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Confused, Shelley looked from Rhett to the “officers.” Her best friend, Lindsey, said, “I only hired one.”

“We’re it,” the guy said, thumbing toward his chest.

Then everyone swung their gaze from the officers to Rhett. Shelley said, “If you’re not a stripper, then who are you?”

Before he could say a word, I piped up, “I’ll get him out of here! Carry on with the party!”

Everyone watched as I marched to Rhett, taking his bare muscled arm in mine and walking him to the front door. A Marvin Gaye song was playing before it closed behind us, leaving us alone on the massive covered porch.

I passed Rhett his jersey and he slid it on but didn’t worry about closing the buttons. The view of his chest and abs washighlydistracting.

“How did I do?” Rhett asked with a smirk. “I’ve never considered stripping before, but they seemed to be into it.”

“Rhett!” I half laughed, half cried. “What are you doing here?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “You said you’d text me, and when you stopped replying... I got worried.”

My lips parted. “You drove five hours in the middle of the night because you wereworriedabout me?”

“It was better than searching the news for a car accident.” His eyes were so full of emotion I couldn’t fault him. So I took him in my arms, hugging him.

He held me close, saying, “I’m sorry. I just had to know that you were okay.” He pulled back, running his hands over my arms.

“How did you even know where to go?” I asked.

“I called in a favor with Knox to ping your phone where you last had service since I was so worried. I drove around a little and saw what I thought was Cam’s car, but I had to come inside and make sure.”

I tilted my head. “You didn’t have to do all that. I’m sorry I didn’t call you.”

He shook his head in return. “Just my overactive imagination. I’d hate it if something happened to you. But I hope you have a good time with all your friends. The bride seems like alotof fun.” He held up the hundred dollars, waving it.

I laughed, and he turned to walk away down the front steps.

“You’re leaving?” I asked.

He winked. “I already got what I came for. I just wanted to know you’re safe, not interfere on your time with your friends.” He smiled gently. “Have a good night, Mags.”

I smiled after him as he walked past the half-naked valet drivers to his truck parked in the driveway.

He was more than a knight in shining armor.

He was a cowboy in a pink jersey with a heart of gold and an insane amount of rhythm.

So. Much. Better.

35

RHETT

I pulledup to the practice field early Tuesday and waited for the rest of the team to arrive. Maggie and I had been texting on and off since the party, but I wanted to see her in person. I needed to ask her to dinner with my family tomorrow night, and the thought had me all itchy and nervous.

I’d never brought a girl to meet my family aside from her. Not once in all these years.

Esther got to practice first, running up to me. “Look what my mama got me!” She held up a bright yellow bat. “It’s lucky,” she said. “This should help me hit the balls at our next game.”

I grinned. “That’s a cool bat, Esther! We’ll practice batting today so you can use it.”

She jumped up and down happily, then looked over my shoulder. “Maya! Look at my bat.”