“I thought maybe we could…”
My jaw clenched at the fact she was doing this here. This was my work. My job. Not a late-night pick-up.
So I kept it professional. “Nice to see you again, Sierra.” I waved a hand at the cameraman. “Take care.”
I was crossing the field when I felt it. The ice-cold liquid that suddenly cascaded down my entire back along with the cackle of J.C. and Krew.
And I couldn’t help but smile. I lived for this high.
Shaw: I’ve already got a table.
I thumbed a reply as I made my way into Laces Out. Most of the team went to this particular bar and grill on game nights. They served players one free drink and half off appetizers to everyone else. The owners were alumni, and school spirit was a given. Cougars banners hung on the wall, along with a huge flat-screen TV that housed every game we played. I stepped inside the rustic building, the old wooden floors scuffed from years of wear.
“Great game, Coach!” someone yelled over the music as I passed the hostess stand.
I waved, pressing forward through the crowd before I spotted Shaw raising his palm in a corner booth.
He was laughing, a beer to his lips as Theo held his arms across his chest, glaring at the scenery.
“What’s his problem?” I asked Shaw as I slid in next to Wes.
Shaw just shrugged and stole a chip from the basket at our table.
“He’s in a mood.” Wesley locked his phone and slid it onto the table. “I think he needs to get laid.”
“Heis right here.” Theo gave us his version of an eye roll. “Andheis just fine.”
“We came out with a win.” Shaw nudged him. “Fuck, man, smile a little.”
“I smile,” he countered. “I smiled at Hazel last week.”
“That doesn’t count.” Wesley lifted his own beer. “You can’t help but smile at the little princess.”
“He’s got a point,” I added as I rested my arm on the back of the booth.
The bar was packed, and even though I shouldn’t be, I was scanning the crowd. Looking for someone very specific.
“What did you think of the defense tonight?” Wesley leaned back. “Think Rook can hang?”
Rook was the new transfer who had a heart the size of Texas and the ego to go with it.
“He’s young. Give him a year. He’ll be unstoppable.” Theo offered before he uncrossed his arms and reached for a chip.
I was just about to add in my two cents when my phone rang.
Fishing it from my pocket, my chest burned when I saw the flashing name.
Silver Ridge.
“I gotta take this,” I muttered before slipping from the booth.
It didn’t take long to travel to the back exit around the corner, then I was answering the call.
“Hey, Millie.”
“Hey, Preston.”
Her voice was soft, like she hated making this call. I understood.
