Page 71 of How to Prevent a Fumble

Lightly moaning, I picture turning my head as far as I can to try to look at him, and… fuck.

I want to picture some hot actor. Some singer maybe.

Not an athlete, and especially not Leo Warner.

But the way he talked about doing this?

The focus on him slips me out of it, and I open my eyes with a groan, annoyed.

I can’t remember the last time I was able to come. I’ve done it a few times myself, but never with a partner. At least, I don’t think so.

I’ve pretended plenty of times, that’s for sure. And eventually I was able to convince myself that I wasn’t pretending, and that they counted.

They didn’t

With one last sigh, I slip out of the tub, drying off and putting pajamas on before climbing in bed next to Elara and Champ, and falling asleep.

22

LEO

Iwake up to a quiet buzzing next to my head a little before five in the morning, the digital clock next to my bed still casting a light glow through the room.

I still have a couple more minutes to sleep, but when I check my phone, I see a text from my publicist.

It’s a link to an article.

Super Bowl Champion Leo Warner Steps Out With New Woman Amid Controversythe headline reads.

I don’t bother reading the article.

I don’t bother responding at all. Why is she even up at this hour?

Sighing, I realize there’s no use trying to get back to sleep and get up. Taking a quick shower, I grab all my things and get ready for practice. We only have a couple more days until the season starts, and to say everyone is excited is an understatement.

I’m not sure how we’re going to follow up last year’s season, but we’ve been on a roll, and I really think we can get there again this season.

Pulling on my shoes, I think about grabbing something toeat from the fridge but opt for something at the facility instead.

Tiptoeing around so I don’t wake anyone, I grab my keys and head out.

“Why are Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb asking me what my sister likes?” Crosby asks, leaning against my locker.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I tell him as I scowl at Cooper and Emmett behind him. Emmett immediately turns away while Cooper leans in to listen.

“Cut the bullshit Warner and just be honest with me.”

“I just want to make sure I’m doing things the right way.”

He shakes his head. “No you aren’t. Tell me why.”

Sitting down, I lean against the piece separating our lockers and watch him stand above me. Something tells me giving him the upper hand will allow this to land a bit better. “I may have realized that I like your sister.”

“Leo,” he warns, his eyes hardening and his fist forming next to him.

Putting up my hands, I try to calm him down. “I promise there’s no funny business involved. I’m not going to do anything, Owen. I just like her.”

“Leo, you can’t fuck this up,” he tells me, almost panicked. “Do you know how much she’s gone through? She doesn’t need that kind of thing in her life.”

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