Bad Boy’s Bridesmaid(51)
Jack’s hand curled into a fist, but he forced a smile. The smirk didn’t make him friendly. “I’m man enough to earn my women, Frank.”
“You man enough to own up to this mistake?”
“That van driver was at fault, the police said—”
“I don’t give a damn what the police said, Carson! You were in the accident. You were photographed bleeding. The other car doesn’t matter. They weren’t the multi-million dollar quarterback more concerned with what’s in his pants than his surroundings.”
“Do you want me out of my pants…or would you prefer I crawl up your ass, Frank?” Jack lost his temper. Already. “I’m the one who got in the accident. I’m the one who totaled a very expensive, very rare car. Where’s my are you okay, Jack? Or Are you hurt?”
“Now you listen here you little punk—”
Finn nervously spoke. “Let’s focus on the issue at hand.”
“This issue?” Frank practically snarled into the phone. “The issue is that the star quarterback for one of the most prestigious teams in the league is out every damn night picking up women, getting into trouble, and now recklessly driving and wrecking his car—”
Jack gripped his chair. He’d either break the arms or his fingers. “The accident wasn’t my fault—”
“Yes. This accident wasn’t your fault, but who knows what will happen next! You are worth millions of dollars—not just to yourself or your city, but to the league! What happens when those women sue you for damages? Or worse? What happens if one day a woman alleges you forced yourself on her?”
“Whoa!” Jack nearly ripped the phone from the table. “Let’s get something straight. I don’t have to force myself on anyone. Those women are begging me—”
“Yes, I’m sure that’s the case.” Jolene interrupted before Jack revealed too many of his exploits. “But, from a PR standpoint, the media will begin to spin Jack’s nights on the town as an aggressive male on the prowl for women. While many of his lady friends are…” She cleared her throat. “…charmed, by Mr. Carson, our surveys have shown an unfavorable opinion of his reputation.”
“My concern isn’t with his reputation, it’s with the league!” Frank must have pounded on his desk. “And I will not let Carson make a fool out of the entire, national organization because he chooses indecency over his responsibilities to his team.”
Jack was pissed enough to list his accomplishments. “I hold the single season passing record.”
Frank didn’t listen. “I can’t abide by this sort of behavior. He’s jeopardizing not only the league’s image—”
“And the single season touchdown record—”
“—But he’s also endangering himself to a personal liability—”
“—The team record for completions in a season—”
Frank’s voice rose, silencing everyone. “These instances of misconduct will come to an end. Fining him has done nothing in the past, so I have no other recourse.”
Finn waved a hand to silence Jack. “Mr. Bennett, what are you planning?”
“A four game suspension for now. I’m arranging an internal investigation and pursuing a contract termination and expulsion from the league.”
My heart sank. Jack nearly launched from the conference room.
“It’s the off-season!” He yelled. “Christ, training camp begins in two weeks. You’re going to expel me for doing absolutely nothing wrong eight weeks before the season starts?”
Finn frowned. “Mr. Bennett, I was on the phone with Coach Thompson…he didn’t mention anything about an expulsion—”
“Christ, I should have cracked my head through the windshield,” Jack said. “Maybe you wanted to see more blood.”
“I don’t take this decision lightly, Carson. And you should be grateful I don’t talk to Coach Thompson and recommend he cut you now and let you flounder while we sort out the details.”
Jack sneered. “Like a dozen other teams wouldn’t piss themselves to sign me.”
“Not if I introduce a good-conduct clause into all league contracts—starting this season. I’ll force you to behave or the entire team will be fined for your delinquency.”
“You can’t do that.”
“The preliminary language is with the player’s union now.” Frank paused. “No one will take a chance on you, Carson. You’re a risk and a liability and a PR nightmare. One day, you’ll pick the wrong fight or take home the wrong girl, and you won’t be as lucky as you are today.” He scoffed. “Three women last night, Jack?”
