"They're not the relationship police. And Drakes is long gone."
I rested for a count of thirty before starting again. "Doesn't matter." I pumped out another set of fifteen reps then dropped the weight to the floor.
"You're going to do that with your injured fucking arm aren't you?"
At the cable machine, I settled the soft strap over my cast. I pulled against the weight to engage my left bicep.
Seager grimaced. "Heh, you're something. But, I think you're just playing the tough guy—so focused on the game. Gotta win." He scoffed and made some exaggerated gesture. "Maybe get a shot at the draft." Held his hands up around his mouth: "Hahh."
He pointed at me as I restarted my reps.“But you're just taking the easy way out."
"Like this is fucking easy." I sucked in a sharp breath as pain stabbed through my arm.Fuck!I pulled the strap and released the weight stack.
"Football has rules. Love doesn't. Your softball chick's not going to wait.” He clicked his tongue and hefted the curl bar from its stand. “Probably already moved on."
I grabbed my left shoulder. Dug my fingertips into the edges of theworst of my scars. Still couldn't feel anything, but sometimes, I could swear the blasted thing itched.
"And before you say it, because I know what a moody sonofabitch you can be.” He pumped through a set of reps. “I don't sit the bench for a guy she'd be better off without. So don't piss me off."
"You're always pissed off."
He gritted his teeth and growled at me. "This…is my happy face."
"Let's go!" Sato's voice boomed, bringing me back to the present.
With a shout, we took the field.
Chapter Thirteen
MADDOX
February 14
Charity Flag Football Game
Seager grabbed my shirt and held up his fist. Jaw tight, eyes dark. "This ain't over."
"It’s for charity," I grumbled and shoved at him. He held tight.
"You’re a charity! A whole fucking charity case in one stupid grunt body."
Typical Seager. Normally, I'd roll my eyes and walk away, but Ella…she’d been rightthere. So close. And I’d missed my chance. Again!
I gripped his hand, pulling it from my shirt as I bowed up. "You know what, do it. Fucking hit me. I need a good fight. But I guessyour sorry asswill have to do."
"Stop!"
Her voice. She was still here? I lookedaway for a fraction of a second, and he punched me in the gut. Air rushed from my lungs.Shit.
"Seriously, Beaux? What the hell’s your problem?"
He stepped back and pointed at Ella. "This her?"
"You’re better than this." She moved between me and Seager. "I expect better than whatever this is."
My lungs locked out, I couldn't get air.Wait, is she protectingme?
"Figures it's her." He slicked his hair back.
