Page 111 of Lowering His Guard

“What scoreboard?”

Raven is holding a little flip-card scoreboard. It says ‘Game Grunts’ on the top of it. As I watch, he updates it to seventeen grunts.

“I didn’t grunt seventeen times.”

Raven shrugs. “I do as I’m told.”

Shit. Raven’s a rookie. If he’s listening to Tanner, he’ll stray off the proper path for a professional athlete. He’s supposed to be my replacement. Not another troublemaker who spends more time pulling pranks than practicing.

“Don’t listen to Tanner.”

Tanner gasps. And feigns being offended. The goofball can’t be offended. “And why shouldn’t he listen to me?”

“Whatever,” I grumble and walk as far away from them as possible.

“That counts!” Tanner shouts. “Eighteen grunts.”

I stand next to Corbin. He’s quiet and reserved. Only speaks when necessary.

“Jace here?”

“May brought him.”

He glances behind him and smiles at the crowds. I don’t need to ask if Siena’s here. She’s the only person he’d be smiling at in the stands.

“How’s it going with you two?”

He lifts an eyebrow. “How’s it going with May?” He fires back.

“Fucking good.”

He slaps my shoulder. “Happy for you. You deserve it after all the shit Serenity put you through.”

I wait for the pain of Serenity’s betrayal to hit me but it’s gone. I no longer feel pain when thinking about my ex. I’m finally over her. Thanks to May.

I glance at the stands. May and Jace are leaning together as they talk and laugh. Happiness fills me with how well they get along. She doesn’t try to mother him or replace Serenity. She’s a friend who’s an adult. Most of the time.

I return my attention to the field. The opposing team is on fourth down and they don’t look like they’re going to convert. It’s show time.

Time to get my head back in the game. Time to focus. I have plenty of time to enjoy May and Jace in the future. But I only have this one year left on the Seals to play the game I love.

Those words should hurt. Giving up the game I love should hurt. But it no longer does.

Because I love my family more than football. They are what’s important. They’re my identity. Not football.

Chapter 34

Wipeout – Sometimes the hardest fall comes when you thought you were riding the perfect wave.

May

The ref blows the final whistle and I jump to my feet to holler and cheer.

Jace shakes his head at me. “It’s only a pre-season game.”

“Life is hard. It’s important to celebrate all the wins in your life. No matter how small.”

He studies me for a moment. “Like when the substitute teacher doesn’t know you were supposed to have a test?”