Colton’s father, on the other hand, had gone the pragmatic route. He sternly reminded his boys that their actions reflected on the entire family, and they would regret the day if they ever did something so incredibly stupid. He advised them they would never play professional sports, or even get into a decent college program, if they had idiotic blemishes on their records.
His father’s sobering words also stuck with Colton his entire life.
Be the best, don’t fuck up, and never, ever bring shame to the family.
***
The next week, the team was running drills on the practice field when Colton noticed a group of people gathered on the sidelines, unpacking and setting up equipment.
Today must be the video shoot.
A few moments later, a lone figure sauntered down the sideline toward the group. He had a confident gait, fit body, brown hair, and was dressed in light-blue chinos and a tight-fitting pale-yellow polo shirt.
I wonder if that’s him?
When the man reached the group, he immediately began directing people to certain tasks.
Yep, he’s clearly in charge. That must be him.
Chapter 3
Dean
On the sidelines, Dean got everything in order for the video shoot. He spotted Coach Shepherd on the field and ran over to introduce himself.
“Coach Shepherd, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Dean Harris, or DJ DVLN.” Dean shook the coach’s hand before continuing. “I just wanted to thank you so much for allowing us to do this. I’m a huge Niners fan, so this really is a dream come true!”
Coach Shepherd smiled at Dean’s exuberance. “Well, that’s awesome! Anything for a fan.”
“I promise, we won’t get in your way or interfere with your practice,” Dean reassured him. “And if we do, just tell us to move.”
“Sounds good. We’ve got four of our guys who volunteered to be in your video,” Coach Shepherd began.
Please, please, please let one of them be Colton Merrick.
“Bryce Parker, Greg Kirschner, Neil Byrd, and Colton Merrick. I’ll send them over to you when we’re done here.”
“Thank you, Coach!” Dean smiled calmly, but inside, he was doing backflips and a happy dance.Colton fucking Merrick!
Still sporting a massive grin, Dean trotted back toward the sideline, glimpsing Colton on the field. Colton was looking back at him, holding his helmet in his hand.
What a beautiful fucking man.
As the video director moved around the perimeter of the field, with Dean at his side, they filmed bits and pieces of plays from both the offensive and defensive practice sessions. They also spent some time with the kicking unit, filming various angles of field goals and punts. They filmed close-up shots of the offense hiking the ball, pushing the sleds, and tackling the defense.
“Parker, Merrick, Kirschner, Byrd!” Coach Shepherd yelled, and all four men jogged over.
“All right. You guys are dismissed from the rest of today’s practice.”
“Yes, Coach!” the four men said in unison, then turned and walked over toward Dean and the rest of the crew on the sideline.
Dean saw them coming and smiled with a wave.
“Hey, guys. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he greeted them.
“So…DJ…um,” Greg began.
“Oh, sorry! My name is Dean…you can call me Dean. DJ DVLN is my stage name. Actually, my middle name is Devlin. So, that’s where it comes from,” Dean stammered, feeling a bit nervous at meeting the players he's lusted after for years. He shook their hands, saving Colton for last.
