Page 62 of The Game We Played

“I applied to medical school. I got into a few. But my heart wasn’t in it. My heart is on the field.”

“But your parents weren’t happy, I assume?”

“Nope. They threatened to disinherit me if I don’t go to medical school after I’m done ‘playing a game for a living’.”

She gasps. “I can’t imagine how hard it is to have a family that doesn’t support you.”

I haven’t dared to tell anyone about my bad relationship with my family. I assumed no one would understand. It’s not as if they physically abused me after all. But Alaia gets it. She understands what I’m going through.

This is why I’m falling for her. Why I want to keep her after the summer. Why I never want to let her go.

I tug on her hand to bring her near. She crashes into me. When she gazes up at me, I don’t hesitate. I slam my lips to hers. She opens on a sigh and I plunge my tongue inside.

She’s everything I need.

Chapter 19

BREAKING: ALAIA JACKSON GETS HER BIG BREAK? And possibly loses her heart in the process

Alaia

My heart pounds in my chest as I enter theHideaway Haven Resort.I can’t believe this is happening. I squeal but slap a hand over my mouth before anyone hears.

I’m actually interviewing several members of theSteel City Seals.Eek! Tanner arranged for me to interview Gage, Nolan, Brock, and Corbin.

Granted. The four offensive players are his closest friends and teammates. But still. They didn’t have to make time in their busy schedules to speak to me. I’m not a real journalist. I write theSiren’s Spillgossip column for the Smuggler’s Gazette. I’m no one.

I slap the judgy voice in my mind. Metaphorically, of course.

I’m not no one. I’m Alaia Jackson. Aka Alaia Grant. A serious journalist. Who just hasn’t caught her big break yet.

Today could be the day. A chance to catch a break and save theGazettebefore I’m a journalist without a job.

I inhale a deep breath, straighten my back, and march toward the conference room I reserved for the interviews.

I paste a smile on my face and open the door. “Hi, Nolan.”

The quarterback drops his phone onto the table and stands. “Alaia, good to see you.”

“Let’s find out if you think it’s good to see me after I grill you.”

He chuckles. “Grill away.”

“Do you mind if I take a selfie with you first?”

“Nope.”

We stand in front of the wall with the logo of theSteel City Sealsand I snap a picture.

“You’re too serious,” I complain as I review the picture. “Pretend I’m Terri.”

His eyes widen and I quickly snap another picture.

“What do you know about Terri?”

“This is Smuggler’s Hideaway. You can’t keep a secret here.”

His lips tip up in an almost smile and – click! – I snap another picture.