“You’re departing after this season, leaving a huge gap of leadership. It’d be a disservice to this program to not grow the next leader. I want you to pick the captain and mentor them. The team looks to you as their guide. Who else should share the news of who will lead them with their character? Titles are meaningless unless people are brought into your vision. I truly believe that, and I have a feeling you do too. Now, think about it for a few weeks, and next time we’re both free, we’ll chat.”
“You got it, Coach.”
He held out a fist, and I bumped it. He strutted toward the other side of the field where some other coaches lingered, all laughing and staring at a phone. Summer vibes were different than the fall, where there was more relaxing and less pressure. Never less focus. Not with Coach Benson driving the ship.
I ran a hand through my hair, the water from the shower not drying with this humidity, and I had this restless energy that started in my chest and wiggled its way down to my legs. Did I want to run? Or walk? Or work out again? Or… what? I didn’t have a job, and I didn’t have anything I had to do, and I wanted something to help me work out my complicated feelings.
Mack.
The answer was so easy, so obvious, that I smiled. It was noon, hot as heck, and a perfect time for a swim.Skinny dippingwas on her list, after all.
Dean: You busy today?
That sounded like a booty call, and after we parted a few days ago, I didn’t want her feeling that. She’d been so patient and kind with me, and my chest tightened. I’d definitely avoided her the last two days, trying to get my shit together and exploring more online counselors. I even had an introductory call to just…work on my shit. But ghosting her for two days after that concert was a dick move. I scrubbed my face with my hand.
Dean: My coach dropped some weird news on me, and I need a distraction. A naked one.
Dean: Damn it. I meant to say NOT a naked one. Unless you wanted it to be? Shit. I’m making this worse.
Dean: I’d love to hang out with you if you’re not busy. Whatever you want to do. List or no list. I missed seeing you the last two days.
Mack: You’ve lost your touch, Romano. Is this flirting? It’s horrible.
I grinned, hard. Yeah, I’d fucked up the texting because I didn’t want her feeling like a hookup, because she was more than that. It was a summer flingonly,but she deserved to know I liked being around her for more than how hot she was.
Dean: It wasn’t horrible. It got you to respond.
Mack: Out of PITY.
Dean: You’re so selfless—put me out of my misery and spend time with me
Mack: So, we don’t talk for three days and then you wanna hang?
Damn. Had I hurt her? I wanted to give her space after thatnight felt heavy. Plus, I was embarrassed. It was about me, not her, but fuck. She could’ve easily taken it that way.
Dean: I’d like to explain in person if you’d let me. I’m sorry I upset you.
Mack: I’m about to dye my hair neon green if you want to help?
Dean: I’ll be there in ten.
Neon green? She would. She’d look good too. I scratched my chest as I walked toward my car, my body already lighter knowing I’d talk to Mack. She reserved all judgement and actually listened to me when we talked. So many people listened just to respond to me. They weren’t actively hearing what I said. They were so worried about their response that the conversations weren’t real. They wanted to impress me or say the right thing or get something out of me.
Mack said whatever she wanted and was thoughtful in responding.
It’d be good to see her. It’d settle this unnerving feeling that had grown the last few days. It rivaled the same sensation of being on the field after a few days off.
I parked near her place and sprayed cologne on my neck because I wasn’t a Neanderthal. Plus, she said she liked how I smelled, and I wanted to hear it again. Compliments from her hit different. No other way to say it.
After knocking on her door, my stomach fluttered like pregame nerves. Nerves were an expression of passion and wanting to do right. Rationally, I knew why I got the flutters before a game, but now? Was I nervous to see Mack?
The door flung open, and she stood there in a… trash bag?
“Hi?” I tilted my head to the side, checking her out. Her legs were on display, and that was it. “Are you naked under there?”
“No.” She ushered me in.
I walked past her, breathing her in, and without overthinking, I ran a hand over her face and collarbone, admiring the racing pulse at the base. She stared at me like I mattered andnotjust because I played football. Her full lips were curved up, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes…. they sparkled at me.
