It’s the worst excuse in the history of excuses, so it’s no surprise when he presses me.
“Were you drinking?”
“No, sir.”
His features go tight and he studies me for what feels like an eternity. I’ve never been one to overindulge in alcohol, and Coach Walker knows it. “You get anymore nasty bruises like that and we’re going to need to look at your diet. You could have a vitamin deficiency.”
The only deficiency I’m suffering is my pride, but I nod, giving silent thanks my uniform hides the worst of the damage.
Coach Walker jogs off the field and I take my place on the line of scrimmage.
“What’s up?” Parker nudges me from his position to my right. “It’s not like you to miss a block.”
“It’s nothing.”
I’m careful to avoid an outright lie, but no way am I going to admit I was daydreaming about a woman.
“Bullshit.” Coop’s declaration carries down the line, and I don’t have to look to know he’s smirking. “Last time your face got that red, it was because a server at the Wildcat’s Den slipped you her number.”
“Oh, shit!” Parker croons. “I forgot all about Napkingate.” He turns to me, a crooked grin plastered on his sweaty face. “Talk about a missed opportunity.”
A month ago, I might have agreed with him, but now that I’ve met Piper? No way.
I’m about to say as much, but Coop beats me to the punch. “Missed opportunity is right. If our boy doesn’t find a woman soon, he’s gonna end up dating one of his cousins back in West Virginia.”
“Screw you,” I mutter, mentally giving him the finger. “My cousins don’t even live in West Virginia. They live in Kentucky.”
The asshole nearly keels over laughing.
“What’s so funny?” I demand.
“Kentucky,” he wheezes, still cackling like a twelve-year-old girl. “Jesus, Vaughn. You make it too fucking easy.”
“You guys want to shut the hell up so we can run this play or what?” Reid’s delivery is dry, but there’s an undertone of amusement in his voice. “I don’t know about you, but I’d like to win the game tomorrow.”
Damn right I want to win the game.
For Coach Walker.
For my boys.
For myself.
I’m not giving up on Piper, but right now, I need to focus on the team. I can’t—won’t—be the weak link. Not when there are so many dreams, so many futures, on the line. I may not be playing for a draft spot, but some of these guys are, and I’m not going to dick them over because I’m distracted.
We have an opportunity to break Waverly’s losing streak and put some respect on Big Ten football, our program, and on the hard work it’s taken to get us to 5-0. Fortunately, I’ve always been good at compartmentalizing, at prioritizing challenges.
And you can bet your ass when we take the field tomorrow, the only thing on my mind will be football.
9
PIPER
I duck into Flex,making a quick pit stop before I meet Jenna at the Wildcat’s Den to watch the Waverly-Nebraska game.
The receptionist desk is empty and I speedwalk back the hall, hoping to catch Mai before she starts her evening class. When I enter the studio, she’s on her phone, scrolling through play lists.
“Piper.” Her smile is warm and welcoming. “What brings you in today?”
