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Mac bumped my shoulder as we strapped on our helmets. “You know I’ve got your back, whatever you need.”
I nodded and forced my attention to the game.
* * *
One quarterand two touchdowns later, we’d blown OSU away. They had a field goal and a touchdown in garbage time, but we couldn’t have asked for a better first game.
The locker room was crazy with music blasting and guys shouting back and forth. Everyone rode the high of a good win. We’d been so far ahead Coach had pulled me at the end to give my backup, Aidan Williams, some reps.
He’d thrown exclusively to Mac despite Riley being open several times. One that cost us an interception and the single touchdown OSU had scored. I tried not to put any extra meaning behind it, but I couldn’t let it go. Part of my responsibility as captain involved sussing out any problems between my players.
I let the room clear out a little, taking a shower and dressing in fresh clothes while I waited on Williams to finish getting cleaned up. He took his time primping, which meant only me, Mac, and Noah remained when he grabbed his bag.
“You need to do a better read before you pass.”
Williams’ head snapped up. “My reads are just fine.”
The pushback didn’t surprise me, but I’d hoped he’d take the criticism and improve without argument. “What about the interception?”
“I had to make a gametime decision.” He tried to shrug past me, but I sidestepped to stay in front of him.
“Then it was a shitty decision. Riley was open, and Mac had two defenders.”
Williams’ jaw clenched as he stared over my shoulder. “Riley’s only here because the school needed good publicity, and she’s looking for a sap to take her with him to the pros.” His gaze shifted to meet my eyes. “You better watch out before she gets her hooks into you.”
“I don’t give a fuck if she strips naked and dances in the quad. She earned her place on this team with her skill, just like everyone else here. You show her the respect she deserves or you’re insulting all of us.”
Mac and Noah lined up next to me with similar serious expressions.
Williams gave a tight nod and slunk around us out the door. When I turned, Riley stood staring after him with her brow furrowed.
She’d changed into sweats and a tank top, and her wet hair meant she’d showered like the rest of us. I hadn’t expected to see her until dinner, but she had her duffel slung over her shoulder like she was ready to go. After a second, her face cleared, and she took a couple of steps into the room to join us.
“You need a ride, RJ?” Mac slung his arm over her shoulders, and I had to check the sudden urge to shove him away from her.
She did it herself, elbowing him and sliding away. “Yeah. Eva dropped me off before the game, but she had other plans tonight.”
My mood soured. Without Eva to pressure Riley into dinner, she’d probably go straight home. We’d just played an entire football game together, but I wanted to spend some time with her without all the pads and pressure between us. Even if that meant I had to share her with my friends, parents, and little sister.
Her eyes flitted back and forth between the three of us. “You guys knowwhichItalian place we’re supposed to be eating at, right?”
Just like that, the night was saved. “You’re coming to dinner?”
Riley sighed. “Your mom is a force of nature. I was going to say no, but before I had a chance, she’d discovered my love of garlic bread and used it against me. Apparently, we’re sharing an order, so I have to sit next to her? It must have been challenging growing up with her knowing everything.” Riley eyed me up and down. “Actually, this explains a lot about your personality.”
I burned from that quick glance, but for once, I made sure not to telegraph my inner struggle all over my face. “Shedidteach me the value of effective blackmail.”
Riley laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind. Let’s go eat. I’m starving, and your mom owes me garlic bread.” She hooked her arm through mine, and I let her drag me out of the locker room.
I got my wish. Riley spent dinner sandwiched between me and my mom, and she quickly warmed up to my family. Mom’s heavy-handed interference paid off like it usually did. I’d have to thank her later.
As if she could read my mind, which wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility, Mom pulled me aside after the meal as everyone gathered their leftovers and said goodbye.
She cornered me in the alcove by the restrooms and didn’t waste time. “When were you going to tell me about her?”
I leaned back against the wall, suddenly tired of having this conversation. “There’s nothing to tell.”
She arched a brow. “Don’t lie to me. You may be able to fool your friends, but you’ve never been able to keep a secret from me. I know what I saw.”
