After the punt return, I glanced at Coach, who ticked his head at me. Running onto the field, I took my position behind the defensive line. The Frogs liked to pass, so Penny had me covering their receiver. The guy was fast, but I’d watched a ton of game footage on him, so I knew the routes he’d take.
Their center snapped the ball to their quarterback, and the receiver headed straight for me. With a smirk, I hightailed it toward him. Was he making this easy for me?
The Frog receiver shifted left and turned.
“Fuck.” I bolted after him.
The ball spiraled in the air toward us.
As I raced in front of the receiver, I swatted the ball down, and it bounced in a haphazard pattern across the grass.
“Fucker.” Planting his hands on his hips, the receiver shook his head and then paced to me, his face close under the mask, glaring at me. “That was almost pass interference.” He clenched his teeth for a beat. “You'd better watch yourself, Dawson.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? It was nowhere near interference.” Heat prickled across my chest. Would this guy play dirty? I was supposed to cover him for most of the game.
With a scowl, he spat next to my cleats in the grass and then turned his glare on me again, stabbing his finger into my chest pad. “Watch yourself.”
Flicking my gaze at the ref, who was watching us closely, I up-nodded at him and said, “Keep it up. You’re about to get a penalty.”
“Fuck off.” The receiver stomped away as his team called a time-out.
Penny jogged to me. “What the hell was that about?” His gaze darted across my face.
“Nothing. The guy’s a typical cocky wide receiver. He thinks his shit doesn’t stink.” With a cackle, I slapped Penny on the shoulder pad. “Don’t you worry about me.”
“Good. I see your head is fully in the game tonight.” Penny held his gloved fist to mine.
I hit his fist with my own. “Damn right.” For once, there wasn’t any drama on the field. I hoped it stayed that way, but I knew better. Especially with the situation between Wren and his father. We lined up for the next play.
After the game,which we won by ten points, and the post-game rituals, I drove home with Malik in my truck. Wren wouldmeet me at the house. We’d had a relaxing time last night with the guys, playing Madden, and Wren wasn’t half bad at it. But he’d left without fooling around.
Which was okay since I’d had him earlier in the day. But tonight, I was prepared to give him what he’d asked for.
“Thinking about the game?” Malik propped his arm on the windowsill and wrapped his fingers in the grab handle above the glass.
“Uh…” Shit, he had me. “Yeah, we played well tonight.” I took a turn off the major boulevard and into our neighborhood.
“We did. A win is a win.” He chuckled. “I’m going to see if the guys want to hit the gay bar.” He swung his gaze to me. “Would you and Wren be interested?”
My brows shifted up. I could have the house alone with Wren. “Uh, no, I don’t think so.”
“I’m sure you have more pressing plans with yourboyfriend.” Shaking his head, he chuckled. “You two sure are getting close. Have you confessed yet?” He raised his chin.
“Confessed? Our love?” I slowed the car as we neared the house. Wren might be here already. “No, not yet.”
“But you are, aren’t you? In love?” His full attention was on me. “I mean, you once told me Wren was the only man you ever loved. The glances exchanged between you were plain, even on the field.”
Pulling into the driveway, I spied Wren’s car parked in the street. “I…” Yes, I fucking did. But if I admitted it to Malik before saying the words out loud to Wren, was I committing some sort of betrayal? I wouldn’t want Malik to say something unintentionally to make Wren angry with me. “Wren’s here, so let’s drop it.”
“Sure.” He patted my thigh. “Your secret is safe with me.” He waggled his brows and stepped out of the truck.
Great, more secrets we didn’t need. With a tsk, I climbed down and joined Wren on the walkway.
Wren greeted Malik with a side hug and then strolled to me. “Hey, you played well tonight.” Tugging on my shirt, he pulled me down to his level and planted a sweltering kiss on my lips. “Can’t wait to get you in bed.”
Curling the edge of my mouth, I said, “Good. I’ve got a little surprise for you.” I chuckled. “Okay, maybe a big surprise.” I opened the door for us, and we stepped inside with Malik following.
Patting Wren on the back, Malik said, “Hey, Wren. Your ankle is looking better.”
