Page 23 of Playing Hard to Hate

GRIFFIN

PRESENT

Dustin Grace was one of my least favorite members of Tatum’s family.

It probably had to do with the fact that he spent most of his youth teasing the crap out of the two of us.

Or maybe it was because he left Tate when he was old enough to choose her mother or father.

I shouldn’t judge because I had done the same thing, but he was fucking related to her.

So when he walked through the door of her condo, I was on edge.

I didn’t think anyone else had a key to her place, and my immediate reaction was to find something to attack the intruder with.

My next thought was pure rage at the cocky grin on his face and then the old nickname that rolled off his lips.

The last time I saw him, he was easily a foot taller than me, and that made him teasing me a whole lot easier, but now…well, now, I towered over him. Standing to greet him, I shook his hand and took great pleasure in the shock that transformed his once cocky expression.

I wasn’t a kid anymore.

“Dustin, you were supposed to get here two days ago. What are you doing here now?” Tate didn’t stand to greet him.

No hug, no smile, no affection at all. So they were still on the outs.

Good to know. Hell, she crossed her arms across her chest, naturally pushing her tits up, which gave me a nice eyeful, which I, of course, didn’t focus on.

Shaking thoughts of Tate’s very full breasts from my mind, I focused on her dipshit brother.

“Came to have that dinner you wanted and to talk about Dad. Wasn’t expecting you to have company. Last time we spoke, you never mentioned a boyfriend.”

“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 you know 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 cash out 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.

“I need to go and call my agent so we can sort out the details of the news reports that will surely be coming out. I did try to keep my face hidden, but it’s not likely that I won’t be all over the news today.

If you don’t mind, I’ll be leaving now that I know she’s not alone and is safe.

” I stood, as did Tate, who followed me to the front door.

“Thank you for last night,” she admitted softly, looking up at me like I was her hero. The rush of emotions that flooded my entire body made my heart kick-start. I really liked this feeling.

“Call me if he bothers you. I’m only an hour away.” I leaned forward and kissed her forehead, wishing her dipshit brother wasn’t here so I could pin her to the front door and remind her that we were, in fact, more than friends. Another time.

I noticed Tate’s lack of security as I walked down the halls of her building and then to my vehicle in the parking lot. Thoughts of the perverts that Dustin mentioned were running rampant in my mind. I had to do something.

My agent answered me on the first ring, which was never a good sign. It meant he was waiting for my call.

“What the fuck happened last night, Silver?” He grunted, and I winced. I had made the news. “I’ve got news channels calling me asking for your statement, and I don’t even know what the fuck for. Not to mention, you were seen with the girl. What the fuck are you doing, kid?”

Merging onto the highway toward Atlanta, I thought about the best way to answer him, but not hiding behind the other civilians and making myself a victim last night was stupid on my behalf. And it was even worse that I hadn’t called Nick right away to sort this bullshit out.

“I wasn’t thinking,” I admitted because that had been the truth. When I saw the gun pointed at Tatum, all rational thought left the fucking building .

“Tell me what happened from the moment you stepped foot into that grocery store.”

I reiterated the story, explaining every sordid detail and then my lack of response to reporters on the scene, which apparently wasn’t the right protocol.

“Next time, you call me. You call me the minute shit hits the fan, you understand me?”

“If I’m ever held at gunpoint again, Nick, you will be my first call. I promise.” I try to add some humor to the situation, but he doesn’t seem all that amused.

“Are you in a relationship with this girl?”

“Not yet,” I told him truthfully, and he sighed.

“What does that mean?”

“We were childhood best friends. I fucked up. I’m trying to fix it. I want to be with her, but I hurt her, so she’s shutting me out.”

“What do you want the news to know? Because not only are there pictures from last night, but the swimwear photoshoot is this week, and the paps are going to be following you like hounds now. They might see you two together and create more drama.”

“Let them know I saved my childhood best friend and nothing else. I must keep her out of the limelight as much as possible.”

“Noted. Don’t think it will work, but we need to keep you out of the headlines and keep the people focused on the upcoming championships. I’m working on securing your contract for next year. Dexter’s manager has let the team know he is retiring. I’m working on getting you into that spot.”

I knew it was coming, but hell, it felt like I had been side-swiped with the news being official.

“I’ll do whatever is necessary.”

“Need to keep your image clean. Can’t have you getting involved with this girl and then you two have some big perfect romance for it all to blow up. You’re still considered a rookie. Last thing I need is your name all over the headlines.”

I didn’t like the sound of that.

“Just forwarded you one of the articles. I’ll be submitting your response now to all the reporters and will follow up later tonight if we need to schedule some type of press conference.”

“Thanks, Nick.”

“Glad you’re safe.” He ended the call, and I hit my head back against the headrest. I pulled off the highway to read the article.

Atlanta Braves Rookie Griffin Silver Heroically Saves Young Woman in Gunpoint Standoff at Hometown Grocery Store.

In a shocking turn of events, Atlanta Braves star and Rookie of the Year, Griffin Silver, found himself thrust into an unexpected role as a hero last night.

The rising star, known for his remarkable performance on the field securing his team a spot in the upcoming playoffs, was reportedly held at gunpoint inside the local grocery store in his hometown Sunday night.

According to eyewitnesses, Silver’s quick thinking and calm demeanor under pressure helped save the life of a young woman caught in the midst of the terrifying ordeal.

While details remain scarce, sources close to the incident suggest that the woman may be Silver’s childhood best friend, adding a deeply personal layer to the already dramatic scene.

The 22-year-old’s actions are being hailed as nothing short of heroic, with many praising his bravery in the face of danger.

Authorities confirmed that the situation ended without any serious injuries, and the suspects are now in custody.

Silver, who was uninjured, has yet to make a public statement but is said to be receiving support from both his teammates and family.

This heroic moment comes just as Silver’s baseball career is on an upward trajectory, making it clear that his talents extend far beyond the diamond .

I forwarded the article to Tate and dialed her number as I merged back onto the highway .

“We’re all over the news,” she said before I could say hello.

“I just sent you an article. My agent is going to give my personal statement, and I’ve made it clear to steer the attention away from you. In case we can’t do that, I need you to lie low. Avoid going out unless necessary.”

“You don’t think I’m in danger, do you?” There was a hint of fear in her tone, and I, honest to God, wasn’t sure. I hoped not, but nothing was set in stone anymore, but I couldn’t tell her that.

“Just stay clear of the cleat chasers, Tate, but after what I saw this afternoon, you can handle them.”

She giggled. I fucking loved her laugh. “You aren’t funny.”

“And your nose is growing, Pinocchio,” I teased.

“I’ll see you Friday at the swim shoot.”

“No contact for five days? You know Steve Jobs invented these things called iPhones? Since we both have them, we can text all week, and the real kicker, it costs nothing.”

“Friday, Silver.”

She ended the call like that would mean her answer was final. There was no way I was going that long without talking to her.