Page 79 of Crossing Lines

“Yeah, yeah. You’re not my coach, remember?” I set my hand on his doorknob. But what he was asking wasn’t a bad idea and maybe I could use it to my advantage when I got to play again.

“It’s a good idea anyway.” He wrapped his arm around my waist and hugged me into him. “Come here. One last kiss before you go.”

I faced him and, grabbing the back of his neck, placed a deep, lingering kiss on his lips, then freed him. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you more.” He primped my bangs. “Now, go home and rest.” He slapped my ass.

“Yes, sir.” With a salute, I popped the door open and made my way to the parking garage.

I spentthe rest of the week focusing on my studies and a new workout routine to increase my flexibility and balance, compliments of Archer, who was studying exercise science and had come up with this shit for his final project.

The weekend had been weird being in the house all alone. In fact, it had never happened before. But I’d dutifully streamed the games and made notes on them as Ryan had suggested. It was different looking at our team from a coach’s perspective. We’d won the first game in overtime, then lost the second.

On Tuesday, I was met by Coach Finley in the training room. I was there between my classes and before practice was due to start. “Boehm, can you come with me?” He gave me a pointed look.

“Sure.” I scanned over his face. He looked…unhappy? I followed him out the door, then down the hallway into the facility. Why wasn’t he saying anything?

When we reached his office, he waved me inside. “You remember Shannon, don’t you?”

Mr. Shannon stood from an office chair across from Coach Finley’s desk and walked to me, hand outstretched, a smile on his face. “Boehm, nice to see you again.”

“Likewise.” I gave his hand a firm shake, taking in his tailored gray suit, my pulse kicking. There was only one reason he would be here. I’d have my answer on camp today.

Coach Finley remained at the door and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Have a seat.” Shannon waved to an empty chair next to the one he’d been sitting in.

I dropped in and took a hard swallow, my throat going dry. He must have known about my concussion already, right?

“Boehm, the coaches in my organization have really liked what they’ve seen.” He lifted his chin. “Even though you’ve been out for the last few games, they believe they’ve seen enough to extend an invitation for you to join our development camp this summer.” He glanced at Coach Finley, then back to me. “What do you say?”

“Uh, yes. Heck yeah.” All the discussions I’d had with Ryan about summer plans stormed through my head. We could be together this summer, but if I got a contract, what would happencome fall? My gut clenched. We’d work it out. We’d talked about this.

“Good.” With a grin at me, Mr. Shannon said, “I’ll send over the paperwork through your email address for e-sign. You’ll be meeting everyone when you get up there and it’ll be an intensive schedule, so don’t plan on any sightseeing.” He chuckled.

“Oh no, sir.” I shook my head and fought to breathe steadily. Holy shit, was this really happening?

“Any questions?” Setting his hands on his thighs, he looked me over.

“No. At least, not right now.” I snuck a peek at my coach, smirking at me.

“If he has any, we’ll be in touch.” Coach Finley uncrossed his arms and held out his hand to me. “Congratulations, Boehm.”

“Thank you,” I said roughly. Goddamn, I had to tell Ryan. I shook Coach’s hand, then left. This news needed to be shared in person.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

RYAN

Tuesday afternoon, I strode out of my office. We had practice in thirty minutes. My phone buzzed in the pocket of my team sweats, and I fished it out, then stopped. It was a message from Jonah.

Janet

I have news. Can I see you tonight?

I tapped a message back to him.

Ryan

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