Page 25 of Count On Me

She’s my whole damn world.

Lockheart pulls me from thoughts, throwing it all back in my face. “You’ve not been yourself since you went out the other day and got caught with lipstick all over you. What gives? And don’t tell me you don’t know what I’m talking about or any of that bullshit.” I watch as he folds his arms over his chest and scowls at me. Lockheart’s a veteran player, spent his whole career at Heath Hampstead even though he’s had offers to go to so many other clubs. He’s loyal, determined, and the best damn friend I have on this team.

He took me under his wing when I first arrived. Being ten years older than me, he has a lot more experience than I do. I should be spending my time with him, not Jordan—something Edie has told me on many occasions. As I stall for time, making tea and coffee, Lockheart sits down at my breakfast bar and waits.

I take his drink over and sit next to him, not looking at him as I confess, “I’m just scared I’ll get sidelined again once Marcello comes back from injury.”

“So prove to Coach you can play with him. Play your game so well that he has no choice but to put you with Marcello and take this team to the next level. You’re good enough to do it.”

“I know I fucking am, but Coach isn’t gonna play me when I’m hitting headlines left, right, and centre. And the press arehounding me even when I’m not doing anything. Jordan took that girl home and fucked her, not me.” I attempt to brush him off, but he shakes his head.

“Then stop hanging around with a fuckboy like Jordan. Distance yourself. And try again, boy. I know there’s more.”

I roll my eyes and take a sip of my drink, scalding my tongue. “Fuck. It’s hot.”

“Like your friend, Edie.” He stares into my eyes as the blood rages through my veins.

“I’ve told you before, Lockheart?—”

He interrupts me with a chuckle as my head starts to explode in an inferno of anger.

“As I thought. This mood is about her and not about anything else. So stop bullshitting me and spill. I’ve got better things to do with my time, kid.”

“Yeah? Like what?” I feel like a petulant child as I fold my arms and pout at him. I hate being called kid and boy, but he does it all the time. I want to sulk and storm off to my room, but I don’t. One look at his raised brow and smirk makes me sigh and grin. This fucker is like a big brother and father all rolled into one. So, instead of stomping off, I take a deep breath and tell him everything.

“I don’t understand. You love her and she obviously loves you. Just make a play for her.” I scoff at his response and get a slap to the back of the head. “Don’t scoff at me, dipshit.”

“I can’t make a move on her, she’s my best friend. I don’t even know where I’ll be living next year. I can’t risk our friendship for a couple of months together before I’m shipped back home. I’m not denying I love her. Shit, that feels good to sayto someone else. But she isn’t into me like that. She’s gotTom.” I spit his name out of my mouth like it’s poison.

“Fucking idiot.” He mutters under his breath, and before I can argue back he asks me, “Why don’t you just talk to her?” He gets up and starts pacing, lost in his own thoughts as he continues, “That’s the problem with people, they never fucking communicate. All of this would be solved if you just spoke to her, but no, you won’t do that. You’re going to lie about everything and expect her to know what’s going on. This is why I avoid peopling, causes nothing but headaches.” He shakes his head slightly and brings his eyes up to mine, giving me an awkward smile. “Just talk to her,” he finishes quietly.

I attempt to say something to him but he shakes his head at me and walks toward the door. “Talk to her and stop partying with Jordan. You know he’s more trouble than he’s worth. You’re always welcome at mine if it gets too much living across the hall from him. But whatever you decide, you need to tell her how you feel.” And with a small smile that looks more like a grimace, he walks out.

I blow a breath out and head toward the sofa, dropping down on it and bringing Edie’s name up on my phone.

Me

Can I talk to you?

DELETE

Me

I like you Edie.

DELETE

Me

I miss you.

DELETE

Me

I love you Edie, I always have and I always will. Not in a ‘friend’ way either. In an ‘I want to do very naughty things with you for the rest of my life’ way.

DELETE

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