Page 133 of Fair Catch

A shot to get everything he wants, no interference from me.

My eyes move to Phoenix, who is studying me with deep brown eyes, waiting for me to say something—anything.

But the only thing that manages to come out is, “I’d follow him anywhere.”

“That may be true. But being with him while his dreams come true shouldn’t be at the expense of yours. Not if you don’t want to risk giving them up.”

As soon as he says it, I know I don’t want to give them up.

I’m not ready to walk away from the legacy I’ve prepared my entire life to inherit, the company that my family has built over generations. On the best-laid plan that was a guaranteed, fulfilling, and successful future.

And even if all that wasn’t what I truly wanted, am I really willing to risk it all on something—someone—that isn’t a guarantee?

Because, as deeply as I feel about him, that’s what the stakes are.

My heart says yes. Immediately and without question.

But my head…

I press the heels of my hands against my eye sockets, damn near ready to claw them out of my skull at this point.

“I wish I knew what to do,” I finally murmur, the epitome of dejection.

Phoenix lays his hand on my shoulder in a touch that I’m sure is meant to be comforting, though I find anything but comfort in it. If anything, all it makes me want to do is break down and fucking cry.

“I hope you figure it out, Hayes. I really do. What the two of you had was special, and that doesn’t come around everyday.” When my gaze lifts, I find him offering me a sympathetic smile. “You became everything he ever wanted and all the things he didn’t know he needed.”

“He’s the same for me,” I whisper, feeling the depth of that truth.

We sit in silence for God knows how long after that, staring out at the street as cars pass by, beginning their day. I know I should let him get to his too, and that’s the only reason I find myself rising from the concrete steps.

“You said Holden’s going down to watch him at the combine?”

Phoenix nods solemnly as he stands too, following my cue. “He and some of the guys from the team, yeah. I would be too, but we’ve got away games this weekend.”

Nodding, I produce a five-dollar bill from my wallet before silently handing it over to Phoenix.

“Can you give this to Holden for me?”

He takes it, frowning as he tucks it in the pocket of his sweats. “What’s it for?”

“I think you already know.”

Thirty-Five

Kason

Stress and anxiety have my heart pounding in my chest as I look around the stadium in Indianapolis hosting the Combine, sizing up my competition and taking in the experience all at once.

Players from some of the best college football programs are here: Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, the list goes on. Some I grew up playing against, some who have decimated us on the field just this year, and as I look at them all, I’ve never been more intimidated. Not even standing off with Hayes’ mother compares, and this is the moment I’ve been preparing for since the day I put on my first set of pads.

Being the only one from Leighton doesn’t help matters, because most of these guys are here with at least one of their teammates, if not more.

I’m doing this all on my own.

Shoving down the nerves as best as I can, I keep stretching on the sidelines while I wait to be called for the forty-yard dash. Nothing short of willing my body to release some of the tension clinging to it like a parasite is gonna get me through today when I know my entire future is riding on my performance in these drills.

I belong here. I’ve earned this spot. I—

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