Page 24 of Interception

“You’re of no help to me today. I’m going to go and figure this shit out myself. Later, douche canoe.”

I thought Hunter dropping by training was going to be useful, but I’m no further forward. I know things I don’t want to do. Zee isn’t your typical woman. She won’t be impressed by coming to a game and watching the crowds cheer for me. I doubt she’d even bat an eyelid if I brought her to the stadium after hours to hang out. Anything related to my job is off-limits, and the standard dinner and drinks date is too basic at this point.

My head isn’t in the game as the day wears on, but I finally decide on a plan of action. I have a game tomorrow, but I make a few calls and set up a date for Zoey and me for Sunday.

Me: Don’t make plans for Sunday. I’m taking you out.

Z: Aren’t you at practice right now?

Me: Just finished.

Z: You coming over?

Me: I can’t. Have a game tomorrow, and Coach was riding my ass for my ‘lack of energy.’ I think you’ve sexed the football mojo right out of me.

It takes her a few minutes to respond.

Z: Good luck tomorrow. I’ll be watching. I suppose I can sacrifice a few orgasms for the greater Titans cause.

Me: Do you want tickets? You could bring Faith with you. Hunter’s seats are right next to mine, so they could both hang with you.

Z: Can I get back to you on that? Faith draws a shitload of attention these days.

Me: I’ll courier you the tickets. If you want to come and bring whoever you want, then it’s all good. If not, I’ll see you Sunday.

The sinking pit in my stomach right now makes me uneasy. I knew better than to ask her to come, and yet I find myself disappointed. The thought of having her in the stands cheering for me is annoyingly appealing.

Z: You could come over after the game. Or I could come to your place?

Me: The team wants to go out to celebrate… or commiserate. Hopefully the former. I’ll pick you up at one on Sunday.

Z: Keep your disco stick in your pants.

Z: It’s mine.

Z: At least for now.

Me: Like I’d have the energy to satisfy another woman. You’re a demanding little minx.

Z: Have a good night. Talk later.

Me: FYI. If my cock is off-limits to other women until you’re done with me, that’s a two-way street. You’re mine, beautiful. I’m not sharing.

She doesn’t reply. I’m always the last one to message. It’s like a disease—I can’t just put the fucking phone down. Maybe I should’ve invited her to come out with the team after the game, but if she doesn’t even want to come and watch, I’m assuming she wouldn’t be up for a night on the town.

I’m not going to blow off the guys and beg Zee to snuggle with me. I’m already putting myself out there on Sunday to try and win her over. I can hold onto my dignity for a day or two longer before I hand her my nut sack.

* * *

I’ve been dragging my ass all day. It was nice to sleep in my own bed last night, but it was fucking lonely. If I didn’t have a game, I’d have driven to her house at two in the morning and crawled into bed beside her. Thankfully, I stopped myself from being that pathetic. Instead, I tossed and turned until I had to get up and head to the stadium.

Sitting in the locker room, I’m ready to go, but my heart’s not in it today. It’s not often that I see my job as ‘work,’ but right now, I do. Lack of sleep has me feeling hungover, and the last thing I want to do is go out there and slam into the opposing side’s quarterback over and over again.

I’m the edge rusher. Not as flashy as the star quarterback, but I’m the guy who’s going to inflict some damage on the other team’s golden boy, whoever he may be. Together, Hunter and I made the Titans unbeatable.

He’s been out for a good while now, and his replacement is great, but the dynamics aren’t quite the same. There was magic in the air when we were on the playing field. The whole team worked their asses off in training and gave one hundred percent during every game, but teams have moments—eras that go down in history, never to be surpassed.

Today as we head for the tunnel, readying ourselves to run out to the roar of the crowd, I feel like my era has passed. Maybe it’s just a lack of sleep or the situation I find myself in with Zee screwing with my head, but I’m just not feeling it.

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