The Game Changer: A Novel

by Sterling, J.

  She released a breath. “Handle it how?”

  “I just want to make sure he’s up for it. I’m not going to ask him to do this for us if he isn’t comfortable doing it. He does have a choice in the matter.”

  “Well, how nice for him,” she said, her voice laced with bitterness.

  I dropped my hands. “Am I doing something wrong, Cass? I’m just trying to make sure you’re safe and protected when I’m not around. Is that not OK with you?”

  This girl is driving me fucking crazy.

  “No.” She paused before looking at the floor. “God, I’m sorry, Jack. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Her eyes closed as she dropped her face into her hands. “I’m not used to anyone looking out for me the way you do. It’s a bit of an adjustment for me is all. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. Please don’t fight me on this. I won’t be able to concentrate on the field if I think people are harassing you or being mean or hurting you.”

  “I know.” She nodded her head in agreement before swallowing. “I’ll try to be less crazy. I love you.”

  “You’re not crazy.” I smiled. “And I love you too.” I kissed her lips before she pulled away.

  “I need to get ready for work.” Her face softened.

  “Go then. Stop wasting time fake fighting with me.” I smacked her ass, and she yelped.

  “Jack!”

  Half tempted to chase her ass right into the bathroom, the sound of my phone ringing distracted me. “Hey, Matteo,” I said into the phone, after seeing his name and number appear on my screen.

  “Good morning, Jack. Mr. Lombardi said you wanted to talk to me?”

  “Yeah. Is there any way we could meet a little bit later to go over some stuff? I’ll pay you for your time, of course.”

  “Hold on one sec.” The phone sounded like it got tossed onto a desk. “I have a couple clients this morning, but I’m free around eleven. Is that too late?”

  “No, that’s perfect. Meet me at Sal’s?” I suggested.

  “Yeah. Sal’s it is,” he replied, his voice excited.

  “OK, Matteo. See you then.”

  I pressed End, dropping my phone on the small counter before walking into the bathroom. I peered around the shower curtain at Cassie and became instantly aroused.

  Down, boy.

  “I’m having lunch with Matteo at Sal’s. I’ll text you afterward to let you know how it goes, OK?”

  She turned her body to face me, embarrassment spreading pink across her cheeks. “Great. Now get out of here before you make me late for work. I know what you’re thinking, Carter.”

  I loved it when she called me by my last name. Her voice always sounded extra sassy, and it turned me on even more.

  “Can you blame me? Fuck, woman, look at you. Sexy as hell,” I teased, knowing I was making her uncomfortable. But she looked beautiful all naked and wet, and now all I could think about were the things I wanted to do to her.

  She pressed her lips tightly against each other. “’Kay. Get out now. Bye. Thanks.”

  I walked into Sal’s, the smell of pizza making my stomach growl.

  “Hey! Jack! Good to see you!” Sal stood in the kitchen area, waving at me through a pass-through window. “And hey, nice game the other night.” His boisterous voice reverberated throughout the small building.

  “Thanks, Sal.”

  “So what can I get ya?”

  “I’m going to wait until Matteo shows up, and then we’ll order something,” I said, before sitting down at one of the tables.

  “Matteo’s coming? Ha! I haven’t seen that little shit in weeks!” He flung some pizza dough into the air before catching it on his fist and spinning it wildly.

  “He’s not really that little.”

  “No, he’s not.” He chuckled. “So, how’s he working out for you and Cassie? Everything good?” He eyed me while pressing down on the dough, creating the perfect thin crust.

  “It’s all good so far. Thanks again for the recommendation.”

  “No problem, no problem.” He waved a hand at me as the bells on the door chimed. Matteo walked into the pizzeria, a huge smile spread across his face.

  “Matteo! Why don’t you come visit me? You don’t like my food?” Sal teased before coming out from the kitchen to greet his cousin.

  I watched the two men embrace and realized in that moment how much I missed my little brother, Dean. I wished he was done with school so I could move him out here, but he probably wouldn’t leave Gran and Gramps. Dean was always the better grandkid.

  “Ah, you know I love your food. I’ve just been busy.” Matteo nodded in my direction.

  “I’ve heard. Busy’s good.” Sal slapped Matteo on the back. “You two let me know what you want to order, OK?”

