I barely comprehend the rest of her scattered explanation as my head fills with fear.
Heartfelt thoughts of Nick vanish as I am forced to prepare to go home.
Chapter 1
Nick
2 years later
This is going to be fucking perfect! I slap my hands together and resist the urge to laugh out loud. My brother, Mathis, starts to chuckle under his breath.
“He’s going to fucking kill you. Why you chose tonight to screw with him is beside me. You know he’s going to go out of his mind.”
I stare at the table where Shaw sits with his boss, my coach, and the owner of my team. They’re wrapped in what looks like a serious conversation, which is a perfect distraction. Shaw’s wife, Bizzy, is sitting so close, they could be fused together.
This is normal between Shaw and Bizzy; he rarely lets her more than a few feet away from him when they are together. To say he’s possessive would be an enormous
understatement. He’s obsessed with his wife, and I’d have it no other way. She’s absolutely one of the most important people in my life.
Shaw has managed me since I was allowed to have representation when I declared eligible for the draft. I can’t imagine my career in the NFL without Shaw on my side. He’s the best in the business, and with his help, I’ve carved a pretty kickass reputation as the number one quarterback in the league. He may be my agent and lawyer, but he’s still my brother. And I fuck with him every chance I get.
“Tell me again why you insist on riling him up tonight?” Mathis hands me a cold beer. “You’d think the Labor Day fiasco would have taught you a lesson.”
“Because it’s fun. And because it serves him right, taking Bizzy away for the weekend.”
“You’re being a bit of a baby, don’t you think? It’s technically the second game of the season. He promised to be in Indianapolis by the time you kick-off.”
“It fucks with my mojo. Call me superstitious, but I don’t like to mix things up.”
“So tell him that.”
I swing my head to Mathis and squint my eyes in disbelief. “Are you crazy? I can’t tell him that. It’s not how it’s done.”
“So, instead, you’re going to drive him to the brink of madness in front of all these people, including both your bosses?”
“Shit yes, and I can’t wait.” I nod. “And for the love of God, it’s not like I’m kidnapping her. He’ll get over it.”
“He’s going to get you back.”
“Maybe, but it’ll be worth it to see the look on his face. You still in, or you gonna pussy out because you’re scared of him?”
“I’m not fucking scared of him. I just like having two brothers, especially one that sets records on the field. It’s going to suck to watch you sit on the bench after he whips your ass.”
“Like that would ever happen.”
He gives me a knowing grin and tips his beer to me in a conspiring motion. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
I drain my bottle and hand it back then jerk my head to the emcee on the stage. He says a few words to the band then steps up to the podium.
My eyes scan the room to ensure everything is still in place as I run my hands down my suit jacket and walk toward the table at the front of the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the sixth annual Greater Miami Foundation Dinner, hosted by the reigning Super Bowl Champions!”
Loud cheers and applause erupt around the room, with the loudest coming from the team, which takes up an entire section.
He goes on to mention the numerous local charities that will benefit from this year’s donations and reminds all patrons of the silent auction in the other room. He also thanks the vendors for all their help in making this night a success. Finally, he straightens and gives the band the signal to get ready.
“We’ve had a special request tonight. Nick Bennett has asked to kick off the festivities by leading the first dance.”