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I think the night at the farm helped. Everyone is in a better mood. Our offense is sharp, and Jett completes every pass. Our defense doesn’t miss a beat, and they sack the Knights’ quarterback eight times.
The whistle sounds, and I grin as our players run off the field. It feels like we’re unstoppable as we head into halftime with a twenty-eight-point lead.
“Nice work, everyone,” I say as the guys jog toward the tunnel. “Let’s come back stronger in the second half.”
They lift their hands toward the crowd in appreciation of their support, and the hometown fans give them a warm round of applause. Dallas stops beside me and he slings his arm around my shoulder.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“I’m admiring the view,” he says with a grin.
“Why are you being weird? You’re always the first one in the locker room so you can eat your bag of Skittles.”
“Maybe I found something I like more than Skittles.”
“I don’t care what you do with your personal time,” I say. “Just wrap it up, and don’t be a dick to her.”
“Ah, Coach.” He pats my chest and points toward the crowd. “You might care what I do with my personal time.”
“What are you—” I stop talking when I spot Lacey standing in the front row of seats, just like she always does. Except today she’s not wearing my jersey. She’s wearingDallas’. “What the fuck?”
“She asked Darcy for one of my jerseys. I even signed it for her. Don’t tell me there’s already trouble in paradise?” Dallas asks, and I hear the smirk in his voice. “Can’t keep your lady satisfied, old man?”
“Get in the locker room,” I say through clenched teeth. “Before I bench you for the second half. Or the rest of the goddamn season.”
Dallas laughs and pulls away from me. “You got it, Coach. You don’t need to worry, though. It’s all fun and games. What’s life if you can’t laugh with the person you love, right? See ya back there.”
He disappears, and I rub my jaw. Lacey is turned to the side and talking to Maggie. She uses her hands to gesture animatedly about something, and I watch her for a minute. I notice the way she tips her head back and laughs. The long stretch of her neck, barely visible under her white turtleneck.
And that fuckingjersey.
I want to rip it from her body. Tear it to shreds and leave it in a dozen pieces at her feet. I want to pull it off her with my teeth and make sure it’smylast name stretched across her back.
Fuck.
I pinch the bridge of my nose and take a deep breath. Jealousy clouds my vision, and I flex my fingers in irritation.
Why do I care so much?
The guys have known Lacey for a while. At the farm the other night, they kept stealing her away to skate with them. To buy her an eggnog and to decorate cookies. They all love her, and it’s obvious why.
She treats them like they’re humans, not like they’re athletic gods she puts on a pedestal. She asks about their families, about where they went to college and what they’re doing for the holidays without an ulterior motive. When they talk, she genuinely listens and actively participates in the conversation.
She’s smart as hell, and while I know she supports the team, I like that it’s not her entire personality. I like that she has a kick-ass job and doesn’t spend all her time trying to be the players’ favorite person. She exists and they exist, and it’s the best of both worlds.
So why thefuckam I pissed she’s wearing a jersey that’s not mine?
I pull off my headset and jog toward the stands, waving to my friends as I approach them.
“Shawn,” Maggie yells from above me. “Great game so far.”
“Think the guys could score a couple more touchdowns?” Aiden asks. “Jett’s on my fantasy team, and I could use a bigger buffer.”
“I’ll get right on that,” I say, and I drag my eyes to Lacey. “Can you come down to the tunnel?”
“Sure.” She fiddles with her necklace and swallows. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything is just fine.” I grin and hitch my thumb over my shoulder. “I’ll give security the okay. Meet me by the supply closet in three minutes.”
