Page 76 of Blindside Me
“Did you see the scout from Pittsburgh?” Easton leans forward. “He was watching you like a hawk.”
I nod, but the truth is I barely noticed the scout. My eyes were searching the stands for someone else entirely.
The bell jingles, and Jade strides in, her hair loose, “Kiss the Player” mug dangling from her hand like a statement. My pulse kicks up, but it’s the table’s reaction that pulls my focus.
Blake straightens, his captain’s instincts kicking in. “Heads up, boys,” he says, voice low but firm, like he’s calling a play. “Coach’s niece. Keep it chill, or we’re all running suicides Monday.” His eyes scan Jade, not lustful but wary, like her presence could tip the team’s balance.
Easton leans back, a grin splitting his face. “Well, damn, Klaas, you didn’t say she brought her own mug to the party. What’s next, a PowerPoint on how to bruise your ego?” His laugh’s sharp, cutting through the bar noise, but there’s a flicker of respect in his eyes, like he knows she’s no puck bunny.
Ryan, next to me, sets his drink down, his gaze softer, more knowing. “She’s got you rattled, man,” he murmurs, just for me. “Never seen you check your phone that much. You sure you’re just working on that project?” His tone’s gentle, like he’s seen the way I light up when Jade’s around, the way I haven’t since Jake’s shadow took over.
I grunt, but my attention locks on her. Her messy blonde hair falls around her shoulders as she walks into the bar, fitted jeans hugging every curve. Callie’s with her, probably to help ward off unwanted attention. And yeah, by unwanted, I mean mine.
Jade spots us, her smirk faltering as she catches the team’s stares. I stand, waving her over. Callie’s face stiffens, she says something to Jade, and heads to the bar.
My hand brushes Jade’s arm as she slides up to us. “You made it,” I say, voice steadier than I feel.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” she shoots back, but her eyes flick to the guys, wary, like she’s sizing up a rival team. “What’s with the welcome committee?”
Blake clears his throat, all business. “Just making sure we don’t end up in Coach’s doghouse. No offense, Howell, but you’re trouble by association.”
Jade snorts, leaning forward. “Takes one to know one, Captain.”
Easton laughs. “Oh, she’s got claws! Bet she could out-skate half of us. You teaching her the knuckle-puck yet, Klaas?”
Ryan’s smile is quiet, but he leans in, voice low. “Ignore them. They’re just jealous Drew’s got someone who keeps up with him.” His words hit closer than I’d like, and I catch Jade’s eyes, a spark there that makes my chest tight.
“Ah, don’t worry. I won’t yuck your yum.” She winks and gives a little wave. “Have fun, boys.” She holds my gaze as she slips by and heads to where Cassie sits.
“That girl is pure trouble,” Blake says.
“With a capital T,” I murmur, not peeling my eyes off her tight ass.
And for the first time all night, I do.
“Think you can make it through the night without a meltdown?” Ryan asks.
My jaw tightens. I force a laugh, but I’m still too focused on Jade as she leans against the bar, hip-to-hip with some guy who hands her a drink.
“Dude,” Easton says. “This is brutal. Fuck what Coach says. Just go talk to her.”
“Yeah,” Ryan agrees. “Before you have an aneurysm.”
“Weren’t you the one warning me against her?” I ask.
“You played with purpose tonight. If she had anything to do with that, then I’m team Jade.” He nods her way. “Go talk to her.”
I shake my head. “I’m good right here.”
But I’m not. Not with every other guy in this place closing in on her. I catch Blake’s eye. I don’t miss the caution sign he’s throwing up. I may have the team’s permission to talk to her, but I certainly don’t have Coach Howell’s.
A burst of laughter cuts through the crowd and draws my attention back to Jade. She talks to Callie and that random guy. I barely notice when Ryan starts again about the game, the scouts, and how my goal is going viral online.
The tension at the table grows when I don’t answer. I’m staring holes into Jade. Fixated.
On her.
On my number, centered and bold, across the curve of her back.
