Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

“I’m afraid that won’t do. I’m talking to you, and frankly, I don’t like what I’m hearing. Are you saying Sasha is pregnant with your baby, and you’re not even dating her?”

“You need to discuss this with Sasha.”

“I said no!” Her voice escalates, turning a few heads our way.

“With all due respect, this is not something I feel comfortable with.” I lower my own voice, trying to calm her.

The door to Sasha’s exam room opens, and she walks out. When she sees me talking to her mom, she pastes on a fake smile and comes to us. “Ren, you stayed. Mom was so disappointed when I explained you had to get back to work so quickly.”

If she thinks I’m playing this game, she’s a lunatic.

“Actually, I’m on my way out now. Anything with billing and financials has been handled. My lawyer will be in touch.”

Her jaw drops as her face starts to turn red. Her cool attitude disappears, and I can tell she’s about to blow.

Not in the mood for another scene with her, I flick my hand goodbye and leave her staring at my back.

When I get to the car, I call Caldwell and give him details of the appointment and tell him to move forward with our next steps.

Then I drive straight to Bizzy’s house. In less than two hours, we’ll be on a plane and away from all this shit for the next few days. It can’t come soon enough.

“I can’t believe she’s wearing his jersey. It feels like betrayal,” Nick whines, staring at Bizzy’s back as she jumps up, clapping, cheering, and high-fiving everyone around her.

I’d like to tell him how much I agree but not for the same reasons. He’s used to her only cheering for him and wearing shirts with his name. I, on the other hand, can’t stand to see the name Palos plastered across her shoulders.

“It’s a whole different sport. Grow some balls.” Mathis punches him in the arm, causing him to grunt loudly.

Bizzy looks over her shoulder and narrows her eyes between the three of us suspiciously. She’s seated next to my boss, his wife, and Joe’s retiring agent. I tilt my beer to her with a smirk. She gives me a wink then turns back to the game.

“Never thought I’d see the day Crenshaw Bennett would give up a guy’s weekend with his brothers, at game three of the World Series, and bring his girlfriend.” Nick blows out a low whistle. “Talk about growing some balls.”

Mathis chuckles as I growl.

“Told you there was no fucking way I was leaving her at home. Even without all this shit going on, I wanted her here.”

“You’ll have to let her out of your sight at some point.”

“Not anytime soon. Letting her out of my sight means giving her time to think about what a fuck-up I am. The risks of her leaving my sorry ass are much larger if I’m not around to remind her how much I love her.”

“When are you going to give yourself a break? It was a mistake, Shaw. It could have happened to any of us. You’re doing the right thing, so it’s time you have some faith in yourself and in Bizzy. She’s stronger than you think.” Mathis steps in front of me, blocking my view of her.

I step to the right, he steps to the left, remaining in my path. Nick moves to his shoulder, caving me in and forcing me to meet their worried stares.

“I’ll give myself a break when I can close my eyes and not replay the pure anguish and torture on Bizzy’s face when she found out about the baby.”

“So, never?” Nick rumbles, undoubtedly knowing my thoughts.

“Boys, why are you huddled in the back of this box when there’s a game happening?” Bizzy wiggles in between us all.

“Nick’s pouting about your choice of shirts,” I semi-lie, trying to hide the seriousness of our conversation.

She rolls her eyes and places her hands on her hips, directing her aggravation to him. “Still? Joe sent this to me. I want to support him. You should want to support him, too! He’s a new client of Shaw’s, and he could win a World Series at the age of twenty-five. That’s incredible. Stop being a big baby!”

Mathis and I don’t try to hide our amusement at her tearing into Nick, who’s looking at her with his own lips twitching.

“Not to mention, his popularity and success is helping Shaw pay for the fancy as hell boat being delivered next week.”

At this, Nick’s face falls, and he shoves his beer at Mathis. He bends to pick her up, but she’s faster, scattering around to use me as protection.