Page 53 of Game Changer

I settle back into watching the team, who has a few miscommunications but eventually manages to pull off a dazzling passing play that has Jayden finding Clay for an emphatic dunk—the crowd around us erupts in celebration.

I’m on my feet, too, screaming.

By the end of the first half, the Kodiaks are ahead by ten.

When the clock runs out, they win by eighteen.

The arena is deafening, and my chest feels like it’s going to burst from the thrill of it.

“What happens now?” I ask, still feeling the adrenaline rush that comes with a win as the arena starts to drain of its delirious fans.

“Coach and a couple players will have media.” Brooke's eyes sparkle with excitement. “We can pop in and say congratulations.”

She leads me back down through the narrow corridors, the walls pulsing with the energy of the crowd still lingering, and past security, who lets her around a corner and into a doorless room with a knowing nod.

“Wait, are we in the…” I trail off before saying, "Dressing room."

Brooke holds her hand over her eyes like a shield to protect herself from what she might see inside. “Is my brother naked in here?”

“I’m supposed to assess that?” But I look around and see a few faces I don't recognize amongst the sweaty sports gear that fills the air with its musky scent. “Nope, you’re safe.”

Brooke drops her hand as Miles rolls up wearing only a white towel that hugs tightly against his toned body, his hair damp and slicked back.

“The women’s changing room is… Scratch that, we don’t have one. Nice jersey, Nova.”

“Thanks. You guys played great,” I say, my voice full of admiration.

“Appreciate that.” His smile is wide and genuine.

Brooke rolls her eyes. “My brother around? Or Clay?”

“Still at media.” Miles is handsome in a roguishly charming way, like you’d have no hope of checking him out without being caught.

But as much as he’s objectively hot, a spark of arousal doesn’t rise within me like it does when I’m around Clay.

“You seen Waffles?” Miles asks, and Brooke and I shake our heads in unison. “His new dog sitter is supposed to be around. He’s been going through ‘em like crazy.”

We head out and turn the corner to find Jayden and Clay in the hall. Brooke throws her arms around her brother in delight. “You survived!”

“Hope I did you proud.” He smiles warmly at his sister before turning to me.

I focus on Clay, who looks breathtakingly sexy in a dark hoodie, his damp hair curling around his ears. Like he just stepped out of the shower after slaying a dragon. I suppose to the fans, it’s true.

His gaze is so intense that I have to force myself to hold it.

“Hi,” I say.

“You came.” His attention flicks briefly to my jersey, then back to my face.

“Yeah. Congrats on the win.”

“Thanks.”

But Clay’s expression is unreadable now, shuttered and guarded as if I'm some stranger he just met instead of the woman he kissed in his car and has been texting ever since.

“I’ll see you around.”

Heart pounding in my chest, I watch him walk down the hall past Brooke and Jayden, who’re still talking animatedly.

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