“I did catch that.” He frowned and jutted his chin toward the doors. “I’m freezing my ass off. Let’s go in.”
I didn’t wait a second before running back to the warmth and sighed at the heat. Between the wind-chill and the adrenaline, my teeth chattered. Brandon joined me a second later, just as Jeff came into view down the hall. His shoulders were stiff and he walked with a purpose. His gaze found mine, worried and concerned, before landing on Brandon. His expression hardened and his jaw tensed. “There you are, Amber.”
“I’m sorry, a lot happened.” I gave him a warning look, but he ignored it and stared at Brandon. “Brandon helped me out from a potentially awkward situation.”
“Yeah, what’s that?” He crossed his arms over his chest and displeasure oozed off him. He did not like me standing next to Brandon.Interesting.
“Let’s talk later, okay?” I spoke softer than normal, hoping he’d get the hint.
“You’re interviewing Jeff for the article too, right?” Brandon asked, moving closer to me so ours arms touched.
“Um, yes?”
“I can see you’re uncomfortable about everything that happened, but I’d like to know why I covered for you. Can I meet up with you after practice?” he asked in a kind, unpresuming way, and I felt terrible when Jeff answered for me.
“I’ll explain it for you if you tell me what happened.”
“You?” he asked, his gaze flicking to Jeff with confusion etched on his forehead. “You weren’t even here. How would?—”
“We’re together, man. Amber and I. Figured you should know,” Jeff said, not using a kind or patient tone. His words shocked me because they weren’t exactly untrue, but they were crass and meant to send a message.
Brandon’s face fell, but he resigned himself with a long sigh and smile sadly at me. “Knew it was a long shot asking you out, but now I know.”
“I wasn’t playing games with you.”
“I know,” he said, giving my arm one more squeeze. “Still doesn’t explain what the hell just happened out there.”
I gave Jeff a look and shrugged. “It’s your call, Jeff. Tell him what you want. I’m heading home.”
“Can we talk first?” His perceptive eyes swept over my face and his frown deepened. “Please?”
Brandon cleared his throat and said, “I’m heading to the cages. I’m glad you’re okay, Amber. Really.”
“Thanks again.”
He nodded and left Jeff and I in the hallway, the tension somewhat uncomfortable as he moved toward me. He placed his hands on my face and said, “What the fuck happened? Why are you so pale?”
“My uncle was here,” I whispered. “I heard him outside your coach’s office and I ran to avoid him, about running smack into Brandon. He helped cover for me when my uncle saw me.”
“He asked you out.”
“How did you…yes. Brandon did. Weeks ago. How is this relevant?”
His eyes darkened and he moved his hands from my cheeks to my shoulders. “You have a soft spot for him.”
“He’s a nice guy.” I laughed at the disgruntled expression on his face. “Jeff…are you…jealous?”
“Yes. He stood very close to you and touched you.”
No one has ever been jealous over me before. Ever.Warmth and annoyance combined into an adrenaline rush and I took a couple of seconds to think of a response. “So that’s why you told him we were together—to keep him away from me.”
“I felt it was time to tell him. I’ll tell the team, too.”
“We aren’t together though, are we? I mean, I guess we sorta are but?—”
“We are together, Henderson.” He dropped his head so his lips teased mine. “We are together.”
“Okayyy,” I muttered, blushing from head to toe and hating how my body betrayed me with those simple words. “Still don’t think now is the time to talk about it.”
