Page 209 of Red Zone
So, I let them fall shut.
The next time I wake up, sunlight is pouring through my window.
My body feels heavy, but the headache has dulled to a faint hum.
I shift slowly, blinking the sleep from my eyes, and glance toward the floor.
But his spot is empty.
No Carter.
No trace that he was even here.
Just me with Madison still curled up on the other side of the bed, and the faintest lingering ache in my chest.
53
CARTER
I’ve behaved.
For weeks.
I’ve kept my head down. Stayed out of her way. Did what she asked.
Even though it’s practically killed me inside every damn day.
But tonight…tonight is supposed to be the most important night of my life.
The night I finally get what I’ve been working for since I was a kid with nothing but a busted football and a dream nobody believed in.
The night I prove them all wrong.
Jaxon’s already gone. First round, just like everyone knew he would be. He smiled that easy smile when his name was called, hugged Madison, and walked up on the stage like he was born for it.
And I clapped for him, loud and proud.
But now it’s my turn.
The second round has barely started when my phone vibrates on the table.
My stomach flips as I pick it up and put it to my ear.
“Carter Hayes?” a man’s voice says on the other end, deep and certain. “This is Coach Bradley with the Chicago Bears. How’d you like to come play for us?”
For a beat, I can’t even speak.
I just close my eyes and let out a breath I feel like I’ve been holding my whole damn life.
“Yes, sir,” I finally manage, my voice low and rough. “I’d like that very much.”
The next few minutes are a blur—handshakes, slaps on the back, flashes of cameras, people calling my name and congratulating me.
But none of it feels real.
Because all I can think about is her.
All I’ve been thinking about, every single day I’ve kept my distance, is her.
