Page 22 of Blindside Me
A throat clears behind me.
I close my eyes, forgetting for a second I wasn’t alone. When I open them, Coach Howell stands there, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.
Great.
This year’s off to a killer start.
“Son, I’m only going to say this once. Stay away from Jade.”
He doesn’t yell. Doesn’t need to. The words land like a sledgehammer.
“Don’t make me regret trusting you.”
I nod, jaw locked. No argument, no excuses. Just quiet acceptance.
His warning should be a relief. An easy out. A hard boundary I didn’t have the guts to draw myself.
But all it does is make her more magnetic.
Coach studies me a second longer, and I shift my stance. He knows I’m a step too close to the edge.
“Good. Now get your shit together. Scouts will be at the Elmwood game. You need to take it seriously.”
Hope ignites like a freaking inferno inside me. I’ve been waiting for this chance. Waiting for someone to see me.
“Am I playing?”
“Your suspension was for one game. You’ll be dressed and play your heart out.”
For the first time in weeks, I feel myself starting to relax.
“Keep your eye on the game. That’s what matters.” He claps a heavy hand on my shoulder, not punishing, but firm. Then he turns and disappears down the hall.
I don’t move.
Silence wraps around me, thick as fog, and the only thing loud is the rule I’m about to break.
I let my head fall against the cool tile and stare at the ceiling.
She’s off-limits.
Right.
So why do I want her more now than I did five minutes ago?
I grit my teeth, push off the wall, and grip my bag like it might keep me grounded.
Off-limits never stopped me before.
But this time?
I might not want to.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Drew
Five a.m. The only time the rink feels like it belongs to me and no one else.
