Page 119 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

The Games We Win

BROOKE O'BRIEN

The Games We Win: A Braysen U Novel

Copyright © 2024 by Brooke O’Brien with Tattered Ink Publishing

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permissions of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which has been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.

For information on subsidiary rights, please contact Tattered Ink Publishing at www.authorbrookeobrien.com.

Edited by Jenny Sims with Editing for Indies

Proofread by Rox LeBlanc with Rox’s Reads

Version: BMO05042024

eBook Edition – ISBN: 978-1-954061-51-4

One

COLTER

“How does it feel to be named captain?” Coach Ferentz asks.

I zoned out when he stepped out of his office to stop one of my teammates before he left. I’ve been having a hard time sleeping the past few nights, so it takes me a second to react to his question. My eyes snap over to his.

I paste on a fake smile and nod. “I couldn’t be happier about it, Coach. It’s what I’ve busted my ass for last year and in the offseason, to be my absolute best. I’m honored the team wants me as one of their leaders.”

It’s the truth too. This is everything I’ve been working for, and to achieve it in only my second year playing for Braysen is not lost on me.

We lost most of our starting line to graduation or transfers. Some speculated what this could mean for the Bulldogs this year. Coach Frye, our head coach, will go down as one of the winningest coaches in history, so we knew to trust his game plan, even with all the changes.

Football has been the one true constant in my life. When I put on my helmet and stepped out onto the field, I could block out everything around me and focus on the game.

I’ve grown used to carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I’ve always been the one to take care of everyone and look out for the people around me. Since I grew up as the only man in our house, those responsibilities were instilled in me from an early age.

It’s what my dad would’ve wanted of me. I don’t doubt he would’ve been proud of me for earning the captain spot too.

“Carver transferring to Braysen was the missing piece of the puzzle. He fits in with the team perfectly.”

Coach nods. “We all knew it would be hard saying goodbye to Ford last year. Having Beckham here, though, playing with his brother, I think their bond and his leadership are what the Bulldogs need going forward.”

Hayes Carver is one of my best friends and roommates. He had one of the hardest first seasons last year, and I knew he needed to have his twin brother, Beckham, alongside him this season. Beckham opted to play at Rixton University during their freshman year. He was offered the starting position from the jump, and the fact his best friends play hockey for Rixton swayed his decision.

He would’ve had an uphill battle to climb to win out the starting spot at Braysen, so I can’t blame him.

Losing Ford, our quarterback, was like losing the heart of our team. After the season ended, there was a lot of talk about how we would fill his role, and I’m starting to see Coach Frye’s vision for the team. Beckham has one hell of a throwing arm and the stats to back him up.

Our first game of the season is only weeks away. It’ll be here in no time.

We chat for a bit, and when I catch the time, I smack the table and stand, shaking Coach’s hand before I head out.

Between training camp and practice, summer was slowly slipping through my fingertips. The guys and I decided to get a group of friends together tonight and escape to Sugar Bottom for a bonfire on the beach.

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