“She’s…” I stare up at the ceiling, searching for the words. “Amazing.”
“Oh my god. He’s in fucking deep, guys.” Weston shakes his head, puffing out his cheeks.
That’s when I know I’m well and truly fucked.
Weston, big brother and Captain America, looks worried.
“I’m not.” I throw up my hands in protest. “And it’s under control.”
Except I haven’t heard from her since last night and I’m spiraling.
“New York’s next. And half that crowd still thinks this team belongs to them. Donors. Cameras. Prince’s old-money crowd. The press circling like damn sharks in bloody water. You can’t be stupid in Manhattan.” Weston’swords hit hard because I know he’s right. We’ll be all over the news, reporters vying for headlines.
Callum stares straight ahead, hands folded in his lap.
“Be careful, Benny. This is the shit that gets guys cut.”
Callum doesn’t need to remind me of the tangled web I’m trapped in. I’m well fucking aware.
“Thanks, Callum. But I’ve got it.”
“Dude — you can pull any girl. Why her?” Weston squints at me, scrubbing his hand over the back of his neck.
I shrug. “I love a good challenge.”
The second it’s out of my mouth, I regret it. I make it sound like Tori’s a conquest. And she’s so much fucking more than that.
But I can’t admit that. Not here, not now.
Coach Keller flashes the lights, our two-minute warning, and the locker room kicks into hyperdrive. Everyone grabs their gear and shuffles out to the corridor.
“Benny — I hope you know what you’re doing.” Callum’s lips press together as he rises from the bench.
I have no fucking clue what I’m doing, but I’m not about to admit that.
“Under control, Cal. Don’t worry.”
Those lines feel like one of the biggest lies I’ve ever told in my life. None of this is under control — especially not my feelings for Tori — and that scares the absolute shit out of me.
I have one of the worst practices I’ve had since my rookie season.
I’m slow off the line.
Miss three-quarters of the passes.
Get beat by motherfucking Morrison.
“Steele, get your head out of your ass or I’m gonna bench you again!” Keller barks at me from the gate and my chest tightens.
Out of control.
This is what I get for fucking around with the owner’s daughter.
Dr. Sparks warned me.
My brothers warned me.
Tori warned me.
