Page 81 of The Trade

Her words of encouragement, her unflinching belief in my potential—they were like an adrenaline shot straight to my heart.

Empowered by her belief, I felt invincible ... which is why I find myself knocking on her door now, halfway into my gear for the upcoming scrimmage. She greets me there, a picture of adorable confusion, her cheeks flushed, my loaner jersey hanging off her body.

“Hey, what are you doing here?”

“I wanted to come see you before the game,” I say, shifting on my feet, holding up her sweatshirt. “And also, I wanted to return this.”

Accepting it from my hands, she balls the fabric up against her chest. “Thank you, babe.”

I knit my brows together. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just . . . frustrated. I’m trying to finish this fucking article before the game, but I keep wishing I could write about that instead.”

I grab her hand, wrapping my fingers around hers. “Jade, if you want it bad enough, we’ll make it happen.”

Her lips pout as she asks, “How?”

“I’ll kick Garrett’s ass, that’s how.” I can’t help but smile at her shocked expression. “No, but seriously. Stand your ground. Write about the scrimmage anyway. Get interviews that outshine Liam’s. Keep proving yourself. Any good editor would recognize your talent.”

“You think so?”

“Jade, you’re an incredible writer, passionate about the game. You’ve told me repeatedly that you believe in me. Well, I believe in you, too. I know you can show Garrett what you’re capable of.”

“Thank you.” She gives me a genuine smile, a light squeeze to my hand. “I love how you always go after what you want, no matter what anyone else thinks.”

Barely suppressing a smirk, I cock a brow. “Oh, is that what I do?”

“Yes, you’re like the most straightforward person I know. If I didn’t know you better, I’d probably think you were just a cocky asshole. But I know it’s not like that.”

There’s a grin playing on my lips, uncontrollable, drawn out by her admission. “Yeah? What’s it like, then?”

“Honest,” she says simply, her dark eyes locked onto mine. “I guess you’re just ... honest. It’s a huge turn-on for me.”

The sentiment, so genuine and sweet, hits me like a physical blow, leaving me breathless. “My . . . honesty is a turn-on?” I manage to choke out.

“Yes. I think that’s the main reason why I never went for athletes before you. I was always worried they’d just try to play games.”

“Oh.” I swallow hard, fighting back the urge to wince. “You weren’t worried about that with me?”

“Actually, I was at first,” she confesses, eyes downcast, a touch of reservation in her tone. “I’ve seen the way Ace treated girls all my life. Family comes first for him, then football, and then his teammates. He can barely make time to date, so when he does, he likes to keep things interesting. Meaning . . . he tends to string girls along and act like they’re disposable.”

She stares up at me, trust and reassurance reflected in her eyes. “I thought you might treat me the same way if we gave things a shot. But time and again, you’ve shown me I have nothing to worry about.”

I feel like I’ve been hit by a fucking truck. This entire time, she’s been seeing me as the most honest guy in her life, when I’ve been hiding the truth of the Trade from her. I can’t let this lie continue a second longer. I owe her that much.

“Jade—” I begin, bracing myself.

“I know, I’m sorry for placing my doubts on you right before the game. But I do trust you now, okay?” Her words are like a salve to my conscience, but they also deepen my guilt. “Besides, you’re about to go kick ass against Coastal.”

The scrimmage. Right. I blink, the sudden reminder shoving me back into reality. There’s no time for confession now, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. It has to.

“I’ll be looking for you in the stands,” I tell her, my voice slightly choked.

“I’ll be there to cheer you on, front and center.”

I’m taken aback by the promise in her voice, and it further cements my resolution. After the game, I’ll tell her everything. No secrets. No barriers between us.

“Jade,” I say, my voice heavy with an emotion I can’t quite place.

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