Page 47 of Trapped and Tackled

“Speaking of sisters, you need to reach out to Lincoln.”

“She called you?”

“Twice,” Marlowe confirms.

I sigh. “I miss her too.”

“She’ll understand, Leni. She loves you. We both do.”

“I love you, too.”

Marlowe smirks and lifts her fork in the air. I tap it with mine. “We’re back, baby.”

Chapter 12

Talon

Leni: I’ll be ready at 6.

I reread her text and grin. Damn, Sunny Leni kept me on fucking read the past few days and now, she’s letting me know that I can come pick her up for our drive out to the lake.

A ride which promises to be awkward since I fucking kissed her and then, nothing. She left, I went to Dallas, and we haven’t spoken about it. About anything.

She hasn’t even showed up to the pool the last few nights. She’s avoiding me and I’m going into this weekend with her blind.

Fuck. I messed this up.

“You good?” Avery asks as I toss a pair of sneakers in my bag.

“Yep.” I grin cockily, like I’m not mentally floundering. “All straight.”

“Really? You feel good about this weekend with Leni? Y’all talked?”

“Not yet, but I’m sure it’ll be fine. A few days have passed. It’s all good now, right?” I say, hoping he confirms my assessment of the situation.

West Crawford chuckles. I glance at where he’s straddling a bench. “A few days passed with no contact? Bro, you’re fucked. Shit’s going to be awkward and intense until you clear the air so if I was you, I’d do that straight away. Especially if you want to enjoy your days off.”

“Damn,” I mutter, fearing that he’s right.

“Leni’s reasonable,” Avery offers, lowering his voice. While I imagine West knows exactly what we’re talking about, he never asked for confirmation or details. He’s a good guy like that—isn’t one for gossip or talking shit.

“I hurt her feelings,” I mutter.

Avery sighs. “Listen, just clear the air like West said. Show up for her, keep an eye on her, and try to have a good fucking weekend. But make sure she has fun, Miller. The last thing you want is for Coach to ride your ass the entire season because you screwed over his little girl.”

I close my eyes and nod. I know Avery is right. Hell, the majority of my football team is comprised of playboys who can’t keep it in their pants. And yet, all of them know more about relationships and how to navigate them than I do.

“All right.” I stand and shoulder my bag. “I’ll see you guys on Monday.”

“Take it easy, Talon,” West offers, shooting me an encouraging grin.

Avery smacks my back in farewell. Gage and Cohen flip their chins in my direction, the two of them lost in conversation.

I lift a hand and exit the locker room. I’m nearly to the parking lot when Coach’s voice booms out.

“Miller! Just the man I was looking for.” Coach hurries toward me.

“Hey, Coach. How’s it going?” I ask.

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