“Sandler!” One of the PR guys stood near the tunnel entrance, waving me over. “Press room, now.”
Right. Post-game interviews.
I rolled my shoulders back with my head still buzzing from all the noise and way too many questions on my mind that had nothing to do with the news conference.
Reluctantly, I shook my head and followed the guys through the tunnel. Cameras flashed as the noise from the stadium faded behind us.
I should have been focusing on answering questions about the game, not wondering why the hell she was wearing a jersey with number twenty-four instead of seventeen.
An hour later,I walked back onto the field after answering the same recycled questions I’d been asked a thousand times from reporters. The stadium was mostly empty. Just a few VIP guests lingered and staff cleaning up.
I scanned the quiet stadium, looking for Becca. She was standing by the exit, scrolling on her phone.
She stayed. Something in my chest loosened.
“Excuse me?”
I turned. Two women stood there smiling. Both were dressed head to toe in blue Hawks gear. They were wearing matching jackets and beanies.
“Would you mind taking a picture with us?” the blonde asked, holding her phone up for a selfie.
“Sure.”
I stepped between them, placing an arm around each of their shoulders. The tall girl with dark hair held up the phone and took a bunch of pictures.
I was about to back away when the blonde placed her hand on my arm. “You played a great game.”
“Thank you.” I smiled politely, already preparing to excuse myself.
She drifted closer. Her little ankle boots with the high heels looked one second away from giving out. “Are you planning on celebrating after?”
I squinted my eyes, picking up on her slurred words and glossy eyes.
Great! A drunk fan was the last thing I needed.
“I’m not, but I’m sure a few of the guys are.”
I was hoping she would move along. Except she didn’t.
“You’re the quarterback; you should totally celebrate the win.”
Her friend nudged her and started giggling louder than that comment deserved.
I could feel Becca watching me. The last thing I needed was for her to get the wrong idea.I stuffed my hands into my pockets and backed away. “Tempting, but I’ve had enough excitement for one day, so I should probably get going.”
“Come on, let’s go out for one drink. It will be my treat.” She pressed her boobs against my chest. I could smell the vodka on her breath. I didn’t want to be a jerk, but I didn’t want her touching me either.
“I appreciate the invite, but I have a few things to take care of.”
I pulled my arm away before she could dig her nails in any further.
“Oh.” She looked disappointed. “How about I give you my number for another time?”
I glanced around, looking for Becca. She was standing on the sidelines. Her expression was tight, and her arms were crossed. The blonde was talking to me, but my attention was on the woman who had been avoiding me these past few days.
I didn’t like how this looked.
For a second, I was afraid she might turn around and leave. To my surprise, she started moving in my direction. She walked fast enough to mean business but slow enough to seem casual.
