Page 201 of Red Zone
“Don’t let anything—anyone—keep you from being with that person. Not pride. Not fear. Not even me.”
My breath catches, and I bite my lip, looking back down at my lap to hide the way my eyes sting.
“Heart mates are rare,” he says softly. “If you’ve found yours…don’t let them go.”
And as his words sink in, I realize the truth I’ve been too scared to admit out loud: letting Carter go doesn’t make the feelings disappear—it only makes them harder to ignore.
The auction is next week, and there’s still so much to do.
Back at my apartment, my kitchen table is covered in silent auction sheets, sponsorship banners, and boxes of donated memorabilia that still need to be cataloged. Jerseys, autographed footballs, even a framed photo of the team hoisting last year’s conference trophy.
The phone at my ear crackles as I confirm the last catering order for the night of the event.
“Yes, three hundred. Chicken and vegetarian options, yes. Thank you.”
I hang up, scrawl another note in my planner, then grab the stack of bid sheets and start double- checking the minimums.
This auction will fund the first summer camp completely—everything from equipment to housing to food. And if it goes well, maybe even seed money for the second year.
It has to go well.
Because this isn’t just another event.
This is his name on the banner. His story in the press release. His legacy before he even leaves this place.
And maybe it’s my way of holding on to a piece of him while I still can.
Next week, the guys are traveling out of state to participate in Pro Day at one of the larger schools. All the scouts and coaches that can’t make it to PCU will be there.
I catch myself thinking about it more than I mean to.
Wondering what he’ll wear. Who he’ll impress. What his face will look like when he walks off the field knowing he’s one step closer to everything he’s ever wanted.
And I wonder if he thinks about me at all.
I set my pen down and rub at my tired eyes, willing myself to focus.
Because if I’m going to get through this auction, through this whole season…I have to stop letting him live rent-free in my head.
51
CARTER
I’m sitting on the edge of my bed, staring at my tie like it personally wronged me.
It’s already looped around my neck, but for some reason I can’t bring myself to finish the knot.
My jacket’s slung over the back of my desk chair, and my dress shoes are waiting on the floor.
And I just sit here.
Lost in my own head.
So much so that I don’t even hear the door open until Jaxon’s voice cuts through my thoughts.
“You almost ready, man?”
I glance up to see him leaning against the doorframe, already dressed to the nines. His suit is perfectly tailored, his tie crisp and straight, and somehow, he still manages to look relaxed as hell.
