Page 8 of Protecting Player #73 (Portland, Settlers #1 | Gridiron Warriors)

T.K

I t takes everything in me not to touch Brea as I drive to the team’s usual bar.

Goose’s is owned by Settlers legend Matty Goose.

He opened it after his retirement in the nineties because he hated his team never having a low-key place to unwind, and it’s become tradition to go at least once a week since the day it opened. I’m excited to share it with Brea now.

Glancing over to her in the passenger seat, her fingers curl into the hem of her floral dress at mid-thigh. “You always wear dresses,” I comment. I’m not complaining, but in the month she’s been around, I haven’t seen her in anything else.

“I like the airy flow of them. I don’t feel constricted.” She shrugs.

I also happen to know that when she’s with the team, she wears a tiny pair of shorts that cup her ass perfectly.

The wind blew up last week while she was lying on the field taking a video of our practice, and since she hadn’t bothered to wrestle the fabric back down, I knew it was because of those shorts.

“You look good in them.” I want to say so much more. That she’s fuckable, that her ass and tits pop, and those toned legs make my mouth water, but that would make her withdraw from me. When I notice her checking her phone again, I ask, “Expecting to hear from someone?”

She meets my eyes when we stop at a light, and I recognize the disappointment. “My best friend, Thor.” Is a fucking guy? Son of a bitch. “He said he’d let me know if he could come tonight. I haven’t heard back from him yet.”

Grinding my molars, I work to relax so I don’t crack a tooth. “Maybe he’s going to surprise you?” Jealousy rears its head when she lights up at the idea.

“You think so?”

I can’t give her the answer she’s looking for because I don’t want this asshole anywhere near her, not when she’s been sad all fucking day because of him.

“Sure.” Just don’t be disappointed when he doesn’t show. “He know some of the guys are going to be there?” She nods, and I have my answer. He’s into her and playing the long game.

I’ve spoken with Brea enough to know she hasn’t dated much, which means she’s more than likely a virgin.

She wants the whole fairytale thing with the happily ever after.

I’m not letting this douchebag take that from me, which means I need to get shit squared away with the team because her contract will likely have a no fraternization clause.

I get it, but I don’t fucking like it at all.

“Here we are,” I say as I park in front of Goose’s. The sign blinks like it’s about to die, with a goose beak-first into a beer bottle, and the name beside it.

It’s an old school building, just like Matty.

All brick and mortar, with a large front window and tables right against it.

Honestly, it gives dive bar vibes, but inside, it showcases a multitude of Settlers memorabilia, along with some of the best bar food, and more local lagers on tap than most places.

“Give it a chance.” I smirk when I glimpse Brea’s skeptical gaze before she shrugs and agrees.

As we exit my car, a few more pull in with the team in tow.

Almost half the guys have shown up. Most are single or in casual relationships, but I was hoping a couple of married players would come with their partners.

So far, that’s a no. It’s fine; I can arrange something more intimate once I’ve got my girl locked in and she’s ready for that step. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Gripping Brea’s hand with mine, I lead her into the bar as some of the guys start getting rowdy as they enter, and I glare at any of them who get too close to her. I’ll kick their asses if any of them hurt her, even by accident.

“Oh, this is far cozier than I would have guessed.” Her eyes roam the space as she takes in everything from framed and signed pictures to replica trophies, and the huge bar filled with top-shelf liquor.

There is nothing Matty doesn’t have here, and he’ll happily boast about it to anyone who’ll listen.

“Guys, table in the back is all set up!” He waves to it as he serves a customer.

A few jaws drop as we walk through, but one of the cardinal rules is for customers to leave us be until Matty says otherwise. Most nights, we’re all willing to talk, take pictures, or sign things. Tonight, that will only happen if Brea agrees; it’s her night after all.

“Is Alex coming?”

Brea shakes her head sadly. “She’s out of town for some meetings in Nevada.”

“Parents?” I ask, curious about the people who raised two women who are polar opposites but still the best of friends.

“This isn’t really their scene. Tomorrow, they’re taking me to dinner at one of my favorite places.” She bites her lip before saying anything more, and I think…I fucking hope…it’s because she was about to ask me to join them. I’d say yes in a heartbeat.

“Oh yeah, where’s that?” Pulling out a chair for her, I wait until she’s seated, then take my own before dragging her as close to me as possible. She’s startled, but I notice the pink tinge in her cheeks. She likes it, even if she doesn’t want to admit it.

