Page 63 of Daring the Defender

“When you arrive there will be new jerseys for you to wear that day. They’ll be in your lockers.”

“Come on, Jane,” Reese says, that all-American grin flashing. “Give us a peek at our boy’s design.”

Every eye in the room swings toward me, including Jane, who is blushing at Reese’s attention. There’s not a woman that crosses his path that doesn’t fall for his charm.

“Not until tomorrow.” She smiles. “But I can say that Mr. Wilder did an amazing job.”

She continues, giving us a firm warning about not being late, and Reese chimes in letting us know there will be no partying the night before. The easy going grin from before is gone. “This weekend is about the kids. If you show up hungover or late, there will be hell to pay.”

There’s no argument from the team and even Jefferson agrees to follow the rules. I’m headed to the locker room to grab my things when Jane calls out, “Reid, can you talk for a minute?”

“Hey,” I say, dodging the guys as they file out the door. “Is everything okay with the designs?”

“They turned out great. Everyone in the office loves them.” She pauses while Emerson and Murphy pass by. “When I sent them to the athletic director’s office they loved them tooand want to use them on new merchandise heading into the playoffs.”

“Seriously?”

“Dead serious. You’re a really talented artist and have fresh ideas. Merch sales have been lagging for the last few seasons. We’ve definitely needed a rebrand and everyone thinks you’re the perfect style for what we’re looking for.” She tilts her head. “We can even pay you.”

My head spins at the news. “That sounds really cool.”

“I’ve already spoken to Coach Bryant and assured him that if you take on this work it won’t interfere with your hockey schedule. Your advisor has also agreed that any additional work you put into this can be used as part of your senior project.”

“Wow,” I run my hand through my hair, “okay, so you’ve thought this through.”

“Only because the work you’ve given us so far is so good and that’s how much we want to continue working with you.” She straightens. “I’ll get you the paperwork and any details you’ll need. Truthfully, you’ve already done the hard work. This will just be a little tweaking to expand the design to other products.”

Jane walks out, and I continue to the locker room. I’m stunned at the reaction to my design. It started off as a little tweak on the original logo and mascot, something fun for the event, but I had no idea it would build like this.

When I get into the locker room, the guys are still there, talking about who they’re inviting to the Family Day.

“Twyler’s going to volunteer with Coach Green,” Reese says, hitching his bag over his shoulder, “just in case they need another set of hands for first-aid.”

Murphy is bringing his parents. Pete’s girlfriend from back home is coming up. I’m shrugging on my coat when Axel chimes in, “Nadia will be here and I figure I’ll see if Shelby wants to come. It’ll be her last weekend before she goes home.”

Wait, what?

“Already?” Jefferson asks for me. “She’s really going back?”

“I have a feeling if I don’t get her on that plane my mother will fly out here and get her herself and no one wants the wrath of Mrs. Reverend Rakestraw to blow through here.” He slams his locker shut. “It sucks though. I can already see the change in her. She’s more independent and outspoken. Confident.”

“Maybe she’ll tell your mother to fu–” Jefferson swallows back the curse, “back off.”

“Easier said than done.” Axel pulls the black skull-cap out of his bag. “As much as I want my little sister to break free of my parents’ control, I don’t see it happening long-term. She’s just not that kind of girl.”

What kind of girl is that? I want to ask. Is she not the kind that would go get a job to earn money of her own for the first time? Or to break up with her almost-fiance so she can experience new things without any shackles holding her back? But most of all, is she not the kind of girl that would give his best friend a blow job while everyone else was asleep in the house?

Because that’s the Shelby I know and the idea that she could be leaving soon hits me hard.

“What about you, Wilder?” Emerson asks. “Who are you bringing?

“Uh, my dad and probably my sister.”

“The cute older one?” Jefferson asks. “Or the cute younger one?”

I shoot him a glare. “The much younger, totally illegal, one.”

He winks. “Gotcha.”

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