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He pauses, his gaze landing on me, and I swallow. “Let this season be your commitment to excellence. Let our actions on and off the field speak louder than words. And together, as aunited front, we will overcome challenges, celebrate victories, and leave a legacy that future generations will look up to.”
Coach grins, and the expression is so startling on his stern, old face, it makes me stand taller, straighter. “You had a damn good first week, boys. Welcome to Griffins football.”
He waves his clipboard out in front of us and says, “Now get your smelly asses in the shower, and I’ll see you bright and early on Monday.”
Thirty minutes later, I sling my duffle bag over my shoulder and step out from under the cover of the stadium into the midday sun and run a hand through my damp hair. My roommate, Chris, one of our running backs, walks beside me. He’s headed to a family function off campus, while I have plans to sleep for a month.
My phone buzzes in the pocket of my athletic shorts, so I slide it out to see a FaceTime call from Teagan. Accepting the call with a swipe of the finger, I nod to Chris. “Catch ya later, man,” I say, then focus on the small screen as Teagan comes into view. “What’s up?”
I make my way to a nearby bench and sink down onto the wooden slats with a groan as my muscles protest. If I feel like this now, I can only imagine what I’ll feel like tomorrow. “Fuck. I thought Graham used to kick our ass with the conditioning he made us do in the summer,” I say referring to our high school team captain and good friend back home. “But that’s nothing compared to this. It’s only been one week, and I’m spent.”
Teagan grunts. “Tell me about it. Today was brutal here, too.”
“I’ve never been happier for the weekend in my life. Normally we train on Saturdays, but he’s giving us tomorrow off as a welcome gift.”
Between weight lifting three to four days a week, conditioning runs, speed and skill training, and player-sanctioned practices,my summer is going to be anything but relaxing. Not to mention the humanities class I’m taking to lighten my load in the fall.
“I feel you,” Teagan says. “But I don’t care how tired I am. It’s Friday, and I’m going out. There’s this chick in my women’s studies class—”
“Bro, what? You’re taking women’s studies?”
Teagan’s smirk spreads over the screen. “I’m surrounded by a classful of hot chicks. Trust me, I’m no dummy.”
“Leave it to you to pick girls up in a women’s lib class.”
“Hey, I’m all about women’s rights. Including their right to ask me out and explore their sexuality.”
I snort. “Nice. I see the appeal. But doesn’t playing college ball alone help you pick up chicks? I swear, every girl I’ve met here that finds out I play football is immediately interested. Not that they weren’t before.”
Teagan snickers. “You’ve always been a cocky bastard.”
I spread my arm over the top of the bench as a soft trill of laughter drifts toward me.
I know that sound anywhere.
Sure enough, when I glance to my right, I find Brynn standing outside the liberal arts building. Despite being rather modest, the white sundress she wears showcases her curves. It ties at the shoulders and cuts just above her knees, revealing slender, tan legs, and sandaled feet.
My gaze shifts to the person on the receiving end of the conversation and I scowl. The dude—whoever he is—is smiling like a dope, and I don’t miss the way his gaze falls to Brynn’s breasts before meeting her eyes again.
My hand grips the phone tighter when he says something else to make her laugh, and this time, she tips her head back, her long blonde locks spilling over her shoulders. My frown deepens, and I have half a mind to storm over there and ask her what the hell is so funny and who this guy is.
Tearing my gaze away from her, I glance back down at the phone in my hand, but find it difficult to keep my gaze focused because everything about Brynn begs for my attention.
Why the fuck am I so territorial?
“Sorry. What were you saying?” I ask Teagan, aware I’d totally zoned out.
“I asked how Brynn was.”
My traitorous gaze slides back to her, and the sharp stab in my loins feels anything but brotherly.
Get a hold of yourself, Taggart.
“Oh, uh . . .” I clear my throat, fighting the urge to run a hand down my face. “She’s good, I guess. I haven’t heard anything more about her roommate Cate, so that’s a good sign. Haven’t you talked to her? Is she still icing you out?”
Ever since Brynn found out I accepted a deal at AU, she’s been pissed at Teagan for not telling her.
“She’s slightly frigid, but thawing.” Teagan shrugs with a grin. “She’ll get over it. How about you? Has she poisoned the water supply at the athlete apartments yet?”
