Page 53 of Beneath the Stands (Sugarlake 2)

Her frown pulls down the corner of her eyes. “I don’t think so. I’m Sarah.”

“Huh. You just look so familiar, is all.” I tap my heel on the ground and shrug. “No matter.”

I graze my body on Eli’s arm as I walk by, reaching to grab the check from Coach’s hands. My nipples pebble against my shirt at the touch, and I feel Eli’s arm tense.

“It’s been a pleasure, y’all.”

“You did good this year, Becca. You love the game yet?” Coach leans back in his chair.

Eli’s eyes twinkle as he straightens off the edge of the desk. “I think she loves everything about it.”

I smirk. “Keep dreamin’, big head.”

He chuckles.

With one last wave, I swing around, walking out of Coach’s office for the last time.

It’s not until I’m driving home that I remember Sarah’s the girl from the bar. My solar plexus sours with jealousy, my knuckles turning white from my grip on the steering wheel. Eli didn’t tell me that. I blow out a breath, attempting to talk myself down. Believe in my man.

But faith, once lost, is hard to find.

27

Eli

“Elliot Carson, what on Earth are you doin’ here?”

I’m frozen, my fist wrapped around the knob of Becca’s front door. I came over to wish her congratulations before her graduation ceremony. She said it was safe, that Sabrina was out with her parents, so no one else was there. Clearly, it was a stupid idea. That fact is being pile driven into my brain right now, since I’m staring into the eyes of Becca’s father.

Preacher Sanger.

I clear my throat, unclenching from around the handle and straightening. “Preacher Sanger. It’s good to see you, sir.”

“It’s bewilderin’ to see you. I’m gonna ask you again, what are you doin’ in the apartment I pay for?”

My brows dip because I’m pretty certain he doesn’t pay for shit.

What the hell is he talking about?

“You didn’t know? I coach at FCU. I was dropping by to wish Becca congratulations, on behalf of my little sister, since she couldn’t be here in person.”

My mouth waters from the bitter taste of the lie.

“Coachin’, huh? Not quite the bright lights and fame you expected, is it boy?” He chuckles, smacking me on the back as he moves to walk inside. Becca’s mom trails behind him, stopping in front of me and grasping my jaw in her hands.

“Elliot Carson.” Her voice is low, and she glances toward her husband. “Who knew we’d find the towns’ pride and joy hidin’ away in our daughter’s apartment.”

She holds my gaze, her eyes flickering as they stare into mine.

“Momma, Papa, what are you two doin’ here?” Becca’s voice cuts through the tension as she walks into the living room.

Her father scoffs. “We’re here to see you, of course.”

“I thought I was meetin’ y’all at the hotel.” Becca fidgets, her eyes peeking at me before locking on to her mom’s.

“Hi, Momma.”

“Rebecca Jean. Is that what you’re wearin’?”

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