Page 125 of Hard to Hold

RUSH

“AFTER ALL THAT FUCKING WORK to get you back here and that’s how you play your first match of the season?” Louie asks from where he’s leaning against his car parked next to mine. “Did playing with the Americans rob you of your skills? Did they taint you?” He mock shivers, but his grin and our history together tells me he’s joking.

“Sod off. I was rusty.”

“Rusty?” he says with a snort. “Bush league is more like it.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It’s an American term. I’m surprised you didn’t learn it while you were busy shagging that agent broad.” I lift a middle finger in response. “What gives, mate? You sign a big contract and then decide to suck?”

“I’ll tell you what you can suck all right.” I laugh.

“Is that it? Do we need to hire someone to suck you off before the next game to take the edge off? Whatever you need, I’m at your service.” He salutes.

“It’s definitely not you I’d be looking for service from.” I chuckle. “Besides, I don’t think anyone can provide what I need.”

“What’s that?” he asks, and as I stand inside my open car door and stare at him, I shouldn’t be surprised at the answer, but I am.

Knowing the answer, really, but there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

But fuck, I miss her.

“Nothing. I gotta get home. I have shit to do.”

“Hey? You okay? You know I was joking, right?”

I meet the eyes of one of my closest friends and nod. “I’m good. And you’re right, I was rusty. Tomorrow’s another day to improve.”

“Ha. You should tattoo that shit somewhere.”

“Maybe I will.” I laugh and raise a hand. “Later, Louie.”

“See you tomorrow.”

When I slide behind the wheel and rev the engine to life, I should be replaying the game in my head like I typically do. What I can do better next time. How I was beat down the line on that one breakaway. Why my headers are veering too far right.

But I don’t think a fucking thing, because I’m too busy fucking missing Lennox.

Too busy hating myself for scouring the crowd tonight in the odd hopes that she’d show up for my first game.

Too preoccupied realizing that she’s already moved on, while I’m stuck here like a fucking sap.

Could I get laid to help me get over her?

Of course I could.

Do I want to?

No.

I’m still hung up on Lennox.

Scratch that.

I’m in love with Lennox Kincade.

CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE