“They’re not the enemy. They’re coworkers in different laundry.” He pauses. “And I swear, if I see anyone launching like a missile because you ‘felt the moment,’ you will be running until your grandchildren feel it.”
“This is not your opportunity to prove you can break six tackles and go viral. I know you’re strong. I drafted you. I don’t need a demonstration.” He narrows his eyes. “We’re here to evaluate. Execution. Communication. Footwork. Assignments.”
He claps once.
“Anyone who forgets that and starts playing backyard football will enjoy watching the rest of practice from the sideline.” Another pause. “And if you so much as injure our startingquarterback because you couldn’t throttle down?” He blows out a breath. “I will personally make you wish tackling was the worst thing that happened to you today.”
He steps back.
“Remember. We get paid to play in September. Not to be heroes in August.”
“Go Seals!” Nolan shouts.
The kickoff team charges onto the field and I take the opportunity to wave to Addy. She raises a Seal flag into the air. Where did she get a flag?
“Edwards!” Coach Knox shouts. “On the field!”
I startle. I missed the kickoff. Head in the game, Edwards. Head in the game.
We line up and Nolan yells a cadence. “White 80!”
The ball snaps. Nolan pivots and presses the ball into my stomach at the mesh point. I clamp down on it and explode toward the line.
The defense crashes inside. A linebacker shoots the gap. Wrong choice.
I hesitate for half a heartbeat — just enough to let my right guard seal the edge — then I plant my foot and cut outside.
Daylight.
A cornerback angles toward me. I drop my shoulder and stiff-arm him into next week.
The crowd roars.
I don’t look at the sideline. I don’t look back. But I know she’s watching.
Twenty yards.
Ten.
Five.
I cross the goal line untouched. Touchdown.
I flip the ball to the ref like it’s routine. But it’s not routine. Because this one? This one’s for Addy.
I search the crowd until I lock eyes with her. She’s jumping up and down in the stands and screaming my name.
What I wouldn’t do for her to attend every single one of my games. Cheering me on. Smiling at me like I’m the only player on the field.
I couldn’t love her anymore if I tried. Addy Price is mine.
Chapter 28
Who knew touchdowns come with heart palpitations?
Addy
“Penelope, we need to go.”
