Dimitri’s phone call with his dad proved that we’re going to have to deal with this one way or another. I couldn’t finish off Coach, but I can finish the trial with a quick confession… if it comes to that.
“Knox, heads up!” one of the guys yells before throwing the ball.
I catch the perfect spiral and point at him. “Let’s run the play!”
I’ll worry about morals and court cases later. Right now, I’m needed by the team and I’m keeping my word. Carpenter and our team are getting to the playoffs.
Fourteen
JAXON
Ifeel good, really good. Sleeping with Hope without her tearing at my face is new and amazing. Dimitri got Knox’s spot lastnight because Hope mildly panicked in her half-asleep state when she didn’t have me next to her.
It’s a huge boost to my ego and considering the game tonight, it’s badly needed. She, however, woke up a few times, muttering and whimpering as she twisted between us. Dimitri moved closer, spooked her, and I had to talk her back into relaxation as Dimitri nuzzled her back and tangled their legs.
We didn’t have practice today or a workout. Instead, we went over plays again, Coach Carpenter reminded us to play clean because we can’t afford to have anyone ride the bench or get injured at this point, and now we have a few hours to wander, time to eat, and a fixed time to get back.
Which brings me right to Hope’s office.
“Hi, sweetheart. Are you feeling nicer after this morning?” I ask.
Her face twists in annoyance and hurt as she puts down her files for today. “I’m annoyed with myself, not you or—”
“Yeah, Dimitri knows. He didn’t take it personally, but maybe he should,” I tease while stepping closer to her. “I’m obviously your favorite.”
“Clearly, you’re my favorite punching bag. Don’t get too excited,” she says while her face heats.
I stroke her cheek and watch her blush deepen. I grin and move even closer, crowding her space. If she’s going to get better, she has to get used to being a little uncomfortable so she can push herself when it matters. I know that.
“So, whose jersey are you going to wear tonight?”
“No one’s!” she argues.
“Oh, going to go nude? I don’t think we rehearsed that play. If you flash the other team at just the right time—”
“Jax!” she yells. She looks around and huffs before giving a slight smile. “You’re the one who would be distracted, and you know I’m wearing my uniform.”
“A shame on both accounts then,” I say while tugging her shirt. “Although, I do love a woman in uniform.”
“You’re ridiculous. Out. We’re not staying here. You need to eat and to stretch, plus you need to get ready and I know you’re getting yourself worked up in the wrong way.” She shoves me towards the door, but I notice the flowers then.
“Who’s getting you flowers, Hope?”
“Oh, those. I don’t know. Card didn’t come with a name. It doesn’t matter. I don’t like them.”
I’m about to sass her about having a secret boyfriend when I realize they’re daisies. So many daisies. Tattered in some areas, but the yellow center still obvious. I just stare at them while fighting the thoughts threatening to drag me down.
“I just don’t want…”
Not yours to protect.
“Please, Jax, just understand. I just…”
Her voice, so broken and soft, the way she was pleading for things that she wouldn’t explain, the weight she was losing, how she wouldn’t open her door.
“Daisy, please. Open up. Please. We can go to the mall. We can do anything,” I insist.
“I just want to be alone. Please. Please, Jax,” she says.
