“I wonder what his wife thinks of that,” another answered. “I, for one, wouldn’t let my husband hang out with an ex.” Her nasally voice grated on my nerves, but the topic of conversation had me seeing fucking red.
How dare they judge her without knowing her situation? How dare they make comments on shit they didn’t understand?
I went through a similar situation when Sarah left. But instead of being met with viper-like jealousy, I was forced to bat away single moms who refused to take a hint. No matter how many times I declined their invites to coffee or dinner, they kept coming back like flies to shit.
“You know, she’s been hanging around Duke Bennett so much lately.” I felt their gazes land on my back. “I have to wonder what she’s playing at.”
“It won’t last,” the nasal lady said. “Duke hasn’t looked atanother woman since his ex-wife left him. Little Miss Celebrity isn’t going to change that.”
“She’s not even that pretty.”
And then they laughed. Fucking laughed like the comments on my romantic life were any of their business. Like they had any right to talk about Olivia as anything other than spectacular.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to say something. Anything.
I moved to turn around, ready to give them a piece of my mind when Olivia’s hand landed on mine. She was still looking forward, smiling as she watched the girls run the ball down the field. “It’s not worth it.”
“Someone should put them in their fucking place,” I growled.
Olivia laughed. “What would that do other than give them yet another thing to talk about? It’s all gossip, Duke. It doesn’t matter.”
“They shouldn’t even be talking about you.”
“And yet they are.” She laughed, turning toward me. “Whether you say something or not, our names will be on their lips.”
At the mere mention of her lips, my gaze dipped to her mouth.
“Insatiable,” she muttered, shaking her head.
“Let me set the record straight,” I said, leaning forward. “Let me give them something better to gossip about.”
Olivia was quiet for a moment, glancing to the concession stand where Grady and Charlie were still in line. “If they start talking, you know it’ll be around town before we ever leave the game.”
“So?” Honestly, I didn’t care. Let them know. Let them talk. I wanted the whole goddamn town to know she was mine.
Even if she hadn’t admitted it to herself yet.
“You will when kids ask Harper about it at school. Or when my brother questions you about what’s going on.”
I snorted. “Harper loves you. She’d understand that this is the happiest I’ve been in years. And as for your brother, remember that he’s already asked me about my intentions toward you. Your ex-husband, too.”
“Oh my god,” she muttered, covering her face with her hands. “They’re so embarrassing.”
“They care,” I said, prying her hands away. “I’d do the same if I were in their shoes.”
I could see the gears turning, the mental battle she was waging against herself. “Duke, I?—”
“Come on… Let me show you off, honey.”
We’d gravitated so close without realizing it. My gaze dipped to her lips yet again.
“Mom, look! Dad let me get two bags of sour Skittles!” Charlie came bounding up, holding two lime green bags of sweets.
Olivia forced a smile. “He did, did he?” She looked up at Grady, clearly judging him for being so wrapped around their daughter’s finger. “He just can’t say no.”
“Nope!” Charlie beamed. “I’m going to go give the other bag to Harper.” She ran off toward the sidelines, sitting on the ground next to her best friend.
“He,” Grady emphasized, returning to his seat, “was trying to buy you two idiots some time so you’ll quit eye-fucking one another and make a move so those bitter bitches behind you will finally shut up.” He took a sip of his drink. “They’re getting on my nerves.”