Page 4 of Playing It Forward

I make my way back to our table, where he’s sitting with our teammates Gage, Brock, and Corbin.

Tanner holds out his hand and I slap it.

“I don’t owe you shit.”

He grins. “I bet you twenty bucks she’d say no.”

“I didn’t bet with you.” I never bet with Tanner. He’s a goofball who makes up his own rules and is in trouble more often than not. In other words, there’s no way to win a bet with him.

“Good call,” Brock grumbles.

I’m not offended by his grumbling. Brock is always grumpy. He’s also a fullback on the Seals and has taken more hits for me than anyone else on the team.

“Did she not know who you are?” Gage asks.

Gage is a running back on the team. He’s also handsome and charming. He’s used to women falling at his feet when he says his name.

Corbin sighs. The tight end doesn’t speak much. He’s quiet and reserved. I’m surprised he’s at the bar with us tonight. He’s not staying at the Hideaway Haven Resort with the rest of the team during training camp.

Although, training camp is still a few weeks away. We came early to hang out and have fun. But not too much fun. Speaking of which…

“I’ve drafted a workout schedule,” I say. “I emailed everyone a copy.”

Tanner scowls. “What the hell, Nolan? It’s off-season. Being the quarterback doesn’t give you the right to control our lives off the field.”

“Training camp is mere weeks away. Do you want to miss weight on day one? Coach Knox will not be impressed.”

He waves away my concern. “Coach Cha-Cha loves me.”

Gage snorts. “He especially loves it when you call him Coach Cha-Cha.”

Tanner grins. “It’s not my fault he decided he could cha-cha and ended up with a concussion.”

Brock growls. “Concussions are no joke.”

Tanner rolls his eyes. “I know, Mr. Grumpy.”

“My name isn’t Mr. Grumpy.”

“Enough,” I order.

Tanner glares at me. “You are not in charge of my life.”

“Someone needs to be.”

Corbin stands. “I’m heading out. I’ll see you tomorrow in the gym at nine.”

At least someone read my workout schedule. “I’ll walk you out.”

It’s a good excuse to search for Terri. She couldn’t have gone far. She works at the resort after all.

The way she looked at me – her eyes wide and her breath caught in her throat – she was definitely interested. But she turned me down cold. Why? Did I offend her? Upset her? I need to know.

I scan the surroundings as we walk toward the main resort building. I catch a glimpse of chestnut hair and change directions.

“Terri!” I holler as I hurry in her direction.

She glances behind her and her eyes widen when she notices me. She increases her speed and I lengthen my stride. I’m four inches over six feet, and she’s probably a foot shorter than me. I easily catch up to her.