Page 8 of Dirty Player

Fuck.

I’m not going to cry. Well, I might.

We both know I nearly didn’t make it.

After finding Kaylee sucking Colby Wade’s face, I went downhill a little. Anda littleis a big deal when you need to keep your grades up and be a star college football player while the scouts are watching.

There was no getting away from them. They were in the media for weeks.

My pride and game were hurting, but not as much as my heart. That I kept to myself.

“Montgomery, word.” Coach had pulled me aside. I’d followed him into his office where he stood with his hands on his hips, staring at me.

We’d just lost a game.

“What’s going on?” he demanded.

Fuck, my heart had been thumping like crazy.

“Yeah, just having a bad week I guess.” I rubbed my hand up the back of my head awkwardly.

“Levi, that wasn’t a bad week. That was a colossal fucking loss. You dropped the ball. Twice.”

Shit.

Once, because I’d thought I’d seen Kaylee’s red Nikes in the crowd.

I couldn’t believe I was letting a jersey chaser fuck up my dreams.

“Listen, son.” Coach sighed, dropping his arms, then crossing them as he sat on the edge of his desk. “If this is about that girl, I need you to pull your head out of your ass and get back in the game.”

I nodded.

“I can tell you right now, Levi, you have a real shot at going pro,” he said, and it wasn’t the first time he’d told me this.

Rubbing the side of my neck, I nodded some more.

“Ifyou refocus.”

He was right. I wasn’t intentionally fucking up. I hadn’t expected to feel like this. I’d neverlikeda girl this much. Being cheated on so publicly fucking hurt.

Losing Kaylee, who I’d realized had become so important in my life in such a short time, had felt like losing a best friend.

Not just a lover.

And while I’d ignored all her attempts at contact, it felt like no excuse would be enough to change what had happened.

“No girl is worth ruining your future. Very few get this type of opportunity. Hell, I didn’t. You’re a talented player. Let her go.”

“Thanks.” I slid my hands into my pocket.

“Don’t thank me.” He pushed off the desk, his hands returning to hips. “If I don’t see improvement next week, I’m pulling you from the team. These next few games are key for the season and your chance at being drafted.”

“Coach, wait—”

He held up his hand. “There is no waiting. Life is happening to you right now, Montgomery. Go do what you need to do, then bring your A-game with you next week.”

He looked at me and I could hear the words hanging in the air.Or you are out.

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