Page 37 of Rushing Into Love

I shot her a quick text:

Thanks. You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it

Bree: No problem. I’m sorry about everything. I never meant to put you in this mess

Ryder: I know, not your fault. Thanks again for doing that

Bree: Of course

My next appointment came in, a knee replacement, so I had to get back to work, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Bree. All through the stretches and exercises, while asking questions about knee functionality and taking mobility measurements, she stayed on my mind.

When I’d finally set my client up with ice, I grabbed my phone and banged out another text.

Ryder: Are you bringing Alex to football practice today?

Bree: I don’t know. Do you think that would be wise?

I gazed out the window, wondering if someone, somewhere, was sitting in a car, hunched down in the driver’s seat with a long-lens camera, waiting for me to come out of the building. After Bree’s interview, I doubted it. We’d be old news by the end of the day.

Ryder: It’ll be fine. Come to practice

A few seconds passed, then my phone vibrated.

Bree: Ok. See you later

A slow smile crept over my face. So much for keeping my distance. Quinn wouldn’t be happy.

But suddenly I couldn’t wait until 5 PM, and the main draw definitely wasn’t running plays with the Pee Wees.

* * *

The restof the afternoon dragged, but finally it was time for football practice. Charlie and I parked the car and I did a quick survey of the lot, checking for anything unusual. The coast looked clear, so I grabbed our water bottles and the team’s equipment and we headed over to our designated practice area. A pack of kids was already gathered, running around and screaming, and a few moms stood on the sidelines chatting.

Probably about me and Bree.

I shoved that thought away. What did I care if a few people talked about me? It’d been happening most of my life, for some reason or other. No different now.

We walked up to the group and I immediately took charge. “Hey guys! Let’s huddle up and I’ll take roll.”

Grabbing my roster out of my pocket, I checked names off as I went down the list. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alex trot up, Bree following closely behind her. Glancing up, I caught her eye, nodding ever so slightly in her direction. She gave me a finger wave, then headed off to the bleachers to avoid a scene.Classy. The exact opposite of Shayna.

I finished up with attendance and we went right into drills: running, passing, scrimmage. For five and six-year-olds, the kids were actually pretty good. We might even have a chance to go to the Playoffs. Every once in a while, I would look over at the bleachers and see Bree sitting there, legs outstretched in the sun, and I’d lose track of the next play.

“Coach, what’s next?” A dark-haired kid looked up at me, his brown eyes wide.

“Uh, I think we’re done for the day. Good practice, guys!” I said. “Let’s huddle up.” All the Pee Wees gathered around me and I gave a quick pep talk.

“Great practice today, guys. We’re looking good out there. Remember, our first game is this week. Get lots of rest and I’ll see you at five PM on Friday!”

All the little hands went into the middle and we said our team cheer: “Go Lions! Roar!” Then the Pee Wees shouted and scattered like pool balls at the break.

“Hey.”

I swiveled to see Bree standing behind me, shifting from foot to foot, her hands shoved in her pockets. She looked great, even in her workout gear, hair thrown into a ponytail.

I inched closer, wanting to touch her, but not wanting to arouse more suspicion. The last thing either of us needed was being the topic of the Peachtree Grove Mom’s Group gossip.

“Hey.” I smiled down at her, my pulse quickening. “Charlie, why don’t you and Alex play tag for a minute?” I suggested, pushing him in the direction of Alex. He shot me a look of disdain, but went along with it anyway. They ran down the field, squealing after each other, arguing about who was going to be It.

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