Page 125 of Red Zone
But I sit at my locker, peel off my helmet, and let myself breathe for the first time in four quarters.
Because all I can think about is getting cleaned up, walking back out there…
And seeing her again.
The locker room’s loud after the game.
I’m leaning back on the bench, still half-laced into my cleats, letting the adrenaline finally bleed off.
Good game. We’re playoff bound, our first undefeated season in decades. And I can already feel the corners of my mouth twitching just thinking about seeing Lyla later.
I’m mid-way through unwrapping the tape from my wrist when I hear it.
“Did you see Montgomery run straight for Madison? That girl’s got a type, huh?”
The words cut through the noise.
I freeze, my fingers stilling, my head lifting toward the voice.
Some second-string wide receiver, laughing like he thinks he’s clever.
Another guy chuckles. “What do you mean?”
The first one snorts. “I mean, first Carter, now Jaxon? Girl sure knows how to pick her athletes.”
Laughter ripples through the room.
But not from me.
Because the second I glance toward Jaxon, I know.
His whole body’s gone still, his jaw tight enough to crack, his eyes locked on the idiot who said it.
And by the time I’m on my feet, it’s already too late.
Jaxon stands. Turns. And the whole room goes quiet.
Shit.
Everyone knows what’s coming.
“Jax,” I start, but he’s already moving.
The guy’s mid-smirk when Jaxon grabs him by the jersey and slams him into the lockers so hard it makes the entire row rattle.
“Say that shit again,” Jaxon growls, low and dangerous, his face inches from the kid’s. “I dare you.”
The receiver’s eyes go wide, his hands coming up defensively as he sputters. “I—I didn’t mean?—”
I step up behind Jaxon, laying a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, Jax—man. Let it go. He’s not worth it.”
Jaxon doesn’t even flinch.
His voice stays calm, but there’s an edge to it, sharp enough to cut. “You got something to say about my girl, you say it to me. And I’ll make sure you never say it again.”
The guy swallows hard. “I—I swear, man. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Jaxon just holds him there for another second before shoving him back and stepping away.