“It’s a place downtown called Clever Girls.”

“Never heard of it.” But you bet I’ll be tasting everything on the menu now.

“They opened a few years ago. I helped with the marketing in my freshman year, and now they have a steady following and loyal customers.” Her prideful tone is addictive.

“What kind of food do they serve?” It’s about to become my favorite.

“They do a lot of fusion foods, so you get a mix of everything. My favorite is their Asian spring mix salad with roasted cinnamon quinoa and grilled watermelon or peaches with crispy chicken bites.”

That seems oddly delicious.

“Sounds like my kind of food.”

Before she can respond, Kace and Cash bring over a few pitchers of beer, and the guys get louder.

“Alright, alright, alright!” Kace draws everyone’s attention by using his best Matthew McConaughey impression as he stands behind Brea, knocking me back a bit.

“The reason we’re here tonight. Our very own Brea King landing her first big girl contract with the team!

” Everyone hoots and hollers. “Brea, we weren’t too sure about you at first, but girl, you have blended well into team life and brought your A-game to every practice.

Welcome to the family!” More cheering, beer chugging, and calls for food.

“You want something other than beer, pup?”

She leans farther into me as Cash gets closer than she’d like.

“Don’t suppose Matty serves cocktails?”

I understand her skepticism, but Matty will make her anything she wants.

“What’s your flavor?”

“Peach bellini?” I pat her hand and go get one for her.

“So you got yourself a girl, do ya?” Matty asks before I can order.

Glancing back at Brea sitting between Kace and Cash now as they joke with her, her head tossed back in laughter, I consider the question and reply, “Yeah, Goose, I think I do.”

He observes her for a second, then says, “She’s a good one.”

“The best.” I still have so much to learn about Brea, but we have all the time in the world. “Any chance you’ve got what you need to make her a pitcher of peach bellinis?”

He eyes me for a minute before confirming that he does, shocking me. “I like to keep some fruity things around just in case. She want something to eat other than the fried crap you and the boys devour?”

I chuckle. “I think she’d appreciate that.”

He taps the counter before me. “I’ve got you covered. Come back in ten, and I’ll have her squared away.”

“Thanks, man.” As I’m about to return to Brea, another man approaches her, and from the way Kace, Cash, and a few other guys grow serious around her, I’m guessing this is the best friend.

Sauntering up behind him, I overhear him say, “This isn’t really your scene, B. How about I take you out of here, and we celebrate privately?”

Yup, just like I thought. Boy is into her, and she doesn’t have a damn clue.

Draping my arm across his shoulder, the man stands half a foot shorter than me.

“Hey there. Thor, right? How about you grab a seat, a drink, and get to know us a little? We’d sure like to know who our girl is hanging around.

Make sure she’s safe when she’s not with us.

” Thor stiffens from my threatening undertone.

“No, this celebration should be with family,” he spouts, and Kace and Cash get to their feet, insulted.

“We are family,” Kace responds.

“No one loves her like we do,” Cash chimes in, crossing his arms.

“Thor, truly, I want to be here.” Brea stands up, and I wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on the top of her head after leaving a kiss on her temple. Multiple sets of eyes land on me, some pissed about this guy, others curious about me and Brea.

“We’d like for you to join us,” I insist. “Brea hasn’t told us too much, and since she says you’re her best friend, we’d like to learn more.

” His eyes narrow on my hands resting on Brea’s body–one on her belly, the other on her hip.

It’s a possessive hold, staking my claim, but I don’t care. He needs to be put in his place.

“This isn’t really my scene, and I didn’t think it was yours either, Brea. I guess this was bound to happen.” His eyes move around the table, noticing there are no other women in sight.

“I’ll see you at home then,” Brea replies.

“Home?” Kace, Cash, Mathias, Jacob, and I repeat at the same time.

“Yeah, we live together.” Thor smirks like he’s won some victory. The fucker has no clue.

“We’ve been roommates since we graduated.” Brea’s subtle words put the man firmly back in his place, and I grin like I’ve won the lottery. I think it’s because I have.

“Perhaps you’ll join us for dinner with her parents tomorrow to celebrate?” I say. Brea stops breathing before placing a hand over mine on her belly, accepting my self-invitation.