But here I am.
And when his tongue slides against mine with so much hope, so much promise, I know I’ll regret it forever if I don’t dive into this thing.
I’m ready to move on.
I just didn’t realize I’d be doing it with Atlas’s best friend.
CHAPTER 26
TYRELL
Since Dani and I have officially started dating, it’s been a flurry of text messages and phone calls as we try to squeeze in every second of time we can between her job, my classes, homework, football training, and gym workouts. Thankfully, football isn’t too intense. The coaches are just keeping the team fit and steady until the season begins and training intensifies. I won’t even be playing, but I’m still turning up to every practice and giving it my all.
I can’t wait for today’s to be over, because Dani is waiting for me. She’s not working tonight, so we’ll be going on our first official date. Well, not our first date. We’ve done a bunch of doubles, but this will be the first one just the two of us.
Exam prep can wait. Everything can wait.
All that matters tonight is my girl.
Wow, feels weird saying that, but that’s what she is, right?
My girl.
This sensation I’m still getting used to whistles through my chest. I scratch between my pecs, not entirely sure how to manage it. This thing with her is different from anything I’ve felt before.
I’ve booked us into an Italian place on the outskirts of town. I want to take her somewhere away from campus, so there’s less chance of prying eyes and nosy neighbors near our table.
“Jackson! Let’s go!” Coach yells, and I throw myself into the drill, making sure the freshman practice squad I’m working with is getting the most benefit out of our session.
We work on blocking, and then Coach pulls a few of us aside to focus on his “snap-punch” move. I demonstrate the technique I’ve been using all season, and the guys follow me easily. They’re gonna be good. These young ones are fast and aren’t afraid of the defensive line. Hopefully they’ll move up to second-string over the next year and get some field time.
I work with each of them, perfecting their ability to snap the ball, then quickly be ready to block.
“Nice.” I nod. “Now, next time, bring your foot forward and really punch out with your hand. It’s a springing movement, not a swipe.” I show them what I mean, and one by one they settle into position, snapping the ball, then punching out with their hands.
They all know this stuff. They’ve been playing ball for years. We’re just getting down to the finer details, working on their moves until they’re perfect. It only takes a second to make or break a game.
“Good work, good work.” Coach Jones claps as he walks past, checking in on each of the drills.
A sadness I don’t even understand sweeps through me when I realize that I’m not gonna be on this field for much longer. The coaches aren’t gonna be talking to me, yelling at me, encouraging me, berating sloppy play. There’ll be no team around me, no men to lead into battle.
Shit. My days of football are nearly over.
Standing tall, I rest my hands on my hips, grateful when Coach blows the whistle to bring us all in.
“Good work, gentlemen.” He stands on his usual box so he can see us all, and I stare up at him, not really listening as my mind wanders forward to the future.
Where will I be?
Probably Dallas. Mama’s really putting the pressure on to come home. She needs the support, and they’ve been missing me. We’re a tight family, and Cyrus in particular really needs me around.
It’s my duty to be there for him, right?
But what about Dani?The thought is like a punch to the stomach.
Am I seriously going to be leaving her in a few short weeks? We’re just getting started with this thing. Is that a good idea?
Maybe I should be making plans to stay in Nolan.
