Personal Foul: A Sports Office Standalone Romance
Page 17
“Mother?” Ivy says, sounding both surprised and lighter. Like happiness was wrapped around one simple word. That is until I realize it’s my father and his fiancée, Charlene, staring back at us.
For a second, I wonder if they heard us arguing from outside.
“Ivyana,” she replies, smiling, and it all clicks into place.
My mind filters through the several conversations we’ve had about her daughter, Ivyana. The daughter who graduated high school with honors and has a nearly perfect GPA at the University of North Carolina.
Ivy is Ivyana. What the hell is wrong with me? Why didn’t it click into place until now? I’ve never heard her called by her full name, not even when we were back in high school.
“Hi, Mother.” She grins, crossing the distance between them to wrap her in a hug. The snarky tone she threw at me a moment ago is completely gone, replaced with something else entirely.
Reaching my hand up behind my neck, I massage my fingers into my skin in hopes of easing the tension.
“I’m so happy to see you, honey. I’ve missed you.”
Already over this bullshit, I begin picking up the beer cans strewn over the coffee table along with the ones knocked over onto the floor.
“Brix, what the hell happened here?”
It wouldn’t be a typical day if my father wasn’t finding some reason to lay into me.
“What’s it look like? I had a few drinks last night after my show. I’ll fuckin’ clean it up, alright? Chill out.”
Holding the cans in my palm, I brush past my father, stalking into the kitchen. Like whiplash, the once happy moment between Ivy and her mom is gone.
“This can’t happen anymore. You hear me? Just because I let you live here doesn’t mean you can treat my place like a dumpster.”
“Yeah, I got it.”
“I’m serious, Brix,” he demands, raising his voice even louder, “turn around and look at me.”
Tossing the cans into the recycle bin, I turn the faucet on and wash my hands before grabbing the towel. Resting my hip on the edge of the counter, I stare at him with a look I hope says get on with it already.
“This cannot happen anymore.”
“I heard you the first time. I said I got it.”
Charlene whispers something to him about waiting until later to have this talk. He nods, apparently ready to let it go.
We only agreed I’d stay here because I promised to help look after the place. His job has him traveling a lot. Even when he’s in town between trips, he usually stayed at the apartment near his office. It got to the point he was either going to sell the house or hire a groundskeeper.
“I’m glad to see you’ve met Ivyana. She’s Charlene’s daughter. You may remember us discussing her staying here for the summer. I didn’t want the two of you to meet this way.” He glances at Ivy, and she flashes him a warm smile as he says, “It’s good to see you again.”
Again? I thought.
“I didn’t want you to meet this way,” he repeats, “or for you two to find out under these circumstances.” His eyes bounce back over to Charlene. She steps closer to him, grabbing his hand.
Ivy’s eyes widen in bewilderment as if hanging on his every word waiting for what bomb he’s about to drop. I know what’s about to come before the words are even out of his mouth.
“Charlene and I… while we were away on vacation, we decided to get married.”
“What the—?” I stammer.
At the same moment, Ivy says, “Oh my God!”
“Are you serious?” I scoff.
My father’s eyes lock on mine, and I can see the daggers he’s shooting my way the moment they do.
If he thinks I’m going to stay here and play house with them, he’s out of his damn mind.
“Now you listen here, I won’t tolerate any of your comments. If you have something to say, I suggest you swallow it. I don’t have the time or patience to hear you anymore.”
Tossing the towel in my hand to the counter, I cross my arms over my chest.
Ignoring my father’s glare, I focus on Ivy. Her hand covers her mouth, and a dazed look shrouds her eyes when she peers over at me.
What the fuck?
If they are married, this makes Ivy, or should I say Ivyana, my sister. Judging by the wide-eyed look on her face, it’s apparent the same thought just hit her, too.
I told my stepsister I wanted to fuck all my frustration out on her. Good fucking lord.
“I can’t believe it, Mom,” Ivy says, hugging her once again. Charlene holds her hand out between the two of them to show her the ring. Of course, like every one of my father’s wives, they can’t help but gush over their five-carat diamond ring.
“Wow, Mom,” she says in awe, reaching for her hand, “it’s beautiful.”
“Well, let’s hope you signed a prenup with this one. Huh, Dad?” I snicker, crossing through the kitchen toward the staircase leading to my bedroom.
“Brix Carter Ward, don’t fucking move.”
