Page 37 of Sidelining the Safety

“That makes no fucking sense,” Drew exploded. “Ow. What the fuck, Mac?”

“You said this was the right time! Why the hell did I listen to you?” Thunderous, Mac spun and took a step, but Drew caught his arm.

“Don’t walk away. Please,” Drew implored. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe this wasn’t the right time, but are you going to ignore the fact that he kissed both of us? Tell me you didn’t feel his desire in that kiss. Tell me you felt nothing when we kissed, and I’ll walk away.” Drew slammed a hand to his chest because his heart felt like it threatened to break through his ribs. “Tell me—” Fuck, he couldn’t even talk around the lump lodged in his throat. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” He turned his back on Mac and rubbed the forming tears from his eyes.

Mac’s arms came around, and Drew was hugged from behind. He held Mac’s forearms, pressing them tight to his chest as he attempted to get his emotions under control.

“I’m sorry,” Mac said, his mouth right beside Drew’s ear, his breath hot and voice ragged. “You’re right. Look, let’s get out of here. I can’t even hear myself think, and everyone keeps looking at us with pity.”

Drew glanced around and watched as the players and their guests quickly looked away from their train wreck. All except Yowie and Jakes. Yowie placed a hand on both of them. “Give him a day. I’ll talk to him tomorrow at practice.” He looked first at Mac and then at Drew. “I’m rooting for you three, okay?”

Drew nodded, appreciative and a little calmer knowing they had other people on their side.

Jakes stuck his head over Yowie’s shoulder, a smirk tilting his lips. “Betcha he’s regretting walking away.”

Yowie laughed as he patted Jakes’ cheek. “Probably. Hey, kid, you did great. Let me buy you a drink.” As they headed for the bar, Yowie pulled Jakes down into a headlock and gave him a noogie.

“I could use a drink,” Mac muttered, dragging Drew out of the mayhem. “Since I know there’s no alcohol at your place, let’s go to mine.”

Drew agreed, linking their hands together as they left the brewery. He hoped they could fix this… mess; he hoped he hadn’t screwed up everything with Lee. And he really, really hoped he hadn’t torpedoed his friendship with Mac.

CHAPTER 27

LEE

Lee chalked it up to the alcohol.

God damn it.

That was why he didn’t drink. His body was a temple and all that nonsense, sure, but it was doing stupid, idiotic things like kissing your friends and suggesting they get it on while you watched that was the real culprit.

He tossed his phone on the coffee table and dropped onto the middle of the sofa. “Fuck!” he shouted.

“Lee?”

He groaned, flopping dramatically onto the cushions. He’d completely forgotten his mom and aunt were staying in his guest room.

“You’re home early?” She circled the couch to look down at him. “And you’re upset? Why? You played a fantastic game. You were out celebrating. What happened?”

“Nothing,” he groaned again, sitting up and dropping his head on the back of the couch with a clunk he didn’t even feel.

“Doesn’t seem like nothing, kiddo.” Mom sank onto the cushion beside him and took one of his hands between both of hers.

“What’s going on, Leslie? Lee? What are you doing back already?” Auntie Beth collapsed into the cushy armchair.

“It’s nothing, Auntie Beth.”

“Nope.” She popped the P. “Nothing doesn’t bring you home all butt-hurt after nabbing two interceptions in your first regular season professional football game.”

“Ugh. Fine.” Lee scrubbed his face. “I think I fucked up with Drew and Mac.”

Beth glanced at Mom and then they both looked at Lee. “I think you better explain,” Mom said, rubbing Lee’s hand and arm.

“I’m totally blaming it on the alcohol.”

“You better not have driven home.” Oops. Mom voice.

Lee held up two fingers. “Uber. Scout’s honor.”

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