  “I’ll just take a slice, Sal.” I hesitated, patting my rumbling stomach. “Better make it two.”

  “Same here,” Matteo said, following my lead.

  “I’ll just make you guys a whole pie. It’s not like the two of you won’t finish it.” Sal laughed before walking back into the kitchen.

  I smiled, waving Matteo over to sit with me. Once he was close enough, I reached out my hand. A quick, firm handshake later and Matteo was seated across from me. “So, I need to talk to you about something,” I started, leaning my elbows on the tabletop.

  “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, an
d 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?

  I sighed before heading down in the elevator, the stress of the situation starting to gnaw at me. I hated the things I had to think about now before I even walked out the door. All the added drama affected my ability to be happy. I was too concerned with everything around me to simply sit back and enjoy Jack’s time on the field.

  I hated this.

  I spotted Matteo the moment I exited the elevator. He smiled, and I couldn’t help but smile back in response.

  “I get to be your date tonight,” he said with a wink.

  Date?

  “Yeah, I guess so,” I said, silently berating myself for agreeing with that word choice.

  I walked toward the car, and when Matteo pulled open the back door, I declined, opening up the passenger door instead. “I hate sitting back there while you drive me around. It’s dumb.”

  “You sure?” he asked with surprise.

  “Yeah.” I nodded before sliding in and closing the door behind me.

  I fastened my seat belt as Matteo scooted into the driver’s seat, starting the sleek Town Car with a flick of his wrist. “This should be fun, huh?”

  “I hope so. Honestly I think it might create more drama at first, but hopefully that will die down in time.”

  “More drama how? Because I’m going with you?”

  I wondered how exactly to phrase what I meant. Matteo was stupid hot, but I wasn’t about to tell him that. “Matteo, it’s not like you’re ugly. So I’m sure it’s going to cause some sort of chaos.”

  He laughed, and I noticed a hint of color creeping into his cheeks. “You think I’m pretty?”

  “No,” I choked back. “I said I think you’re not ugly.”

  “Well, thanks.” He grinned. “I think you’re not ugly either.”

  Unsure of how to respond, I flashed a quick, tight-lipped smile instead. The last thing I wanted was to make things uncomfortable between us, so I dropped the subject altogether and reached for my phone. I typed out a quick text message to Melissa before gazing out of the car window at the city whizzing by in a blur.

  “So, tell me what I’m in for tonight,” he asked.

  “Um, well, we have the chatty fans and the mean wives.”

  “Oooh. Tell me about the wives.” He glanced at me before returning his focus to the highway.

  “They’re just really nasty. They won’t talk to me.”

  “At all?”

  “At all.”

  “What’d you do to them?” he asked with a chuckle.

  “Shut up!” I pursed my lips together before swatting his shoulder with my hand. “I didn’t do anything to them except join their stupid team with my boyfriend.”

  “How dare you!” he exclaimed, his voice animated and I laughed. “So do they just completely ignore you?”

  I nodded. “Pretty much. It’s like I’m not even there.”

  His lips formed a slight snarl. “You women are rather mean to one another. Why is that?”

  “You’re asking the wrong girl. I’m not one of those women. Unless you’re mean to me first; then I’m a bitch. But really, you asked for it, so you can’t blame me,” I smiled innocently.

  “Well, this oughta be fun.”

  We pulled into the parking lot at the stadium, and I nervously looked around. People swarmed all around our car, but no one paid attention to who was in it. I glanced at Matteo before opening my door and sliding out.

  He exited and stood next to the door, not moving.

  “What are you doing?” I asked.

  He glanced down at his work attire and then back at me. “I need to change my clothes.”

  “Oh. I didn’t even think about that, but good idea.”

  I turned my back to the car as he scooted into the backseat to change. I thanked him in my head for being smart enough to bring a change of clothes. He would have looked ridiculous wearing slacks and a tie at the ball field.

  “Ready?” he asked from behind me, and I jumped. “Sorry.”

  “It’s fine.” I turned to look at him and wanted to scream. Nothing this guy wore covered up his good looks. “You look so different,” I said, noting his jeans and long-sleeved white shirt that hugged the muscles in his shoulders and arms perfectly. The ink from his tattoo showed a little more now, although I still had no idea what it was.

  “Thanks.” He arched an eyebrow. “I think?”

