Page 16 of Bad Call
What did you do??
LAUREN:
I made him empty his wallet into her G-string and told her to come back during visiting hours.
ME:
Never a dull moment, huh?
LAUREN:
Enough about me. How are things with Austin? I heard he’s making great progress, which means you’ve been keeping him in line.
ME:
He is. He’s been a model patient. We’re actually at the rehab facility now. He’s going to try throwing some passes.
LAUREN:
That’s amazing! Well, I have to get some sleep, or I’ll be a zombie for tonight’s shift. Let me know how it goes today.
ME:
I will. Have fun at the gentleman’s club…I mean the hospital.
LAUREN:
I hate you.
I chuckle, closing the app just as Austin’s laugh garners my attention. I look up, the smile on my face falling as Emmett walks into the room. My heart pounds in my chest, mouth going completely dry while I stare like an obsessed stalker. Maybe it’s the fact that our kiss has been on replay in my head, even though the ending wasn’t ideal, but I can’t stop myself from noticing how hot he is. He’s wearing a pair of clean white sneakers, grey sweatpants that are tight in all the right places, a form-fitting Renegades T-shirt, and a backwards hat. For a moment, I forget about all the heavy emotions that hung between us the last time we were together. Instead, I go back to the days when I could watch him play for hours, cheering loudly so the entire world knew he was mine. I took that time for granted, and I’ll never forgive myself for ripping it away from both of us.
“What’s up, Hayes? Glad you could come out,” Austin says cheerfully, extending a hand. Emmett takes it, pulling his teammate into a quick hug before backing away. A bright smile blooms across his face, and I soak it in, because I haven’t seen it in so fucking long. Even though it’s not intended for me, my heart warms at the sight.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” he replies. “I need all the extra practice I can get. One more win, and we’re on our way to the Wild Card game.” Austin was telling me last week how big of a deal it is for a first-year expansion team to come this far. From what I’ve seen, the Renegades seem to be working well together. Of course, they’ve had their struggles, but they definitely don’t look like a bunch of guys who just met earlier this year. And the way players like Emmett are supporting Austin, even though they didn’t get much time on the field together, speaks volumes about the type of brotherhood they’re creating. “Coach Bellows got roped into taking care of Maddox’s reinstatement paperwork after practice, so he’ll be here when that’s done.”
“All right,” Russ shouts. “Let’s get to work.” The three men take the field, spreading out not too far from one another. Austin stops, spinning the football in his hands for several seconds before finally passing it to Emmett. I watch for any signs of discomfort, but when a grin tugs at the corner of his mouth, I breathe a quiet sigh of relief.
He’s fine.
They play an easy game of catch, Austin becoming more relaxed with every passing minute as they joke and banter back and forth. And when he suggests a game of two on two, I immediately become aware of the odd number of participants.
“Stella can be our fourth,” he says loud enough for me to hear. My head immediately begins shaking rapidly in protest, but he just smiles. “I’m sure a leisurely game of two-hand touch will be a breeze for her.” The look on hisface is diabolical as he raises a brow. “Come on, Stell. Make an old man’s day and come play with us.”
Emmett chokes on a laugh beside him, quickly recovering as he attempts to remain stoic. I narrow my eyes, shooting daggers at Austin as I try to think of a valid excuse as to why I can’t join them. I’m wearing sneakers, comfortable athletic clothes, and my hair is pulled back into a ponytail, so I can’t say that I’m not properly dressed.
Damn it all to hell, Stella. When will you ever learn?
When I was talking all that shit to him in the car, I never thought I’d have to back it up, but here we are, and I refuse to go down without a fight. So, I stand, lifting my chin defiantly as I make my way down to the field and stop in front of him. “Fine,” I sass. “But don’t be mad when I embarrass you with my skills.”
He barks a laugh, throwing his head back as his body shakes. I can’t help the smile that blooms across my face in response. We both know I’m full of shit. I’m the most unathletic person in the world, unless you count eating an entire package of Oreos in one sitting as a sport. I’d gold medal in that.
“Well, in that case,” he replies, “you can defend Emmett. He’s pretty fast, but I’m sure you’ll have no problem keeping up.”
SIXTEEN
EMMETT
Stella’s eyes go wide,and my heart drops into my ass as we both stand there frozen. I’m going to fucking kill Austin for this. He doesn’t know about our past, or the mind-blowing kiss we shared the other day, but still…dead man walking.
