“Yeah.” He nodded and scratched the back of his neck. “You know, I’ve spent a lot of time worrying about my place on the team this season,” he continued. “Last year, I was always just Matt’s younger brother, and I barely got off the bench. I felt like I only made the team because of him. Even without him here, I still felt like I didn’t deserve my spot. But spending extra time with everyone outside of practice, getting to know the team, well… I guess I just feel a little more part of things, you know?”
My heart warmed, but his words saddened me too. “You deserve your spot on the team just as much as anyone here tonight. You know you’ve always been a big part of things for me, right?”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Also, I always thought of Matt as justyourolder brother. Not the other way around.”
“I’m sure that’s not true,” he said, though he gave a shy smile. “Anyway, I just thought you should know that even if we don’t win next week, what you’ve done for the team, it’s made a difference to me. Even if Coach Foster can’t see it, you’re the one who’s leading the team. You’reourcaptain.”
I cleared my throat, which for some reason felt like it was closing up. “Thanks, man. I think we just aced team bonding. Do we hug now?”
Owen laughed and batted my outstretched arms away. “No, I think I’m good.”
“Thank God.”
A few of the guys called him over, but Owen hesitated.
“Go,” I encouraged. “If you compliment me again, I might just cry.”
“Darling Devils don’t cry,” he said with a laugh, before heading to join our teammates.
It was a little bittersweet hearing the name. I wasn’t sure I was a big bad Darling Devil anymore. With my brothers gone, I was just Parker. And I was beginning to feel okay with that.
Instead of rejoining the group I went over to where Seth was leaning on a tree watching the roaring fire.
“I’m still looking for a new best friend,” I told him. “But lucky for you, the lake’s frozen solid, so I can’t throw you in.”
He didn’t look at all concerned. “You couldn’t possibly replace me.”
“I feel like Owen would do a pretty good job. Bonus, he’s terrified of most girls and wouldn’t dare hit on my sister.”
“I didn’t hit on your sister. I just said she’s hot.”
“You really don’t like living, do you?”
Seth laughed. “Owen’s too nice. He couldn’t survive being your best friend.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. I guess I’m stuck with you.”
“I guess so.”
We both stared at the crackling flames. Standing with my friend, the sounds of the team’s laughter filling the air, was almost peaceful. At least, as peaceful as I could feel with Mackenzie sat only a short distance away.
“So, Elliot’s been causing trouble again,” Seth eventually said.
“What now?”
“He tried to stage a walkout a little while ago. Said the party sucked. I’m surprised he even showed up, to be honest. He hasn’t exactly been acting like part of the team.”
“Huh. Did anyone go with him?”
“Nope, he left on his own.” Seth paused and turned to look at me. “Wait, did you miss all this? I didn’t realize you were gone that long. Where have you been?”
“Uh, firewood,” I muttered. Was it just Seth and Owen who had noticed I’d disappeared or was everyone else onto us too?
“Yeah, your hair’s giving real I’ve-been-collecting-firewood vibes.”
I could still feel the way Mackenzie had gripped the ends of my hair as we kissed. Damn, that was hot. My hands itched to run through my hair and tame it. But I resisted. “Don’t lie, my hair’s fine.”
