The Game Changer (The Perfect Game 2)
“Yeah, Mr. Lombardi mentioned that you want me to keep the car there during the games, is that right?”
“Yeah, but there’s a bit more to it than that. ”
“What’s up?”
I pushed back into my chair, thinking about how to word it right. “Some fans were heckling Cassie last night at the game. And I guess the other wives are really mean and don’t do anything to help. The press is taking pictures of her and posting them online. I would really appreciate it if you would take her to the games and sit with her so she’s not alone. ”
“So, you want me to drive her to the field and then stay for the game with her?”
“Yeah. But I also need you to watch out for her. And if anyone fucks with her, I need you to be OK with handling it. ”
“Like a bodyguard?”
“If it comes to that, yeah. ” Matteo shifted in his seat, and I added, “That’s why I wanted to talk to you. If you’re not comfortable doing this, I’ll find someone else. ”
“I never said I was uncomfortable,” he responded in a sharp tone that caused my defenses to flare.
“Well, I figured I’d ask you because you’re obviously strong, and I assume people find you intimidating. ”
I don’t.
He laughed. “I actually don’t have a problem with it at all. I just need to know my boundaries. ”
“What do you mean?” I jerked my head toward him as my muscles tensed.
He better not be talking about his boundaries with Cass. I’ll beat his ass right here in his cousin’s restaurant.
“I just mean, what exactly do you want from me? If someone heckles her, do you want to me to knock his teeth out, get him to shut up, or do nothing?”
This was my idea and I hated it already. The thought of someone else defending my girlfriend was agonizing. I should have been the one protecting her, but I was willingly handing that job over to another guy. A guy who looked like a fucking magazine model.
“I don’t think you should cause a scene unless it’s absolutely necessary. Don’t overreact, ’cause that will only lead to more bad press. ” He nodded as I continued. “I basically don’t want Cassie to be alone at the games anymore. I figured she’d make friends with the other women on the team, but since that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen… I need to make other arrangements for her safety. ”
“I understand. ”
“And all this is fine with you? I need you to be sure,” I asked, waiting to sense any hesitation on his end.
“I’m sure. It’s not a problem. ”
“Great. ” I smiled, happy we’d come to an understanding. “Listen, that girl is my world, and I can’t stand the thought of anyone hurting her. I’d handle this myself if I could play the game and be by her side at the same time, but I can’t. ”
“You need me to start tonight?”
“Yeah, if you can. ”
“I cleared my schedule already. ”
“Perfect. I appreciate you watching out for her. ”
“I won’t let anything happen to her. I promise. ” His expression turned serious, his mouth narrowing into a thin, tight line, and I believed him.
He Can Drive Me Anytime
Cassie
Matteo arrived at my office promptly at six, just like Jack texted he would. He waited for me downstairs with the car while I finished up some last-minute photo editing. Tonight’s game would be the first game he’d attend with me, and I was nervous. Not to be alone with Matteo, but because now I’d be photographed with some guy who wasn’t Jack.
It wasn’t like Matteo wasn’t a good-looking guy. He was downright gorgeous. I started wondering if this was a good idea after all. Were we unintentionally giving everyone more ammunition against me?