The Perfect Game (The Perfect Game 1)

My gaze flashed to Jack, and I shifted uneasily in my seat. “I could identify his shoes. And maybe his fist. ”

“I’m sorry?”

“All I saw were his black and white shoes. And his knuckles. He was standing with the sun behind him and I never saw his face. ” My body shook and Jack released my hand as he stood up and started to pace.

“Are we almost done?” Jack asked defensively.

“Almost. ” The officer’s voice was a little terse before it softened when he turned to me. “I’m sorry, Cassie, but we have to take some pictures of your injuries. ”

“That’s fine. ” I sighed and then stood up to move in front of the white living room wall. The officer took pictures of my face at varying angles, while I kept my eyes locked on Jack’s, refusing to let go of the comfort he brought me.

When the police officers left, Jack walked me into the bathroom where I caught a glimpse of my reflection for the first time that evening.

“That’s so weird. ” I leaned toward the mirror, touching the green and purple bruise on my brow before moving to the similar one forming on my forehead.

“What is?”

“I don’t even hurt where the bruises are,” I noted, mesmerized by the unfamiliar face staring back at me.

Jack’s forehead creased. “Where do you hurt?” he asked, the pain in his eyes evident.

“My cheeks and jaw. ” I touched them gingerly.

“I’ll go get you some ice and ibuprofen. They’ll help with the pain and swelling. ” He grabbed my hand, turning me toward him. “If I ever find this guy, I’m going to fucking kill him for putting his hands on you. ”

I shook my head, my heart breaking. “I just want my camera back. ”

“I know,” he said before looking away.

“Hey, Jack?” I stopped him. “Why did Dean say he was my brother?” I asked, suddenly remembering what the officer had said.

Jack shrugged. “I don’t know. I can only guess that he thought he was doing you a favor. Or protecting you somehow. Why?”

I smiled and quickly winced with the pain. “I just liked it, was all. ”

His dimples flashed in his cheeks as his lips turned upward. “Oh yeah? And why’s that?”

I shrugged. “I liked the way it sounded. ”

I didn’t know it was possible, but I watched as his dimples deepened as his smile grew. “So did I, Kitten. So did I. ” He walked out and my heart stammered with his confession.

Jack’s cell phone rang and it reminded me that I still needed to call Melissa. I walked toward my bed and reached for my cell as Jack leaned in, his hand covering his phone. “You don’t mind if Dean stays here tonight, do you?”

“Of course not. I was just gonna tell you to call him. I’m gonna call Melissa real quick,” I told him, relieved that Dean was coming over.

He removed his hand from covering the phone before bringing it up to his ear. “She says it’s fine. I don’t think so. Hold on, I’ll double-check. ”

He looked at me again. “We don’t need anything, right?”

I shook my head. “Nope, just get him over here. ”

“She says no. She won’t care. Make sure Gran knows we’re both staying here before you leave. Okay, see you soon. ”

“I won’t care about what?” I asked as soon as he hung up.

“If he stays here all weekend,” Jack said before straightening his stance.

“Oh. Not at all. I sort of want him here. ”