Page 21 of Playing It Forward

“I don’t have time for this. I have a job to do. Please pay or get out of the way for the next customers.”

He hands me the fifty. All trace of flirting is gone from his face. “Keep the change.” He walks off without another word.

Good. It’s what I wanted. For him to stop flirting with me. For him to stop asking me out. But then why do I feel empty inside?

Chapter 8

No one warned me denial isn’t a viable treatment plan.

Nolan

I squeal to a halt in the parking lot at Coastal State University. Although we’re staying at Hideaway Haven Resort on Smuggler’s Hideaway, training camp is actually happening at this college on the mainland.

Training camp won’t start for a few more weeks, but Coach Knox has the offensive team here early to get us focused and rebuild chemistry after the playoff collapse.

You won’t hear me complaining about arriving early or staying at the resort. Not considering a certain sexy events coordinator works there. Terri, who smells of strawberries and tastes like my newest addiction. I long to taste and touch every inch of her. Preferably not in a closet this time.

I smile as I fold out of my Porsche 911. I love this car. Especially when the weather is nice and I can put the top down. But it’s not the roomiest of vehicles. I roll my shoulder to relieve the tightness.

I was hoping the months off after the play-off loss would be enough to heal the injury. But I’m still experiencing too much pain. And sleeping is rough. Which isn’t good. I need to sleep to heal.

I grab my bag and make my way to the locker room.

“Good morning, Captain!” Tanner whips out a salute.

I narrow my eyes at him. “What did you do?”

He blinks and widens his eyes. If he thinks I believe he’s innocent, he’s lost his damn mind. Tanner Long is never innocent.

“You hurt me.”

I shoulder past him and immediately regret it when my shoulder protests. I bite back my grunt of pain. But when I catch Coach Knox’s eye, I fear I haven’t done as good a job as hiding my pain as I’d hoped.

I tuck my chin into my chest and continue to my locker. I open it and peanut butter crackers fly out. Laughter erupts from the team. I knew Tanner was up to something.

Tanner starts humming The Eye of the Tiger and I stalk toward him. “You’re not funny.”

“I’m helping you out. Making sure you have all the supplies you need for your pre-game ritual. Wouldn’t want you to be late and court Coach Cha-Cha’s wrath.”

I lunge for him but Brock blocks me. “He’s not worth it.”

Tanner peeks around Brock’s body. “What’s wrong? Can’t take a joke?” He sighs. “This is what happens when you fixate on a woman who doesn’t want anything to do with you.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Terri wants me. I know she wants me. She practically explodes with passion when I touch her. But she’s worried about her job.

He smirks. “Care to share with the class?”

“I’ll share when you tell Alaia the truth of why you’re ‘dating’ her.”

All trace of humor disappears. “You’re no fun.”

“That’s what she said!” Gage shouts, and the tension in the locker room eases as everyone laughs.

“Get your asses in gear,” Knox shouts. “Unless you want to get slaughtered in another play-off game.”

Everyone immediately sobers at his reminder of our humiliating loss.