“Hell, Zane,” Reed interrupts my internal celebration, his smile wide. “You absolutely dominated that practice. Seems like the media lit a fire in you.”
I roll my eyes, biting back a smirk. “Why are you here, Reed? I didn’t think you’d been cleared to play?”
“I haven’t. Yet.” He frowns and, of course, lets my comment slide, even though it was a dick thing to say. “Don’t worry.” His smile returns. “I’ll be ready soon. I need to keep on top of things until then.”
“So that’s why you’re here? It’s got nothing to do with you wanting to look out for me? Wanting to be here formyfirst practice back?”
“Definitely not.” He laughs to himself, waving me off as he wanders away.
And next comes Thomas. Quarterback. Team captain. And a genuinely nice guy. Meaning…it’s hard to be a dick to him. Believe me, I’ve tried.
“I think he’s really here because Hayley’s filming a new role in LA, and he’s lonely.” He winks and I bark out a laugh.
“Poor Reed.”
Thomas only lets his smile linger for a beat before his expression turns serious and my buzz leaves me. “What’s up, Cap?”
“You played well out there, but I need you to take it easy for your first couple of days.”
For fuck’s sake. “I’ve been cleared. I’m good. The doctors made me wait longer than necessary so the fucking scratch didn’t tear. Again.”
“You’re not fooling anyone with this scratch business. A scratch wouldn’t have kept you from the game for a month. You need to accept the fact that we’re looking out for you. We wantyou ready for your first game.Iwant you ready. I know you’ve been training. You’re fit. But when it comes to head-on tackles and drills, I need you to ease into it. At least for this week.”
I smile while the urge to tell Thomas to fuck right off is strong. “Thanks, Cap. I appreciate the concern. I’ll take it easy.”
“Good.” He smiles back, somewhat relieved. “Los Angeles won’t know what hit them when you get on that field.”
“Hell, yeah.” I nod as he walks away, but the second I turn to my locker, my face drops.Los Angeles.My first game is against L-fucking-A. In all the excitement of getting to play, I never bothered to check the schedule. My first game back, and I’m playing against Nathan-douchebag-Morgan. The reason my sister and I were out driving that goddamn night to begin with.
A rage simmers inside me. That asshole’s been my biggest rival since high school and... My thoughts trail off as I picture his smug face and my anger clears.
I’m looking at this all wrong. I get to play against Nathan.
Looks like I finally caught a break. Thomas is right. LA…you better be fucking ready.
CHAPTER NINE
Blair
I’m curled up on the somewhat comfortable armchair in our unnecessary home office, when my phone vibrates across the desk.
I jump, startled, dropping my book as I stand.
JENNA: Thank God you rejected me because look at this hunk of junk
A photo comes through of a gorgeous specimen of a man, and a laugh escapes me, a weightlessness taking over.
Yesterday she was on a date with a hot young businessman from New York, and the day before she met a beautiful redhead when we were out for a walk. I don’t know how she keeps up. Some days I struggle to keep up with Nathan.
JENNA: Should I take him home?
Smiling, I sit back on the chair, typing my response. She’s trying to distract me after I told her about Nathan’s game against Zane. She’s been doing it all week
BLAIR: I’m tired just thinking about your dating life…
BLAIR: But if you’re not… Go for it
JENNA: Done. Thanks girl
