Page 67 of Their Greatest Strength

I don’t question the order, pointing at the proud football player.My friend.The man who’s shown me more kindness than anyone else ever has.

He grins and mouths the wordsfor you.

The crowd erupts beyond any level I’ve heard yet tonight, and if it weren’t for the security that’s surrounded us in the past few moments and the swarm of reporters, I’d be looking into a camera right now.

That’s what I’m supposed to want. It points to us doing agood job and is a whole lot safer than wishing I could cut across the field and tell him that despite my lack of knowledge and passion for this sport, I’m proud of him.

Especially when we only have a few more months of this. Then . . . then there will be someone else on the sidelines catching his invisible arrows.

21

JAMIE

Post-game media isn’tmy favourite way to celebrate a win. It’s always the same old questions and blank expressions in the crowd of reporters. They usually want to be there as much as the players do, and that makes for a very boring, very tiring event.

Tonight, though, the atmosphere is a little different.

Coach didn’t give me five minutes after I’d hopped into the shower before telling me I was set to go out to answer questions. Or spill the news, more like.

He went to find Blakely next. And after I’d spent the entire trip from the field to the locker room worrying that she’d gotten lost or swallowed up by clusters of strangers, I was grateful that he chose to do that. Not being able to be out there with her to guide her inside was frustrating. It didn’t feel right to leave her and Nate on their own.

My shorts and sweatshirt are a nice break from the weight of shoulder pads and a tight jersey as I step up onto the platform and take a seat at the table. More cameras than usual flash, and Jaxon takes the chair beside me with Zach on his other side.

The team is as curious as the media is, but they didn’t get a single answer out of me in the locker room. I told those nosey fuckers to tune in tonight instead.

It’s almost like the Pythons invited every single media outlet in Vancouver and from two provinces over to be here tonight. There are so many faces I’ve never seen and names on badges that otherwise wouldn’t be here or care about post-game interviews.

Coach steps inside through the main door and leans against the wall away from the media, offering me a head nod that I hope means he’s found Blakely and brought her into the lounge. Graham didn’t exactly give me a step by step for tonight, but he did lay out some ideas. Specifically, making a scene during the game and during this upcoming interview session.

The details were and will be all me. I just have to hope that I don’t upset Blakely with them.

Sadie, leading the interviews as usual, gives the go-ahead to one of the news reporters from the middle of the seats.

“Jamie, incredible performance tonight. How does it feel to secure the win, and what do you think made the difference out there on the field?”

I fold my hands on the table and lean toward the microphone. “It feels great. We were hungry tonight, and we capitalized on the loose defense. What more can you ask for?”

“Jaxon, you and Jamie seemed to have great chemistry on the field tonight. How important is having that connection, not just in the game but off the field too?” a familiar face fromSports Weeklyasks.

I know even before Jax opens his mouth that this is the moment that changes everything. He’s the only player on the team who knows what Graham asked me to do, and the asshole’s been chomping at the bit to be involved. This is his chance, and he won’t miss it. Especially not once he receives an approving nod from Sadie.

“Oh, the connection’s crucial. Jamie and I are practically telepathic at this point. But honestly, I think his real inspiration tonight was having Blakely on the sidelines. The guy’s been floating on air ever since she showed up in his life. I mean, I’venever seen him this focused—or distracted.” He turns in his chair, smirking at me. “Care to explain what’s going on to everyone?”

Mumbled voices grow in volume throughout the room, recorders lifting with a vigour that wasn’t there after our last game. Interest gleams in the eyes of those who are itching to get the newest scoop out to the public first.

I give them all a wide grin. “I suppose I can answer a few questions about my fiancée, for those curious.”

Whispers grow from the less-sports-focused media until suddenly, they’re pushing to the front of the room. I’m relieved that Blakely isn’t with me to deal with those who would have bypassed me completely to get to her first if she were.

Sadie, expecting this, is quick to hop onto the stage and wave a hand through the air to draw everyone’s attention.

“Alright. We’ll take two questions for tonight. The rest of you can keep an eye on social media for more information.”

“Was it Blakely on the sidelines with the team tonight? This is such big and surprising news. Why announce it now? The season is in full swing!” a woman shouts, elbowing her way to the front of the stage.

Her press badge hangs around her neck, telling me she’s from theVancouver Pulse, a rag site that was responsible for posting a shirtless photo of Addie online a year back. It took Maddox three days and a few thousand dollars to get it taken down, but his sister doesn’t know that.

I force my annoyance with her presence to the back of my head and keep my grin strong.

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