idea,” Jackson replied.

“I’m sorry you have to secure another property.”

Jackson shrugged his wide shoulders. “It’s kind of our job. Honestly, I’d rather be canvasing properties and chasing down leads than doing the same thing every day.”

I texted Jeri that we were about to pull up then fished out the Mayfield keys. I handed them to Jackson before hurrying up the driveway. Jeri waited for me at the door.

“Hey Jer.” I gave her a quick hug.

“Butler.” She took my bag. “She’s in bed but I doubt she’s asleep.”

“How is she?” My heart was in my fucking throat. Had been since I saw Rhett’s angry face.

Jeri shook her head. “This rattled her.”

“Fuck.”

“Do you want me to stay or go?”

“I’ve got it. Go sleep in your own bed.” Truth was I wanted Annalise all to myself. Whatever she needed, I would be the one to provide it.

She patted my arm. “Good answer, Butler.” Then she pointed me towards the guest room where Annalise was staying.

No more guest rooms. No more moving. This temporary shit was bullshit.

I cracked the door. The room was dark but I made out the bed. Roscoe’s head popped up from beside Annalise. He watched me silently while I dropped my jeans and the clean t-shirt I’d barely worn. I took a sink bath on the plane so at least I wasn’t smelly. Then, when I was down to my boxers, I got under the covers, sliding against Annalise. “Hey baby. It’s me.”