Page 28 of Play It Off

“We need security,” Nico says as he runs past us to insert himself in between Frank and Everleigh.

“Already on it,” Gavin says. “They’ll be here soon.”

He sends me a reassuring smile, and like the dumbstruck woman I am, I smile back, grateful that he listens to me.

The bar is packed, but they reserved a bunch of tables for the team like they always do, and that’s where we’re currently sitting. There are only a few women celebrating with the guys tonight. A couple of girlfriends. Everleigh. Me.

I’m sitting right next to Gavin because he slid into the booth seat beside me when the server brought us to the tables, his thigh pressed firmly against mine. An almost painful reminder that distracts me. I can’t concentrate on what people are saying because I’m too wrapped up in the sensation of his very bulky and very firm thigh nestled right next to mine. How he leans into me when he speaks to the guy sitting on the other side of me. I don’t even remember that guy’s name, though his face is familiar. And at this point, I can’t be bothered to try to figure it out.

Instead, I remain where I’m seated and revel in being this close to Gavin. His delicious scent, the warmth of his body, the deep rumble of his voice. The way he speaks to his teammates, always giving them so much credit while they go over the highlights of the game as they’re always wont to do. They enjoy reliving their glory moments, and I don’t blame them. It was a great game, and especially for the seniors on the team; this is their last season. They want it to be epic—the very best games they’ve ever played.

The thought of Gavin graduating leaves me melancholy, and I wallow in my sad feelings for a moment, until that little nagging reminder deep inside my brain tells me I need to get over it and enjoy this time with him rather than think about the future and how he’ll be gone.

“Want another drink?” Gavin asks, and I smile at him, nodding. He lifts his hand, signaling the server who’s at the other table taking orders, and once she walks over, he puts on the Maddox charm.

The smile he levels upon the woman could slay a thousand dragons dead, and of course she falls for it. I watch the tension bleed from the stiff lines of her shoulders, and her entire expression goes soft. “Whatcha need, QB?”

He rattles off a few requests, and I realize he must’ve asked everyone at the table if they wanted something else. He even orders two large plates of nachos, which have my stomach growling just at the thought of them.

Once the server is gone, he leans against the back of the booth seat, his shoulder brushing against mine. “I was starving. Nachos aren’t the best choice, but fuck it.”

“Yes. Fuck it.” I giggle. Oops. I think I’m buzzin’.

He appears amused at my little giggle. “Someone’s probably had too much to drink.”

“Do not cut me off, Gavin Maddox. I probably just need something to eat. Like nachos.” I had popcorn and ate a hot dog during halftime at the game, but that was hours ago. I’m definitely hungry.

“I would never.” He rests his hand against his chest, that fond smile on his face doing things to my insides. Like twisting them into knots. “You know what I like about you, Sienna?”

I sit up straighter at the sincerity in his voice—and, of course, at the words he said. “What?”

“How loyal you are. You’re always there for Coop.”

“He’s always there for me.” Don’t get me wrong—we argue. We’ve even gone through stages when we seriously disliked each other, but that’s all in the past. Now I consider my brother one of my best friends.

One of my best friends who I keep a few secrets from, but we won’t focus on that at the moment.

“And you’re always here for the team too. We appreciate you.” He pauses. “I appreciate you.”

A lump lodges in my throat, making it difficult to speak. Taking a deep breath, I lean into him, pressing my shoulder against his. “Thank you, Gavin.”

He wraps his arm around my shoulders and drops a kiss to my temple, making me freeze. Making him freeze too. Did he really just do that? Did anyone see him? Us? I’ve never witnessed him be affectionate toward any woman before, and that was completely out of character for him.

Not that I mind. It’s what I want. What I crave more than anything, and I press myself into him as much as I dare, knowing this moment is going to end far too quickly.

He slowly removes his arm from my shoulders and shifts away from me, though he can’t go far. I’m not offended. And truly? He appears rattled, and I get it. That was mind blowing, what he just did. And how natural it felt between us.

Eventually the server brings us our drinks and nachos, and I stuff my face, not even caring if I look like a pig. Everyone is gorging themselves on food, and it doesn’t really matter. I sip my drink, trying to pace myself. I’m feeling good, but I don’t need to get trashed. I notice Gavin has stopped drinking and switched to water.

Hmm.

By the time it’s past midnight, most of the crowd at our tables has dissipated, though the bar is busier than ever. I see a few of the players among the people still here, even my brother, but Gavin remains seated by me. Quiet. Downright contemplative. I’m mostly silent, too, enjoying being with him and even a little sad that these moments are slipping away from me. One by one, game by game, until the season is over and there will be no reason for us to see each other beyond a friendlyHiorByein passing.

It’s devastating to think about, which shocks me. We’ve gotten close in a short amount of time after mostly avoiding each other for two years. I wonder if he feels the same way ...

“You good?”

I glance up to find Gavin watching me carefully. There is no one else in the booth seat with us, yet we’re still planted right next to each other. “A little tired,” I admit, unsure of what to say.

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