“What the hell?” Rubbing the spot, I pull away from Indie, who is now wide-eyed and trying not to laugh.
“Dude, I amsosorry,” a guy who looks like he’s in college says, jogging up to us. He bends to pick up the projectile—a frisbee—with a wince. “My bad, bro.”
Indie giggles, and I know the moment is gone. But at least I’m the one who got hit in the head, not her.
“No worries,” I say with a sigh.
The guy opens his mouth, like he wants to say more but thinks better of it. With another apologetic look, he waves at me and Indie and jogs back toward his friends, frisbee in hand.
“Are you okay?” Indie asks through giggles that she’s trying valiantly to hold in but can’t. “Do we need to run through concussion protocols?”
“Ha ha.”
“Oh my god, you should have seen your face.” Indie laughs again, this time hard enough to make her snort. Her eyes go wide, and she covers her mouth with her hands.
“Laugh it up, Rosebud.”
“Maybe you should wear your helmet out in public too. Your head is a magnet for projectiles.” Her eyes glitter with amusement, and as disappointed as I am that my lips aren’t pressed to hers right now, it’s impossible not to enjoy the flush of her cheeks and the brightness of her expression.
If getting hit in the head with a frisbee makes her happy, I’ll gladly take my lumps.
sixteen
SEBASTIAN
“Dude,I can’t believe you got cockblocked by a frisbee.” Griffin laughs gleefully as we suit up for the game. Despite our loss in game four, the locker room is calm. We’re going to win this series, and we’re going to do it tonight.
“Yeah, me neither. I was so close.”
“But she wanted you to kiss her, right?” Ryder tapes up his socks, then tosses the tape to Logan.
“Seemed that way.” I’m frustrated that our moment was interrupted, but at least now I feel emboldened to make a move again.
Indie Bloom can pretend she’s indifferent all she wants, but the way her body gravitated toward mine gave her away.
“Are she and Lola coming to our place after the game?” Maddox asks.
“Yeah, they said they will.” I’d be a little nervous that Indie would back out if not for Lola, but I think Lola’s on team Sebastian, so she’ll force Indie to show up.
“Okay, men, listen up.”
Everyone shuts up and pays attention as Coach Fry strides into the room. He’s looking dapper in a gray suit with a matching shirt. His tie is Rogues’ yellow, and it brings out the warm undertones of his amber skin. Coach Fry radiates calm confidence as he surveys the locker room, his rich brown eyes landing on each of us for a moment.
He’s a great coach. He was amazing as an assistant, but he’s really shone as a head coach since Lexi’s dad was fired after a scandalous, public rant and shoving Ryder during a game. Coach Fry inspires with quiet assurance, not the chaotic ramblings and shouts of a more volatile man.
“I want you all to enjoy the game tonight. Play hard, play smart, but enjoy it. Because once we win, we’ll be heading into another round of intense play. The next couple of months will be long and brutal. Pace yourselves.” He smiles at us, the expression fatherly, despite the fact that he’s only in his early forties. “I’m proud of you. I couldn’t ask for a better group of men. Now, finish getting ready and let’s go win this game in front of a home crowd.”
Everyone lets out awhoop, and the room grows loud again, filling with cheers and jokes and guys getting dressed. The energy stays buoyant throughout warm-ups, rising with the palpable excitement of the sold-out home crowd.
In between stretches and warm-up exercises, I look up at the family box and search for a shock of pink hair. I can admit I’m distracted until I see her. Pink hair curled and a little wild, the biggest smile on her face as she talks to Lola and the ladies. She’s beautiful. And she fits in with the people in my life so seamlessly, I’m convinced she was made for this. For me.
“When are we taking you ring shopping?” Griffin asks, a cocky smirk on his face as he comes to a stop by the goal. How many times have I laughed at our friends when his particular brand of romantic optimism was aimed their way? Probablymore than I can count. But now that it’s pointed in my direction, it makes me squirm. Luckily, I’m covered in so many pads and so much protective gear, he won’t be able to tell.
“It’s a little early for that.”
He shrugs, smile growing. “When you know, you know.”
“Sure, but it helps if she knows too. And if you’ve at least kissed her.”