Jack couldn’t charm and rage at the same time. He threatened instead. “This is bullshit. I was giving those women a ride home.”
I braved a chance to jump into the conversation. “Mr. Bennett, a suspension or expulsion will only punish the Rivets and place Mr. Carson in the spotlight. If you feel discipline is the best course of action, we wouldn’t argue with you, but forcing more attention onto this issue will publicize the scandal.”
Frank exhaled. “I’m sorry, Ms. Williams, but Carson’s image hurts everyone. He is no role-model for the younger fans, and he does not project an impression of respect, decorum, or responsibility.”
Jack simmered, ready to blow. “How am I supposed to look responsible? Pick up litter in the park? Herd a family of ducklings across the road?”
Frank didn’t care for his tone. “How about presenting yourself as a functional member of society? Show up to practice, go home at night, and act like a reasonable adult. Find yourself one woman and settle your ass down!”
Just the words Jack didn’t want to hear, and yet…
His eyebrows arched.
He stared at me, lips curling into one of the smiles that would spell ruin for any woman he chased.
I never trusted Jack before, and I certainly didn’t now.
“You think people want me in a committed relationship?” Jack’s voice changed, suddenly excited. Thoughtful. Scheming.
Frank didn’t hesitate. “Yes. It would show you’ve matured. Grown. Become a wholesome, trustworthy man.”
“Well…” Jack’s smile grew, though he steadied his voice into a mockery of respectability. “As nice as that sounds for me...my girl deserves better than getting tossed to the media sharks.”
I frowned.
“Your girl?” Frank repeated.
“Why should I have to parade my girlfriend around to prove my behavior is honest?”
“Your…” Frank shared a moment of utter confusion with the rest of the room. “You have a girlfriend?”
Jack’s eyes darted to mine.
I silently mouthed to him. “What are you doing?”
He grinned. That was a bad sign. Jack was just getting started. He savored the attention and that meant everyone was in trouble.
“Yeah, I have a girlfriend. Long term. Which is why this whole issue is insulting to both of us.”
Jolene and Finn shared a puzzled look. They asked Jack the question at the same time.
“Who’s your girlfriend?”
His dimples flashed at me.
My stomach flipped. Twisted. Rebelled.
No way. He wasn’t about to drag me into this. He wouldn’t lie to save his own ass.
Would he?
I chilled in rage and warmed in indignation. The penetrating and undeniably fierce gaze of a prowling Jack Carson focused on me.
Yes, he would.
He would totally lie, and he would drag my reputation down with him.
He was going to use me to get out of trouble!
“We haven’t made it public…” Jack said.
His smile would slay me. My heart crashed against my ribs.
Don’t you dare.
He shrugged. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to let everyone know.”
He wouldn’t.
“Kiss, you know I’m crazy about you.”
I saw red. I’d never count to ten without exploding, so I tried in different languages, only making it to tres, trois, and drei before Jolene freaked out.
“You’re…you’re dating Leah?” She squealed.
No!
“Yes, ma’am. I’m head over heels for her.”
No, no, no!
I didn’t have the air left in my lungs after that gut punch. I stared at him, dumbfounded, trying to figure out how to scream without any breath.
“We’ve been keeping it quiet.” Jack looked too goddamned proud of himself. “You know how she is. Leah would rather put someone else in the spotlight. I think she cares about my career as much as she cares about me. She’s got a big heart. That’s what drew me to her in the first place.”
I’d kill him. I’d absolutely, positively kill him.
Was he trying to give me a stroke? Or get me fired? I denied his advances, but that was no reason to destroy my career! He was a lunatic!
Oh, sweet baby Jesus, he lied to the league president.
Frank’s voice hollowed. “You, Jack Carson, are in a committed relationship with your publicist?”
Jack wagged his eyebrows at me. I’d smack that smug grin off his face. “We wanted to keep it low-profile, but, with all the talk of running me out of the league, I’m sure Leah won’t mind vouching for me—her loving boyfriend and biggest client.”