Page 30 of Personal Foul

“Go on, get out of here. Report back next week. You know the drill.”

Kaiden shot to his feet. “Thank you, Coach.”

“Thank me by playing hard. The inaugural year for any team is supposed to suck, but I want to prove people wrong.”

“Championship here we come.”

Coach chuckled. “Go big or go home. See you next week.”

With a wave, Kaiden left the office and practically floated back to the field where Crew waited, smirking.

“Could’ve told me,” Kaiden said.

Crew grinned. “Now, where would the fun be in that?”

“I hear ya.” He held out his hand and Crew shook it. “I probably have you to thank.”

“No, you have yourself to thank. You did the hard work and made my job look easy.”

“Man, I thought I was being let go. You’re not the only one not wanting to get a new career.”

They started walking to the locker room.

“I got some tickets for the Cardinals game this Sunday. Right behind home plate. I thought you and your girl would liketo come along.”

Kaiden blinked. “Really? Wow. Thanks, man, that’d be awesome.”

“Do you gotta ask your girl?”

“I’m pretty certain she’d love to go.”

“Cool.”

“Hey,” Kaiden stopped him. “I’ve kind of taken on this project to help this school that needs football equipment and a new travel bus. Do you think that’s something you’d be interested in participating?”

“Absolutely. Let me know time and date.”

“Cool. I will.”

He held up his hand and Crew gave him the half-hug bro handshake. Kaiden took a shower and dressed, throwing his gym clothes into his bag, and headed out, suddenly anxious to tell Romilly he made the team.

****

Romilly knew something good happened as soon as Kaiden hurried through the door. She stood as he rushed over, lifting her up as he twirled her. Laughter tumbled from his lips and his eyes were alight with joy.

“They picked up my contract!” he said enthusiastically.

Happiness filled her and she threw her arms around his neck. “That’s awesome!”

He buried his face in the crook of her neck. “I thought they were cutting me today. I thought it was all over, and I couldn’t figure out what to think. Or do. Football is all I know.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

Her heart thumped heavily in her chest, and not because of his excitement but because she was pressed close to his hard body. Her hands traced the curve of his muscles. She breathed in his intoxicating scent. He went still and lifted his head. Theystared at one another for a moment before his mouth crashed down onto hers.

The pressure of his lips was hard. Bruising. Not an inch of space between them. He plunged his tongue into her mouth, kissing her like his life depended on it. Devouring her lips, all signs of gentleness fading away. His taste exploded on her tongue and she came to the realization this was more, far more than just a great kiss.

They came up for air, both panting. A look of shock and awe on his face. She wondered if she reflected them back.

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