Page 46 of The Penalty

“How long are you in the States for?” he asked Xavier.

“At least another couple weeks. Training for our season starts next month plus I have an international friendly coming up in August that I have to get back to prepare for.”

Noah gestured toward me. “He can use our gym while he’s here, right? I don’t think the Knights’ training staff will mind having one of England’s premiere players use the facility.” He turned his attention to Xavier. “You’ll be here for the Fourth of July then?”

My heart lodged itself in my throat. I flicked my eyes from Xavier to Noah, and back to Xavier.

He held my stare. “I plan to be. Why?”

“Tracey and I are renting a house on Lake George. We’re having some of the guys over. Jax, Dante. Oh, yeah, and Tre Gideon. He’s not here tonight but I think you met him after your game. Victoria and her friends always have an open invitation. You should come.”

Xavier’s pleasant smile punctuated the most unexpected conversation of the night. “I’ll consider it. Thank you.”

“I should get back to Tracey before she sends out a search party.” Noah hugged me before extending his hand to Xavier. “Great talking to you, man.”

Silence filled the space Noah previously occupied for several long moments before Xavier spoke.

“You seem surprised.”

“You could honestly knock me down with a feather right now.”

Navigating the ebbs and flows of his reactions and motivations tonight has been exhausting.

Flirtatious and filthy.

Pensive and stoic.

Charming and engaging.

“I think the internet experts call it growth.”

“You’re best friends now?”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” he drawled. “But he seems alright. Loves his teammates, loves the sport, loves competing.” Xavier looked at me softly. “He respects and thinks highly of you. They all do. Do you know how proud I felt hearing that? Gaining the trust and respect of professional athletes isn’t always easy. We can be selfish assholes.”

“Not all of you.” My words might have come out calm and even, but my heart pounded so hard I was afraid he’d hear it.

Proud.

He was proud to hear that about me.

Tears gathered in the corners of my eyes much too easily. I shouldn’t have had all the tequila.

It took me years to finally learn that my own father was proud of me. My mother still hasn’t acknowledged anything I’ve accomplished.

Since my twin died, I’ve walked through life convincing myself I didn’t need anyone to validate me. I know what I’ve achieved. I know I’m great at what I do.

Didn’t matter if it warred with the constant feelings of not deserving it.

Xavier held my chin and tilted it until my eyes met his.

“I know what you’re thinking.” He brushed his thumb over my cheek. “If you could see yourself the way others do, you wouldn’t downplay or dismiss your accomplishments.”

I’m always captivated by his eyes but right now they were magical. Golden shards reflected in the deep sapphire blue from all the soft lighting. Like constellations in the night sky.

“How do others see me?”

He held my stare. “Smart, confident, graceful, honest.” Another soft stroke of his thumb brushed over my cheek. “One of a kind.”

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