Page 60 of The First Play

“Is that yours?” I mumble.

“Yeah, I’m trying to ignore it.” His lips brush the back of my neck and I burrow into him, smirking when his erection digs into my butt.

That might be a nice way to start the day.

Although, my body is kind of aching from all the lovemaking throughout the night, but it might be worth it. I’ll just ask him to be gentle, take it slow. Just a nice, easy ride into consciousness.

I’m seconds away from reaching behind me and making this happen when the phone starts ringingagain.

“Shit!” Zander barks. “Leave us the fuck alone.” Throwing the covers back, he stalks over to his bag, grumbling about how he should have turned the damn thing off. “Noah, this better be good!” he growls… then jerks to a stop and goes deathly pale.

I bolt up, instantly worried… and rightfully so.

“Dad,” he chokes out. “What’s up? Why do you… why do you have Noah’s phone?”

“Because I’m standing in his bedroom looking for my son who is supposed to be here!” He yells the words so loud that even I can hear him.

I wince, sudden tears burning me eyes as I see my awesome plan going up in smoke.

Shit. Zander is going to get in so much trouble for this.

He plunks down onto the edge of the bed, and I scramble over to him, leaning my ear close to his face so I can hear what his dad is saying.

“Now, Noah won’t tell me where the hell you are. He doesn’t know,apparently.” The scorn in his father’s voice makes my insides shudder. I can only imagine what Noah is going through right now. The poor guy is probably standing there in boxer shorts—or whatever he wears to bed—and shuffling on his feet with an anxious frown. I can picture the scene so clearly. “You listen to me, son. You get your ass back here right now!”

“Dad, I?—”

“No! Zander, no! No excuses. I know you’re with that little girlfriend of yours. I know you spent the night together, and I’m not stupid. I know exactly what you got up to.”

My eyes are burning in earnest now, and I’m seconds away from crying.

Shit, shit, shit!This is so bad.

“Get back here, do you understand me? You pack your stuff, and you drive back to your mother’s house right now! We’ll be waiting for you there.”

“Dad… no.” Zander’s voice is trembling, and I really admire the way he’s trying to fight, but it’s so obviously a losing battle. “This is my birthday present, and we’re not due back until?—”

“I don’t give a fuck what this is!” his dad barks. “You shouldn’t be doing it. You’ve only just turned eighteen, and you’re too young. I don’t care what you think, but it’s the truth. You’re too young, Zander. And I won’t let you fuck up your future. Now, you get home right now. I’ve just had a very important phone call from Coach Jones at Kelsey U. We need to talk about this, because your future depends on it.”

“What do you mean?” Zander goes still, his eyes bulging.

“It means Brighton might not be your best option anymore.” His dad sighs. “I’m sorry, son.”

“What?”

“Just get home so we can talk about it, okay?” His dad’s voice is all soft now, like he’s sad or something.

I frown and try to catch Zander’s eye, but he won’t look at me. His gaze is trained on the floor, his breath on hold until he huffs out, “Dad, what’s going on?”

“Brighton might say they want you… but you’re not the only quarterback they’re interested in, and I don’t think you want to be riding the bench for an entire season. Now, get your ass home. This is important.” His dad’s tone sharpens to terse again, and I wince.

Fisting the sheet against my body, I watch Zander’s head bob up and down as he shifts toward his gear bag. “Yeah, I’m on my way.” His voice trembles as he starts shoving our stuff into the overnight bag.

Throwing my clothes onto the bed, he gets dressed, and my insides deflate. Looks like we’re going home early.

Oh please, you knew the second you heard his father’s voice.

Pulling my underwear on with a little pout, I try to think of something to ease this tension, but I’ve got nothing. Zander’s pale expression and wrinkled forehead are killing me. I want to wipe away that frown… but I can’t. Zander’s football dreams are not turning out the way he planned, and he’s so obviously gutted… and no doubt dreading the upcoming conversation with his father.

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