Page 35 of Sidelining the Safety

Turning to look at the new reporter asking, Addy grinned, and a host of cameras flashed. Lee wasn’t surprised. Addy was a handsome guy and already claimed. Not that Lee wasn’t, too. Not officially, but when the season ended, he’d see where things lie with Drew and Mac.

“Absolutely. We went into the locker room at halftime fired up and came out the same way. Oklahoma was running our defense ragged at the end of the third, and I could feel the team getting worried about them closing the gap. Matters’ second interception was perfect timing, pun intended.” He bumped Lee with the side of his fist.

“Lee… Joe Jackson, Austin Times. You had a phenomenal game. Tell us about that first interception. It looked like you read that play…?”

Taking his cue from watching Addy, Lee focused on the reporter. “Hi Joe, and yeah…” Nervous, Lee’s heart beat so fast he rubbed his chest. “Thanks. I suspect you’ll all be looking up my stats at Rutgers—Go Knights!—but it was kinda my thing. I just get this feeling and sorry, but Kowalski was easy enough to keep up with, and he kinda telegraphed his moves.”

“And the second time…” Joe fished.

Lee peered at Joe. “Seriously… they tried the same play.” He shook his head. It had been unbelievable at the time, and he thought the same when they tried it again. The Copperheads’ offensive coach was probably getting a tongue-lashing at that moment.

“Lee, Casey West, Football Fandom, after your stunning preseason play and now this—starting the season off with two interceptions—you’ve got the Fandom going wild. Do you think you can keep it up and keep the Troopers winning this season?”

Opening his mouth to answer, Lee paused as he took in the reporter dressed in a rainbow of colors, his accent, and the play on words. He’d have to check out this fandom media outlet. “Hi Casey, and thanks. I’m glad to give the fans something to talk about.”

“I’ll say,” Casey muttered loudly, earning laughs from all around him.

“To answer your question, I hope so. We’ve got a solid defense if everyone stays healthy. Aiden Young and Coach Carlson have worked hard to strengthen our line. But, as you know, we’re only half the team and only put up a few points during the season. See Addison for keeping us on the scoreboard.” Lee pointed jauntily at Addy, who smacked his wiggling finger.

The team’s Communication Director stepped in front of them then and cut off any more questions, thanking everyone for coming and explaining the Troopers needed to clear the room for Oklahoma’s head coach.

Addy grabbed Lee’s arm as they followed Coach Oliviera from the conference room. “We’re heading to Hand Wing Brewery after the game. You’re coming, right?”

“Yup, already planned on it, but I was wondering…”

“If you could invite a friend or two?” Addy’s leer made Lee laugh. “Yes. Drew’s already invited as part of the team, so it’s fine to bring a plus one. I’m looking forward to meeting your other best friend.”

Lee wasn’t so sure about Mac meeting them, but it had been days since he’d hung out with his friends, so he focused on that instead.

CHAPTER 26

DREW

“We’re going out after the game. There’s a big celebration at Hand Wing Brewery. I think we should do it now.”

“But you said it would probably be later in the season.” Hearing Mac’s higher pitch through the phone had Drew slightly worried he would pull out of their plan.

“I know, but opportunity strikes, and we need to take it while it’s hot.” Drew shuffled toward the back of the med room, away from the rest of the staff. Everyone was excited to party following the big win; nobody was paying attention to him. “Your overnight manager is on, so you don’t have any excuse not to join us.”

“True…”

“Look, let’s just see how it goes. If the timing doesn’t feel right, we’ll nix it for now.”

“Okay. That seems valid, but I can’t get there for another hour at least. The diner is packed with fans at the moment.”

“That’s fine. Lee’s in the shower and then he’ll be in the conference room.”

“He’s being interviewed?”

“Yeah.” Drew smiled. “Two interceptions. Can you believe it?”

“Our sexy man.” Mac’s slow drawl had Drew’s gut tightening and his dick twitching. “We’ve still got the game on, so I’ll keep an eye out for the interview. I’ll text you when I leave here. Thank fuck, I’ll be going opposite stadium traffic. And, hey, if there’s a list, make sure my name’s on it.”

“Will do. See you soon.”

“Later.”

Drew hung up and pressed his phone to his chest. His heart raced with eager anticipation. If everything went according to plan, he'd have his best friend and a pro athlete in his bed before the sun rose on a new day.

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