I pull my car into my driveway, frowning at the expensive sports car already sitting there. It can’t be Ryan’s because he drives a huge pickup truck. I park behind the car, open my door, and get out.

The sports car’s door opens, and my world closed in. “Dean?”

“Ash, baby,” Dean says, moving to me and taking me into his arms before I can shove him away.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, finally pushing him away and taking a step back.

“I’ve been traded to Raleigh. I’m their new running back.”

“But that’s Ryan’s position.”

“It was his position, and now it’s mine.”

“But you play for The Heat.” None of this makes any sense.

Dean shakes his head, taking my hands in his. “I know you don’t understand sports, Ash, but when players are traded, that means one stays and the other goes. Ryan’s leaving.”

“That’s news to me.” Ryan hasn’t said a damn thing to me. Except, I agreed to not believe anyone talking about his career but him. That doesn’t make everything okay, but it does make me feel a little better.

“I’m sure he has his reasons.”

I yank my hands away. “What are you doing here?”

“Thought I’d stop by to see what you were up to.”

“Now that you’ve seen me, you can leave,” I say, determined to not say another word about Ryan or show how I feel right now. I just want Dean to leave so I can go to Ryan and get the truth.

He touches my cheek. “I think we should give things another try. I’ve really grown since we’ve been apart and I miss you. I didn’t realize how much until I actually saw you.”

“Get the hell off my property or else.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“Wanna bet?”

“Just listen to me, Ash.”

“Remember that time you told me not to be violent?”

He laughs. “Ridiculous, I know. You wouldn’t hurt a fly, not even if it was biting the ever-loving shit out of you.”

“Dean?”

“Yeah?”

“I’ve changed.” I let my fist fly. It lands with a satisfactory crunch against his nose, even as pain explodes in my fingers. “Holy shit, that hurts.”

His hands fly up as blood goes everywhere. “What the hell, Ash!” He leans his head back, moaning and groaning against his palms.

“Wow, Dean, you don’t look so good.”

His eyes widen in response.

“Let me help you to your car.” With my good hand, I open the door and manage to smack his knee.

“Fuck!”

“I’m so sorry, Dean. You remember how clumsy I am.”

“Not really,” he says, folding himself into the driver’s seat.

“Then let me remind you,” I say, then swing the door shut on his leg.

He lets out another howl of pain.

Finally, I break down and really let my anger out, “That’s for leaving me on our wedding day, you selfish pig!” I throw my whole body against the car door, smashing his leg again. “And that’s for assuming you knew what I wanted without asking me. And for showing up here, sniffing around me like I’d take you back. You thought you could slide right back into my life since I’m convenient for you.”

“I’m sorry, okay. I made a mistake.” Dean shouts. I make to hit the door against him again, but stop at the last second. “Son of a bitch, Ashley. Stop.”

“I hope the Renegades lose every game you play in and realize you’re a bad-luck charm, then kick your ass to the curb, loser.” I dust off my hands, ignoring the throbbing pain. “Now, unless you want to go another round, I suggest you leave.”

Dean can’t shut his door fast enough. Tires smoking, he speeds out of here, leaving marks on my driveway.

“That felt so freaking good,” I shout, then look around with a bashful grin.

Then it hits me... and all the happiness at finally telling off my ex fades. Ryan’s leaving, and he hasn’t told me a damn thing about it.

Just like Dean, he’s going to blindside me.