Page 124 of The Keeper

Inspiring? No. But it gave me a laugh.

I joined our two back-up keepers for some reps in goal. All things being equal, my attention wasn’t one hundred percent focused on training. Good thing Harry and Christian were on their game. Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t miss when my turn rolled around. My attention just kept drifting to the massive steel and glass building in the background. The Legends stadium.

I wanted her to come out and watch. I wanted to see if she could hide her desire and arousal. I’m not daft. The video she sent last weekend gave me loads of ideas. I’m ready to push her limits even more now.

Of course Bennet had something to say about that earlier. I know he pressed her pretty hard about discussing limits with me. I know why, too. It’s another one of our unspoken understandings.

He’s protective but also knows when to back off. Thing is, Bennet and I function differently when it comes to women and how we are behind closed doors. Or not so closed doors, depending on the situation.

“Xavier,” Coach Hart yelled over to me. “Reflex drills.”

I nodded. All thoughts of Victoria dissolved from my mind when the drills began. About a dozen cones lay scattered in the penalty box. I never knew which one Coach Hart would kick a ball from so I had to be focused and alert. Plus, one of the second team players stood ready to take a shot any time I punched a ball out. I always had to be ready to block.

Kick.

Block.

Reset.

Kick.

Block.

Reset.

The ball came flying back to my right a second after I punched it out. Extending my arms as far as I could, I dove for the ball, hitting it away. The force of it vibrated through my gloved hands.

“That’s the one,” Hart yelled, clapping. “That’s the save we’re looking for, Xavier. Game changing.”

Honing my fitness, speed, and movement for all these years improved my ability to make fast, high-frequency saves over and over. Probably why I’m the best in the league and represent England for international matches.

Another set of drills. More kicks, more blocks, more quick reactions.

My back hit the grass when I finished.

“Get up, old man,” Harry teased, offering his hand.

Panting and laughing, I grabbed it and stood. “At least I don’t look as knackered as you,” I retorted.

Harry flicked me off and glanced at the sideline. “What’s going on over there?”

I looked to see what he was talking about. Bennet stood with our team manager and another, older gentleman. Hannah was also there. My heart stilled.

I scanned around but didn’t see Victoria. Maybe she decided not to come down to the field. That’s disappointing. I remembered Bennet telling me Hannah’s grandfather owned the Legends, so that must be who he’s standing with.

“Legends owner,” I told him. “Probably wanted to come see some real football.”

“Maddox, one. American football, nil,” Christian joked.

The three of us walked toward the sideline to join the rest of the team before breaking for lunch. Bennet caught my eye and waved me over.

“Excuse me, gents. Time to go impress the big executives.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Harry chided. “Don’t trip over your big ego on the way.”

Cade’s laughter echoed as I walked around some of my teammates. When he came into view, I prepared to fire off a sarcastic remark and—

Victoria.

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