  “I’ve never seen you in jeans. You look cute.”

  Shit.

  “I just mean, you look nice in jeans. It’s a different look from your dress slacks.” I fumbled, trying to make my statement mean nothing, but clearly making it worse.

  I picked up our tickets at the window, and we headed in. My nerves should have calmed with Matteo by my side, but they were heightened. Heads turned in our direction when we passed by. His good looks called attention to us, and that was the last thing I wanted.

  “You ready for this?” I asked before we headed out of the tunnel and down the aisle.

  “Don’t worry, Cassie. I’ve got your back.”

  I swallowed my apprehension and stepped into the light of the outdoors and the rush of the crowd. I walked down the steps, inching toward our row of seats as Matteo followed right behind. My heart raced as I braced for hateful words or taunting that never came. I released a breath before pointing to our seats.

  I noticed all the mean wives staring at Matteo, their jaws agape at the sight of him. I sat down and faced them, suddenly filled with confidence. I pasted an obviously fake smile on my face and said, “Close your mouths, ladies. You look ridiculous,” before turning my back to them.

  They gasped and whispered to each other, and I decided not to give a shit. At least not for tonight.

  “That was awesome.” Matteo leaned toward me, whispering.

  “I’m sure I just signed my death warrant with the baseball wives, but I don’t care.”

  I looked around the stadium and down toward the dugout for any signs of Jack. I hated when he didn’t pitch. It wasn’t as much fun watching the game when he wasn’t playing. And the bullpen for the pitchers couldn’t have been any further away from where our seats were. The way the bullpen was situated, I rarely even caught sight of him.

  Someone cleared her throat, forcing me to look up. “Trina. Where were you last night?”

  “Sorry, girl, I had to work. Who is this?” She extended a tanned hand toward Matteo as she eyed me curiously.

  “I’m Matteo. I’m Jack and Cassie’s friend. It’s nice to meet you.” He paused, clearly enamored with the beautiful woman. “Trina, is it?”

  “Yes. It’s nice to meet you as well.” Everything she said sounded prettier with her accent. “May I sit next to you, Cassie?” she asked before tossing her purse in the seat to my left.

  “Like you have to ask. Please sit your bony ass down next to me.”

  “I thought you said all the wives were mean?” Matteo’s voice flirted a
s Trina leaned over me.

  “They are. They’re horribly mean. Everyone except for me,” Trina said, her cleavage on full display beneath her sand-colored V-neck blouse.

  My phone beeped and I reached for it, noting a text message from Melissa.

  Who is that hot piece of ass sitting with you?

  She’d attached a picture of Matteo leaning toward me. I typed back:

  That’s Matteo. He’s our driver.

  Holy hell. He can drive me anytime he wants!!!

  Her response made me laugh out loud. Matteo peered over my shoulder at the text message. “Who said that?”

  Embarrassed, I hid my screen and shoved my phone into my purse. “My best friend, Melissa. She’s crazy.”

  “So,” Trina asked softly. “What I miss last night?”

  “Oh, just some fans giving me shit. And the wives sitting here doing nothing while it all happened. I hated that you weren’t here.”

  “I saw the paper.” She frowned, an expression that looked unnatural on her face.

  “Has that ever happened to you?” I hated the way hope coursed through me, but I desperately needed someone to relate to how my mind raced and my pride hurt.

  “Of course.” She placed her hand over her heart. “But I’m already in the public eye a lot for work, so it’s different.”

  “Different how?”

  “I’m used to it. I’ve dealt with this kind of shoddy stuff for years. I feel bad for you because I know how uncomfortable it feels.”

  “That’s it! That’s the perfect word for it.” I looked between Matteo and Trina. “It’s so freaking uncomfortable.”

  She placed her hand on top of mine. “I know. And I’m sorry you’re going through it, but you’ll be OK. Don’t let them get to you.”

  “I’m trying. It’s a lot easier when you’re here,” I said meaningfully.

  “Hey! What am I, chopped liver?” Matteo interjected.

  I answered “yes” as Trina answered “no” at the same time.

  Cheers filled the stadium as the sound of a bat cracking echoed into the night air. I snapped my head toward the field in time to see the small white ball fly over the wall in center field and into the stands. The crowd screamed and hooted wildly, and the three of us clapped and high-fived each other like we’d just hit the ball.