Page 13 of The Way We Win

“Bruh,” Logan teases, and it almost breaks the tension.

“Jack just got a surprise new player,” Garrett tells her, ignoring his bestie. “He’s a good-looking kid from Florida, who has his eye on the QB-1 position.”

“But that’s Austin’s spot.” Liv’s brow furrows, and her hazel eyes cut to me. “You okay, Allie?”

“Yeah… Yes!” I try not to sound as flustered as I feel. “Of course.”

I take another sip of beer, wishing I could figure out a way to slowly drift away from this conversation. The expression onJack’s face is close to a wince, and we all know it’s because of me and my son.

He might not show favoritism, but he’s been very quick to promote Austin.

“I’d better check on Dylan.” I take a step back. “I’m not really on the clock anymore, but Friday nights can get busy.”

“I’ll go with you.” Liv takes my arm, and I’m thankful for her support.

The guys smile and nod, but none of them say a word. We turn, and the first person I see is Lucas Outlaw’s mother Marilyn. She’s sitting with her husband at a booth not too far from where we were all talking, and they’re watching everything closely as we are.

With the noise in the bar, I can’t tell if they were able to hear what was said. Still, I’m pretty sure they saw the new man and his son talking to Jack. Coach Bradford doesn’t do too much this time of year that the parents don’t notice, and Lucas will be affected as much as Austin if a new quarterback joins the team. He’ll go from backup to third string.

Warmth swirls at my back, and a strong hand grips my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks.

“Hey, Allie?” My heart jumps to my throat at the sound of Jack’s voice.

I turn to see him frowning down at me.

“Hey.” My heart beats faster, but I force a smile. “What’s up, Coach?”

“Don’t worry about all that.” His brow is furrowed and his jaw set. He almost seems angry. “Austin’s going to be fine. He’s going to have a good year.”

The urgency in his tone squeezes my chest. It doesn’t help my secret crush when he’s so over-the-top protective of us and so obviously concerned about my feelings.What am I going to do with you, Jack Bradford?

I nod, keeping my voice quiet. “Okay.”

“And ah, I like your glasses.”

Reaching up, I realize I’m still wearing them…and he likes them. “Thanks.”

His blue eyes hold mine a tantalizing moment longer, and his lips press like he might say more. Breathless seconds tick past, but he releases me and takes a step away.

“Okay.” His expression is tight, but he turns, going to the booth where Lucas’s family is having burgers and fries.

I want to linger and see what he’ll say to them, if he’ll tell them not to worry like he told me, or if he’ll simply make small talk and tell them Lucas is doing well.

He’s good with words of encouragement, even with the overbearing parents. He’s a good coach. He’s an even better man.Fuck me, I’m so gone for him.

I force my feet to move, to follow Liv into the kitchen, feeling the weight of all the eyes in the restaurant on everything that’s happening.

Liv stops to hold the door for me, and as I pass she mutters under her breath, “I swear, you two.”

“Allie!” Dylan’s loud yell interrupts, and I hurry over to where she’s sitting on the large metal workplace holding her iPad Pro.

Craig is standing near, and I guess they’re planning next week’s Dare Night.

“Are you looking at recipes?” I ask, stepping closer. “Show me what you’ve got.”

“You know me so well.” She tilts her head, fluttering her lashes at me and laughing. “I’m going to miss you so much when school starts. I miss you already! Are you sure you don’t want to work here full time?”

“But I really like working in the library.” I move her curly hair off her shoulder.

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