Page 24 of Red Zone

“Thanks.” I winked then moved closer when I saw the pictures she had spread out. Her computer was open to a shot of the fountain and a few of the defensive players I knew Skye had been filming last night. “Those are from Skye?”

“Yep.” She looked up from the images to level me with that detective look I knew too well.

“That stare,” I muttered, picking at the label on my water bottle. “You’d think I’d be immune to it by now, but nope. Still feels like getting grilled under a spotlight.”

She smirked but ignored my comment. “I can see why you had a thing for Skye. Interesting that she had such a tight grip on your hand. She’s the one, isn’t she?” Fiona’s tone softened. “The girl who disappeared freshman year.”

I didn’t answer, but the silence must’ve said enough because she smirked.

“Thought so.” Her voice was low so Dad wouldn’t hear.

I appreciated it, but I wasn’t in the mood to get into a discussion about my history with Skye, not after the lecture from Dad. “It didn’t mean anything.”

“If you say so. But, little brother, I hope you’re wrong.”

I grinned at her as the microwave dinged, and I retrieved my dinner. “There’s nothing little about me.”

She snorted then shoved the papers aside so I could sit at the table with her.

“How’s the case going? You got my text?”

“Yes, thanks. So far, we don’t have any major leads. Did you know Jackson had a heart condition?” Fiona asked, her tone sharper.

I froze mid-bite. “What kind of condition?”

“Still waiting on specifics, but it’s the kind of thing that should’ve made him cautious, especially with the sudden improvement he’s had. It doesn’t add up.”

“No. But the coaches should know. He would’ve had to disclose that in his medical info in the athletics portal.”

“I have an appointment with them early tomorrow morning, before the game.”

Her slight hesitation snagged my attention. “You found something else, didn’t you?”

She pursed her lips. “There might’ve been something in his blood,” she said, her words deliberate, heavy with unspoken concern.

I leaned forward, plate forgotten. “What does that mean? Something like… drugs?” That wasn’t good.What if Jackson’s death impacted the team’s unity or our game plan?

She hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. “We’re not jumping to conclusions yet. But if you hear anything about supplements or substances going around the team, I need to know.”

Is that why Jackson went from benchwarmer to star player so quickly?“I haven’t, but I’ll keep my ears open.” That would be a catastrophe for the team and our odds with NFL scouts.

Early the next day, before the game, I was in the library, sitting next to Skye at a secluded table on the third floor as we completed another tutoring session. The awareness between us escalated to degrees I could barely manage. I didn’t know how much longer I could go, how much more I could take before I broke down and kissed her.

Would that be so bad?

Skye shoved her laptop into her bag, her movements deliberate but too quick to be casual. Tension radiated from her, though she wouldn’t meet my eyes.

“Thanks for the help.” I broke the silence as she slung her bag over her shoulder.

Her gaze flicked to me, and for a second, I thought she might say something, but she just nodded. “Yeah. See you later.” She started toward the door, her shoulders tight, as if she were carrying something too heavy to set down.

“Skye, wait,” I called, my voice cutting across the empty floor of the library.

She paused mid-step, her back to me, and for a moment, I thought she might keep walking. But then she turned, her expression unreadable, her eyes holding some emotion I couldn’t name.

“What?” she asked, her voice quiet but strained.

I stepped closer, narrowing the space between us. “You don’t have to do everything alone, you know. Whatever you’re dealing with, you don’t have to carry it all by yourself.”

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