Page 75 of The Way We Win

Zane

Then follow it. You gave up a lot when Dad died, taking care of all of us, making sure we were all okay.

You helped.

Zane

Still, everyone looked to you, and you did a great job.

Thanks, bro.

Zane

Those days are over now. You don’t have to watch over us anymore—we all have someone. It’s time you have yours.

Lifting my chin, I exhale deeply. How many times have I thought this?

I hear you.

Zane

Don’t let that Powell asshole get you down. If you want the woman, take the woman.

Not you, too. How many times did you buttheads watch that movie?

Zane

The Three Amigos is a classic. Seriously, though. It’s your time, and we all have your back.

Thanks, bro. Love you.

Zane

Back atcha.

Levi playslike he’s going straight to the pros, completing passes, evading sacks, making first downs on every turnover. It’s clear the other teams haven’t had a chance to study him, and he’s taking full advantage of it.

Garrett’s work with the D-line pays off, and between Levi’s performance and their ability to hold the line, we beat the Lions 21-7. It’s the biggest win we’ve had against that monster team, and I’m sure we’ll pass them again on the road to thechampionships.

Our next game is on the road, and I brace for the shit I’ll catch putting Austin in the starting spot.

He’s ready. He’s been on the bench grinding his jaw and looking like a sad puppy for two weeks. Still, he’s been a good sport, cheering on his team and supporting them as he watched Levi make play after play, listening to George in the stands loudly proclaiming his son a star.

It’s been hard on him, but he’s shown his character. He’s a leader, and I’m not letting anybody pressure me to keep him on the bench.

I’ve struggled with my own particular torture, watching Allie on the sidelines with my sister and Liv. She must’ve bought a few more of those little cheerleader skirts, because it’s all she wears now, and the heat in my blood is a low simmer at all times.

As ordered, she sent me a picture of her in my jersey. Only it wasn’t just a picture. She was on her stomach in her bed. Her silky brown hair was styled half up and half down, and those glasses were perched on her nose.

Her head was tilted to the side, red lips curled in a naughty smile, and the best part? Her ass was completely bare, the jersey was bunched high around her back, and the way she laid gave me a healthy view of the side of her round breasts.

It’s possible I’ve jerked off to that photo more than a few times. It’s possible I’ve closed my eyes in the shower and jerked off to the sight of her on all fours swallowing my cock more than a few times.

Now, riding the bus to our first out-of-town game, she’s all I can think about. Not the stress of parents who might be pissed at me for starting Austin. Not the stress of how he’ll play, getting back in the game for the first time in weeks.

It’s only Allie.

I like your skirt.

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