When the program started, Bruiser walked up front and took the podium. He talked knowledgeably about the Brice Foundation and the important work they were doing. He related an emotional tale of a teenager whose life went from storybook to horror story in a matter of seconds—the long surgeries, the pain, and the shame of being disfigured—followed by a slideshow of kids in various stages of recovery from serious burns.
By the time the pretty boy was done, even tough-guy Zach Murphy—a known tightwad—wiped his eyes and pulled out his wallet as the bidding began for the charity auction.
Bruiser actively bid on several expensive items. He was the highest bidder on a few, but he sure as hell drove up the bids on others. Veronica opened her purse, too, participating in a spirited bidding war with Bruiser and Tyler for Mariners’ luxury suite tickets. Bruiser won, but he spent some big bucks to do it—ten times what the tickets were worth.
Afterward, an exhausted Elliot fell asleep in the back seat. Mac waited in the car while Bruiser carefully carried him into his foster family’s house. She rubbed a hand over her heart, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth at this glimpse of Bruiser’s tender side. When he came back out, she saw a different man. Yeah, she still saw his raw male beauty, handsome face, and muscles on muscles, but she also saw a generous, caring man who looked beyond a child’s imperfections and worked to heal his heart. Despite being labeled superficial and shallow, the real Bruiser beyond the slick underwear ads and hard-hitting football player had shattered the mold Mac and everyone else put him in tonight.
The big question was why did he hide this crucial part of who he was? Mac wanted to know, needed to know that Bruiser. But to know him like that required their relationship to move to a different level—a level Bruiser had already stated was off-limits.
Bruiser cast a melancholy smile in her direction as he got in the SUV. He pulled out of the driveway and steered toward the freeway. Mac studied his strong profile with that cleft in his chin, those chiseled features so perfect and flawless he could’ve been carved by a master’s hand. But to her the real person, with his flaws and weaknesses, was more beautiful and perfect than his outward appearance.
Bruiser shot a quick glance at her, catching her gawking at him. His mouth kicked up in his half smile. “Awed by my absolute awesomeness again, are you?”
Mac smiled back, picking up the teasing banter. “You’re a legend in your own mind.”
“Elliot likes you.” He sobered a little. Mac got the distinct feeling it was important to him that she got along with Elliot.
“I fell in love with him. He’s so damaged, so vulnerable, yet he has a sharp wit older than his years, and he’s so brave.”
Bruiser nodded. “I fell in love with him too. Not very many people can look beyond his burns to the real person inside. In fact, aside from the staff at Harborview and the mothers of the kids, I rarely run across a woman strong enough to treat a kid like him with acceptance and without pity. That’s really important to those kids.”
“I can only imagine how I’d feel.” Actually, she couldn’t begin to imagine how it felt to know people were staring at you everywhere you went.
“I try not to get involved too deeply because at the end of the day, I’m only one small influence in these kids’ lives. But Elliot is a different case, and he was from day one. All these other kids have family to support them, but not Elliot. At least not until his aunt and uncle return from their mission. For now, the staff, doctors, foster parents, and me—and now you too—are all he has.”
“I’m flattered to be included. I’m not sure I’ll be of much help, but I’m here.”
“You were more help than you realize. Elliot loved having a beautiful lady on his arm tonight, loved that the rookies were vying for your attention when you were with him. I didn’t love it much though.”
Mac frowned, attempting to process his words. “Love what?”
“The rookies. I almost bashed a few heads together.”
“Why would they bother you?”
Bruiser stared straight ahead, sucking his lower lip into his mouth. “I’m taking Elliot to that Mariners game Saturday. It’s a big deal for him to go out in public like this. Would you like to go? He could use the support.” He’d changed the topic and didn’t answer her question, and she’d really wanted an answer.
“Saturday?”
“Yeah.” Bruiser held his breath, as if hoping she’d say yes. “Please, for Elliot. I can tell he really values your company.”
Mac was torn, but she’d promised her father she’d spend the day with him. She’d been putting him off a bit lately. “I can’t. I promised my dad I’d help him.”
“Your dad, again? When do you get time for yourself?” Bruiser’s mouth drew into a thin line as he tapped on the steering wheel, the tension in the car as thick as bullshit in a locker room.
“I’m sorry.”
“So am I. Elliot will be sad.”
Mac really was sorry. She sighed, full of regret and something else. Fear. Fear of the way things were changing. Fear of turning a corner and never being able to go back to blissful ignorance. This Bruiser gave to others, had flaws and weaknesses.
Despite how physically impressive Bruiser might be, the man under the mask was even more irresistible.
Chapter 15—Free Agent
Bruiser slogged through fog as thick as the Puget Sound mudflats. An oppressive haze surrounded him, tightening its grip on his chest until his lungs burned from the effort of breathing. The cloying mud sucked at his feet and pulled him deeper,
