He shrugged, taking a sip from his water bottle. “Didn’t expect you to agree so easily.”
I softened my tone. “This isn’t a trap. It’s your story, Nate. I want it told right. But don’t confuse tough questions with bad intentions. It’s not the same thing.”
His mouth curved. “I knew there was a catch.”
I leaned forward to meet his eyes. “I promise, you have nothing to worry about and will have the final say before anything goes to print,” I said, sliding my notebook into my bag. “I know this isn’t easy for you. And I want you to know that I appreciate the opportunity. My word is my bond. You can take that to the bank.”
He stood, still looking guarded but not as closed off as before. “I’ll send you my schedule for the rest of the interviews.”
He was about to walk me to the door when Ryder Holbrook stuck his head in. “Whoa, I didn’t realize you were in a private meeting.”
“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Jaxson smirked, slinging a towel around his neck. “I guess this explains why you skipped out on us after practice. Are we interrupting anything interesting?”
I pushed my chair in. “We just finished. He’s all yours.”
Ryder held his hand out. “I don’t think we have officially met. Ry Holbrook, this guy’s number one tight end.”
His grip was warm and friendly. “I know who you are.”
There was an amused look on his face. “Yeah? How come you never call on me for interviews?”
“Because you’re not nearly as exciting as me?” Jaxson folded his arms across his massive chest.
Nate rolled his eyes. “Jax, she roasted you after that loss to Denver last year.”
“She did.” His voice was teasing as he ran a hand along his buzz-cut. “And for the record, I stand by my answer that I gave you. I did not drop that pass from Ross. It was an illegal hit that caused me to lose control of the ball.”
I found myself fighting back a smile. “That play was pinned to the highlighted Reels on Denver’s page all season.”
Jax laughed under his breath. “It sure was. Just so you know, I’m not mad that you called me out on live TV.”
“Good, because you’re too nice to be mad.”
His lips curved. “You think I’m nice?”
Nate blew out a frustrated breath. “Don’t you two have somewhere to be?’’
There was a smile playing on Jax’s lips. “Relax. We’re just getting to know your new friend here.”
“She is not my friend. She is a reporter, and she’s here on an assignment,” he said, flattening his lips together.
I pretended not to notice how Nate’s shoulders went tight. Or how his jaw went hard, and his eyes grew sharper. But let’s justsay that he looked one second away from tackling his teammate to the ground.
“Whatever.” Jax gave me a mock salute. “Maybe now that you think I’m a nice guy, you’ll ask me some softer questions next time.”
“You think I was hard on you? You ain’t seen nothing yet, buddy.”
Ryder laughed. “She’s got bite. I like it.”
“That’s enough.” Nate stepped in front of me. “You are both done. Say goodbye to Ms. Hendrix.”
Ryder waved. “Bye, Ms. Hendrix.”
“I look forward to seeing you again.” Jax grinned as he walked backward. “Let me know when you want to schedule my interview. I’ll even give you my personal cell number.”
Nate pushed on his chest. “Bye.”
Jax raised his hands in surrender. “Good luck with him. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
