Page 21 of Gridlocked on the Gridiron

“Well, it’s not what I did so much as what I didn’t do.”

She was not amused, and she hoped her face made that clear. To really hit home, she crossed her arms over her chest, ignoring the split second where his eyes traveled down to the newly exposed skin of her chest.

“I forgot to tell you that I have outreach today, so I actually can’t meet right now.”

She sighed. “We really need to work on your timing on and off the field. You’re supposed to let me know if you can’t make a session before the session, not five minutes into it.”

“I know, I know. Like I said, I forgot. I’ll make up for it tomorrow, promise.” He started to walk out but turned back around. “Actually, why don’t you come?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I don’t think they really let analysts go to those things.”

“How about girlfriends?”

“I don’t think that’s any better.”

“Oh, come on. I know you’re not busy right now because your boyfriend skipped out on his session. So let’s go. It’ll be fun, I promise. And if not, I owe you any food of your choosing. Even if it’s just player food from the third floor.” He grinned. “Plus, the publicity will be good for us, and Tessa will be jumping for joy.”

“Fine, but know that I’m only going for your wallet and all the food it’ll buy me when I don’t have fun.”

He nodded once, the grin never leaving his face. It’d thrown Lucia off, how disarmingly charming he could be when they weren’t trying to kill each other. She kind of liked seeing him like this. Not that she’d ever say it to his face.

They took the elevator to the first floor before walking over to the stadium through one of the private side entrances.

“What’re you guys doing for outreach today?” She shivered when he placed a hand on her lower back, willing the butterflies that formed to fly away. Or better yet, die.

“A bunch of kids from local elementary schools are coming to play with us. We’re gonna run some drills with them and then do some seven-on-sevens.”

“You know, a week ago, I thought you ate kids for breakfast.”

“What changed your mind?” he asked with humor in his voice as he led her to a nearby bench, far enough from the fray that she felt safe from any stray footballs.

“I realized you are one.”

He placed both hands on her shoulders, pushing her gently onto the bench before stepping back. “That’s funny, I thought the same about you.”

She crossed her legs as he backed away from her slowly. “Real original, Beaumont.”

After Colton joined his teammates, he squatted down to talk to the elementary school kids. Lucia noted their ages varied, though most of them were so small, they had to clutch the football with both hands.

She watched Colton stand behind a group of seven- or eight-year-olds, helping them with their stances as they learned how to throw the ball. Luckily, someone had brought junior footballs, so they were able to throw them without much of a struggle.

Her eyes rarely left him. He was like another person with them, a bright smile on his face as he corrected their forms or let them tackle him to the ground.

“Ref! Did you see how hard he hit me? Ref, come on!” It took her a moment to realize he was talking to her. Colton beckoned her to them, and she walked over hesitantly.

“Hm, I didn’t see anything. Looked like a clean hit to me.” She winked at the little boy who’d taken Colton to the ground, fist-bumping him before he grabbed the little ball and ran.

“Something tells me this ref is dirty. Who paid you off?”

“Colton Beaumont, a sore loser?”

“I might be sore, but I’m no loser.” He chased after the little boy, picking him up and raising him high in the air before he could reach the end zone.

Lucia felt someone sidle up to her. She hadn’t registered there were any girls there until she saw this child’s little ponytail and ruddy cheeks.

“Do you play football too?” the girl asked.

Lucia smiled down at her. “No, I’m not nearly as cool as you. I bet you run laps around all these stinky boys, huh?”

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