Page 9 of Third and Ten

He’s right, though. JD does resemble the youngest Hemsworth brother, with his tall stature, light-brown hair and beard, and prominent nose, none of which I mind in the least. Perhaps he’s a little scruffier than the actor, but from the initial looks of it, he more than makes up for it in muscle volume.

Okay, so I lied when I said he wasn’t my type or that I haven’t bothered to check him out. Tall, sturdy former football player with huge arms and a heart of gold just sounds like a dangerously dreamy combo that I need to stay the heck away from right now.

“All right. I won’t bring it up again,” Ethan says reluctantly, pulling me back from my thoughts. I feel my cheeks flush a little, as if he can read my mind and knows that I’ve been giving his football coach the once-over. “But for the record, I’m sure he was being weird because he was nervous around you and, like, in a good way. I bet he asks about you later.”

I bite my lip. I haven’t even considered the possibility of dating while I’m back in Camellia. Truth be told, JD is probably a genuinely decent guy. And, except for being a couple of years younger than me, he also fits the profile of my previous romantic interests—not that there have been many of those in a while. I think back to the last time I dated—Chad, another former football player—and realize that it’s been years since my last real relationship.

Not to mention, I suck at dating.

Regardless, I honestly don’t have the time or the mental capacity for men right about now, and I’m not willing to risk making Ethan feel uncomfortable by getting involved with his coach. He obviously admires JD, and I’m glad that he seems to have found a good role model.

“Aunt Ten?” he calls. I’ve drifted again. “What should I say if he asks for your number or something? Do you even have Snapchat?”

I shake my head lightly. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Your coach seems nice and all, but our lives are complicated enough as it is, don’t you think?” I smile tentatively at him, though he looks disappointed. “Dating just isn’t on my priority list right now,” I add quickly.

“Whatever you think,” he replies with a shrug. “But maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if you found someone who would make you want to stay around.”

Ah, there’s his motivation for shipping me with his football coach.

I reach over and squeeze his shoulder affectionately as I’m overcome with guilt. “I’m sorry I’ve been away so long, Ethan. But you are more than enough to make me want to stick around for a while. I promise that I’ll be here as long as you need me, okay?”

He nods and smiles back at me, looking somewhat relieved. “Okay.”

“Besides, I’m just starting to catch on to your Gen Z language. You can’t get rid of me now.”

CHAPTER 4

JD

“Hey, E, still need a ride home today?”

“Yeah, Coach, if you don’t mind. My Aunt Ten had to go to the hospital to help with a delivery this afternoon, so there’s no telling how long that’ll take.”

I can’t help it when my ears perk up at his mention of Tenley. I’ve admittedly been making it a point to hang around by the gate at the end of practice most days just to get a quick look at her again.

Okay, so it’s more like a long, hard stare, but I’m sure I’ve been playing it off well.

“A delivery?” I ask as we fall into a routine, and I hand him a bag of football equipment to carry to my truck.

“Yeah. She’s a midwife. Basically, she takes care of pregnant ladies, delivers babies, and stuff like that. She works with Dr. Simms now.”

“Oh.”

“She tried explaining more of it the other night, but it all sounds kind of gross,” he continues, tossing his backpack into the back seat. “She did say that we should let babies come on their own time, though. And that when she gets called out to help a mom in labor, it could be hours or even days before she gets to finish her job.”

We both climb into the front and buckle our seat belts. “I see. So, she’s kind of like an OB-GYN?”

“Sure, I guess.”

I nod, pretending that I’m not fishing for more information as I crank the truck and pull out of my parking spot near the home gate. “I guess her, uh, boyfriend probably doesn’t appreciate her having to work those crazy hours, though.” I make the mistake of venturing a quick glance at his face. He’s already trying his hardest not to crack up.

I furrow my brow. “I’m just making small talk.”

“Yes, sir,” he says, barely holding back his laughter. “Weather sure is nice, too. And how ’bout that Saints game last weekend?”

I roll my eyes. “Are you going to tell me whether she’s single?”

He snorts, amused by my desperation. “She’s single. Don’t you think I would have mentioned it by now if I thought I was getting a new uncle?”

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