I stop momentarily, waiting for whatever insults he wants to hurl my way. Although, he’s always been one to say them without other watchful eyes around us, so I know the real jabs will come later when it’s just the two of us.
“I won’t tolerate you talking bad about Charlene or our marriage. If you have a problem, I suggest you find a way to keep your mouth shut, or you can get the hell out of here.”
“You got it,” I mutter, deadpan.
“By that, I mean you aren’t allowed at the beach house either. If you’re out of here, you’re on your own.”
“Whatever. Congratulations, Charlene. You picked a real winner.”
Not bothering to look her in the eyes as I say it, I stalk up the stairs toward my room.
Passing by the bathroom, I find the guest room door next to mine open. Pausing in the doorway, I notice the bed sitting directly across from me left unmade and two suitcases standing near the foot of the bed.
It looks like Ivy’s made herself at home in her new house, in the bedroom next to mine. I can tell already it’s gonna be a long fuckin’ summer.
Want to read more? Click here to read more of Brix.
Other Books by Brooke O’Brien
Men of Blaze
Reckless Rebound – Coming to the Cocky Hero World in 2021
A Rebels Havoc Series
Brix
Tysin – Coming 2021
Tattered Heart Duet
Torn
Tattered
Hearts Compass Series
Where I Found You
Lost Before You
Until I Found You
Now That I Found You
Standalones
Sacrifice – Coming to the Salvation Society in 2021
This will be a spin-off of the Hearts Compass series
Learn more and purchase your copy at:
www.authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke
Acknowledgments
My Boys – I love you more than anything on this earth. Everything I do is for you.
To my AMAZING beta readers – Kristen, Candyce, April, Ana, and Cheryl. Thank you for reading Colson and Sydney’s story before anyone else, for your honest feedback, and helping me make their story better. I’m so grateful for you! <3
My Rebels Babes – I flove being able to connect with all of you in my Reader Group. I feel like I’ve found a place where I can share with you my triumphs and crazy ideas, as well as catching up with you about everything going on in our daily lives. I’m so thankful to have all your support.
To the fantastic bloggers and my Rebel Release Team, thank you for being a part of this one. I’m excited to hear what you think of Colson and Sydney. I hope you know how grateful I am for every one of you.
Kim Cermak – Thank you SO much for everything! You help keep me sane so I can try to focus on writing, and I appreciate you so much!
Jen with Wilfire Marketing – Thank you for all your hard work and support in getting this book in the han
ds of readers. I can’t thank you enough for all your help!
Julie and Jacquelyn – I don’t know what I’d do without our group chats and your motivation to keep writing. Thank you for your support! It means so much to me.
Kristen – You keep it real with me, always! It’s what I love about you. Thanks for riding my ass when I need it, but also reminding me to be patient with myself too. Girl, you’re stuck with me now! LOL! Not even sorry about it either.
Candyce – You’ve helped me in so many ways since we’ve first met. I’m so appreciative of all you do behind the scenes. Thank you for everything!
Kate Jessop and Lyssa Cole – What would I do without you? I don’t want to find out. Thank you for being there for me when I need to brainstorm an idea or tell me it’s going to be okay when I need to hear it.
My editors, Roxane LeBlanc and Amy Briggs. I’ve enjoyed working with and learning from both of you! Thank you for helping me through this project and helping me learn along the way.
My proofreader, Julie Deaton. You have a fantastic eye for detail, and I appreciate all your help in getting this book polished off. Thank you for everything!
About the Author
Brooke O'Brien is an author of steamy and swoon-worthy contemporary romances.
She believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.
If Brooke's not writing or reading, she's probably spending time with her family, binge-watching the latest crime documentary, indulging in chocolate, or watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball.
She loves to interact with readers! Keep in touch with Brooke by following her on social media, subscribe to her newsletter, and join her exclusive Reader Group at: authorbrookeobrien.com/follow.
Copyright
Personal Foul: A Men of Blaze Novel
Copyright © 2020 by Brooke O’Brien
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permissions of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which has been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Visit my website at www.authorbrookeobrien.com.
Edited by Rox LeBlanc, Roxs Reads and Amy Briggs, Briggs Consulting Inc.
Proofread by Julie Deaton, Deaton Author Services
Cover Design by Dee Garcia, Black Widow Designs
Version: BMO1242020
Table of Contents
Personal Foul
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Epilogue
Sneak Peek of Brix
Other Books by Brooke O’Brien
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Copyright