Page 102 of Fair Catch
The locker room erupted, and right as Coach hung his hands on his hip with a laugh, he was hoisted up onto two players’ shoulders, the rest of us huddling around and chanting NBU! NBU! NBU!
When they finally dropped his feet back to the floor, Leo blasted music on his speaker, announcing which bar everyone would be going to after showers. He then proceeded to pull out his phone and go live on social media, along with Kyle and a few other guys, too. They danced and kissed the trophy and answered fan questions like they were on top of the world.
And that’s exactly what it felt like.
“Collins, Novo,” Coach Sanders said as he brushed past us. “A word before you go?”
He was stoic as he walked straight into the small office of the locker room they’d assigned us, and though it was bigger than his back at our home stadium, I felt the walls close in as we ducked inside with him and he shut the door behind us.
He didn’t sit, didn’t motion for us to sit, just stood at the door with his arms folded over his chest.
“Well, I guess we’ve kissed and made up — literally, huh?”
Riley flushed, looking at the ground as her damp hair fell in front of her face. I wondered if her skin would be permanently stained that lovely shade of pink after tonight.
“Look, it’s none of my business who my players date as long as it doesn’t interfere with how they play. We don’t have any policies against dating teammates.” He paused. “Likely because none of us have ever considered that a possibility before this season.”
I swallowed, nodding.
“But,” he added. “You know just as well as I do that the media is going to have a frenzy with this, and that there might be some hell coming your way. You, especially, Riley,” he said.
She nodded, meeting his gaze with a somber look for the first time since she’d kicked that winning field goal.
“Your team will have your back,” he said without doubt. “As will I. But I hope your skin is tough, girl, because in this game, no one’s thinking about your feelings or how their words might impact you. Stay off social media if you can. Answer reporter questions carefully. You’ve both had training.”
“Yes, sir,” I said for both of us, and Coach nodded, eyeing where Riley still clutched my arm.
“And don’t break up,” he added, opening the door with a roll of his eyes. “Because I don’t want to have to fucking deal with it.”
Riley and I breathed a laugh at that, and Coach smiled over his shoulder at us before exiting and joining the team in the locker room.
“You heard that, right?” Riley asked, arching a brow as she wrapped her arms around my neck. Mine found their home at her waist, pulling her into me. “You’re not allowed to break up with me.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s the other way around that we should be worried about,” I argued, tapping her nose.
She smiled. “Well, the solution is simple.”
“Is it, now?”
She nodded. “Just don’t piss me off.”
I barked out a laugh at that. “No promises there, Mighty Mouse.”
“Fine. Then at least promise you won’t give up on me when I’m a stubborn fool, or when I try to push you away.” She swallowed. “Because I swear right now, in my right mind, that that’s the last thing I ever want.”
I leaned down, pressing my forehead to hers before I swept in and stole a kiss.
“That I can do.”
Riley
Zeke’s body wash invaded my nostrils as I wrapped my arms around his waist, my head on his shoulder, leg slipping between his. He wrapped me up just as earnestly, pressing a kiss to my hair still damp from our shower.
We’d gone out with the team for a drink, but neither one of us wanted to stay out long enough to ring in the new year. We had other ideas in mind for celebrating — ones that required him sneaking into my room when we were sure no coaches or other players were around.
I’d barely shut the door behind him before my clothes were torn off me and we were both in the shower. It had been quick and desperate, both of us finding our releases in what felt like seconds before we laughed and washed each other, changing into our sweats and crawling into bed.
Now, my heartbeat steadier, I listened to his mirror the rhythm as I drew circles on his chest. “So,” I said, peeking up at him. “What now?”
He blew out a breath, running his hands through my hair before letting the damp tendrils fall against my back only to repeat the motion. “Now, you’re my girlfriend.” He shook his head. “Poor thing.”
I snorted. “There are actual fan groups online that I think would disagree with that statement. In fact, I might need a bodyguard now.”
