Page 16 of Blindsided By Fake Love

“Why would Beau want to let that sweet thing go? Did you see the way she looked at him?” Jones teases. “I’m sorry—kissed him? There’s obvious history BD isn’t telling us about.”

Here we go.

“Isn’t there anyone else’s love life you’re more interested in?” I tilt my head toward Romeo, aka Jeremy Thomas, our fullback. “We haven’t heard about—”

“Nope,” Romeo answers. “You’ve officially made my life dull.”

I snort. Practice is almost done. If I can hold on five more minutes and let the jabs roll off, like water off a duck’s back, I’ll make it out unscathed.

“If the annulment is still happening, I’d love her number so I can ask her out.” Teddy ‘Bear’ Wilson says nonchalantly. “She’s hot, and I love redheads.”

I clench my jaw and my fists ball at my side.

“Not sure our blindside flanker likes that idea, Bear.” Oliver snickers as my eyes burn holes in Bear’s back.

“What do you mean?” He turns a confused expression toward Oliver, then glances at me. “Ooooh. Yeah. Would you look at that? Seems like someone has a crush on their wife.”

His raised brow has me itching to smack it away.

Bear is a handsome guy. And, like Jeremy, he has a line of women that he goes through. There is no way that I would ever let him anywhere near Kit.

“Breathe, big guy.” Bear slaps me on the back, that wry smile still there. “I was just teasing. Usually, nothing gets you riled up.”

Rolling my eyes, heat creeps up my neck.

“The dating thing still holds, though.” When I pin him with my gaze, he throws his hands up. “I’m just saying. Geez.”

“Mr and Mrs, sitting in a tree,” Karate Kid starts to sing, and everyone except Wilson, joins in. “K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”

Running my hand through my hair, I shake my head and quirk a brow, working to keep the goofy grin from my face.

I’m acting like an infatuated fool. Oh, who am I kidding? Iaman infatuated fool.

I just hate that everyone in this locker room knows it.

“Okay, songbirds, listen up!” Coach Hudson shouts, a gleam in his eye as he walks through the door. “The Play It Forward event is coming up and will be here before you know it.”

The Play It Forward organization puts on an incredible day for their mentors/mentees that includes activities, food, and one main competition that allows us to compete as a team. This year, we weren’t sure if they’d be able to accommodate the move, but they made it happen.

Having had a mentor growing up, I know the difference it can make in a person’s life. Given a day to celebrate that relationship is priceless.

“Make sure the families know so they can join in on the fun. If a parent or guardian can’t make it and you’re responsible for bringing your mentee, get the permission slip that legal sent you filled out and signed,” Coach continues. “Don’t forget to send the signed copy back to—”

Stopping to see who’s calling him, he shakes his head. “I don’t know how he does it, but here’s Milo now.”

Miles “Milo” O’Donnell, Play it Forward’s Director, is one of the quirkiest individuals I’ve ever met. Despite that, he’s undeniably easy to like. His passion and dedication to the mentor program make him hard not to respect—even if he is a strange bird.

Coach answers the video call. “Hey Milo! We were just talking about the Play It Forward day.”

Milo’s obviously in an airport, traveling, with his Play It Forward windbreaker on. He’s never not repping the organization.

“That’s great! My trip had a layover, and I’m stopping at one of the other team events in…” Stopping in the middle of the airport, he starts to sing. “The stars at night are big and bright.”

We all hear three claps from what seems like hundreds of people before they break out in song. “Deep in the heart of Texas.”

“Iconic,” Karate Kid says in awe, and snickers are heard around the locker room.

“Thanks for checking in, Milo,” Coach says, trying to end the call. Milo will talk for hours if you let him. “Hopefully, we’ll be as lucky as the group in Texas and get a visit on the day of our event.”

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