Page 84 of Third and Ten

I lay on the whistle as hard as I can this time. “Drills. Let’s go,” I call loudly, glaring at Blake. “Why are you so worried about my sex life in the first place?” I grumble as we walk to the other side of the BSU Bears’ practice field, where the offense is already gathering.

“Because, bro, you’re not looking out for yourself. She’s had you wrapped around her little finger for months now, playing you hot and cold, and what do you have to show for it?”

I turn to him, my eyes darting around nervously. “Look, I don’t know what you want me to say. I’m pretty sure I’m in love with her, all right? I know I’m being stupid and that I’m probably going to get hurt at some point, but I can’t exactly help myself.”

He scratches the back of his head as he looks at me with pity in his eyes. “I still don’t see how that’s a valid excuse to let her walk all over you.”

“No offense, but you wouldn’t understand,” I mumble and walk away. Sure, I’ve done some dumb things to get Tenley’s attention, and maybe I’ve gone above and beyond the normal bounds of friendship to gain her to trust. But I’m still not going to let Blake cut her down and accuse her of using me just because we aren’t sleeping together, especially since it’s just as much my choice as it is hers.

Okay, so that’s a lie.

Technically, I’ve met all the qualifications for that level of intimacy on my end, though this is the first time I’ve admitted the extent of my feelings for Tenley to anyone else. And while I’m not going to let things go that far until she knows how I feel, I can’t just spring that kind of declaration on her after only a month of dating and expect her not to freak out.

There’s also that nagging voice in the back of my head reminding me that Tenley’s fertility-awareness stuff means she could easily get pregnant, which is another one of the reasons I was taught to believe that sex was ordered for marriage.

“Ay, what the hell was that supposed to mean?” I hear Blake demand from behind me. I exhale loudly as he follows me over to where the team has assembled into small groups according to their positions.

I turn abruptly, hoping to finish this conversation before we get close enough for anyone else to hear us. “When was the last time you were in a serious relationship, Blake? Hmm?”

“Hey, I’m single by choice,” he retorts, crossing his arms, though I suspect that the answer to my question is never.

“Exactly. You and I are motivated by completely different things. I have values and end goals, while you have fun. So I don’t know what makes you think you’re qualified to force-feed me your relationship advice, but I don’t need it,” I say, stepping forward and poking him lightly in the chest. “And, by the way, ‘single by choice’ is a bullshit answer.” Then I turn to a group of running backs and blow the whistle again. They all glare at me as they line up for a drill, probably noticing our exchange. All except for Ethan, who keeps his head down.

I continue ignoring my brother after he sulks over to the quarterbacks. A few minutes into our drills, some of the Bears’ coaching staff and even a few of their players join us to give the kids a few tips and some encouragement. My guys really eat up the attention, and I can’t help but feel a surge of pride when I notice Ethan talking with one of their special-teams coaches.

“JD, hey.” Their offensive coordinator and head coach call me over. We were introduced earlier, though I already knew their HC, Ray Deville, from the time he spent as an assistant while I played at LSU. “Gotta minute?”

“Sure, Coach.” I follow them into one of the offices inside their fancy practice facility.

“You’ve done a pretty good job out there, JD,” says Ray. “I’m impressed. Those kids are well disciplined, which isn’t something we see too often.”

“Thanks,” I reply, pleasantly surprised by his compliments. “We work hard, and I’ve been blessed with a lot of support from the community. It’s a lot easier when you have great kids and everyone buys in.”

“Sure, it is. But I know you, JD, and I don’t doubt that you’re the reason for the buy-in. That doesn’t just happen on its own, you know,” he says thoughtfully.

I shrug. “I’d like to take all the credit, but I have an awesome staff as well.”

He laughs lightly and nods. “I figured you’d say something like that.” Then he glances over at the OC, and they make some sort of wordless exchange. “Coach Cliff and I are looking to fill a position on our staff in the spring. Our tight-ends coach is moving on to another program, and we think you could be a great asset to the BSU family.”

I blink a few times, utterly shocked by their offer. “Oh, wow. You’re serious? That’s…I’m flattered.”

“The position doesn’t officially open for a few more months, so we can’t make any guarantees, but I’d really like to see you throw your name in the hat. I might even be able to pull a few strings,” Ray adds with a knowing smile. “What do you say, JD?”

“I guess I’d have to give it some thought. I’ve never considered coaching anywhere else, but this would be a great opportunity,” I reply, fishing for anything that sounds nice and safe. But the truth is that I have no intention of applying for the job, because I have no desire to leave Camellia, especially now that I have Tenley and Ethan in my life.

Cliff speaks up this time. “Are you married, JD?”

“Ah, no, sir, I’m not.” It seems like everyone is worried about my love life today.

“Hmm. Gotta girlfriend back home?”

I half-shrug, trying to play it cool, though I know I’ll start gushing about Tenley if they give me the chance. “Yes, sir,” is all I allow myself to say aloud.

“Any kids yet?”

I scratch my chin. “My girlfriend is fostering her teenage nephew.” It’s the first time I’ve ever called Tenley my girlfriend, and although I’m not even sure she thinks of herself as having that title, she certainly fits the definition.

“Does he play for you?” Ray asks this time.

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