Millionaire Crush (Freeman Brothers 3)

Nothing helped to overcome a pounding, world-swirling hangover like a big, fatty breakfast and several cups of coffee. The pile of eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausage, and grits helped some, but I was still nursing a cup of coffee on my way to that morning’s team meeting.

As soon as I walked into the hotel’s conference room, Darren and Kelly looked at my face and the cup of coffee in my hand. Both burst out laughing. I glared at them as I sat down. Somehow or another, I would get back at my baby brother when we got home.

Packed full of races, appearances, and networking, the day flew by. Even though I shouldn’t have been on my phone, I couldn’t help myself. Every few minutes, I checked for more updates. Lindsey probably wouldn’t call me again. She was upset she had to call while I was away at all. Now that she knew I had Quentin watching over her, she probably wouldn’t reach out. But I didn’t want the possibility of missing a call or message.

By the middle of the race, the rain started to fall. It wasn’t a gentle sprinkle. Instead, the sky split open and an immediate deluge dropped down over us. Utter chaos ensued. Women and children screamed as they ran for cover. Men cussed and sputtered as they tried to cover up their beer and gather everything left behind.

Within an hour, the rest of the festivities for the weekend were officially canceled. The forecast called for continuous rain and dangerous winds, making the next day’s outdoor events impossible. I was disappointed for the riders and the fans, but I was also secretly relieved. It meant we could pack up and head home that night rather than waiting until Sunday night.

The intensity of the storm kept us from leaving right away, and I was still on the road at midnight when I got a text from Quentin.

Grant was at the bar.20Lindsey“I don’t want to hear it. It’s delicious,” Quentin said.

“I didn’t say anything,” Nick said, holding back a laugh. “In fact, I admire a man who is comfortable enough to order a pink drink with a fruit garnish when he goes into a bar.”

I laughed and shook my head at him. Quentin went right back to sipping the frilly mixed cocktail I recognized as one of Merry’s favorite drinks from when she first started coming into the bar. He must have tried one of hers once and gotten a taste for it.

A good beer was a thing of beauty, but something sweet and fruity every now and then was exactly how Quentin described it. Delicious.

And I couldn’t deny it was funny seeing one of those drinks clutched in the hand of a big man like Quentin. He came into the bar with Nick early on Saturday and announced he was in it for the long haul. Merry was enjoying a night of being pampered by Minnie and Kelly at the Freeman parents’ house, so Quentin had the whole night open. He was there to fulfill his bodyguard responsibilities.

The situation wasn’t funny, but I couldn’t help but laugh when he announced himself that way. After Friday went by without a hitch, I was even more confident on Saturday. I figured Grant wasn’t going to show up. Even if he did want to get back at me or confront me about what was going on, it wasn’t going to happen at the bar. Maybe he actually was going to try to go the route of the decent human being.

I should have known better.

Just before midnight, the door to the bar slammed open so hard it hit the porch railing just outside. Everyone turned toward it, and my stomach sank as Grant stalked in. He looked around like he was waiting for everyone to bow down to him. He’d picked a truly terrible time to show up. Not only because the people who tended to come into my bar had no intention of bowing down to anybody, but also because Grant wasn’t great at thinking for himself.

He was on his own. Facing off against a packed bar that included Quentin, Nick, and Darren’s best friend, Colby, he was more than outnumbered. Within his first few steps inside the bar, his arrogant expression melted as he realized how out-of-place he was. He looked around and noticed me, then made a beeline for the bar. I stood my ground. There was no way I would show any discomfort or back down to him in my own space.

I glanced over at Nick, who slid his eyes to his brother beside him. Quentin made a face, put down his drink, and reached for his phone. Nick followed suit, and I gave them a slight nod. At least I knew whatever Grant had in mind, there would be proof of it happening. I squared my shoulders to my ex, wanting him to see I had no hesitation, no fear.