Page 38 of Third and Ten

Ethan coughs awkwardly, and his eyes flicker around me. I guess he isn’t used to getting scolded, especially by me.

“I mean it, Ethan. Stop trying to set us up. It’s not gonna happen,” I declare a little too forcefully. I may be projecting my feelings, just a little.

“Yes, ma’am,” he answers this time, pressing his lips together and glancing over my shoulder. I instinctively turn to follow his gaze, and my stomach drops.

Because, of course, JD is standing right behind me. And one glimpse at his face tells me that he’s heard every word of my unnecessary rant, though I don’t know whether I’ve just provoked or demoralized him.

JD looks away and shakes his head, as if he can’t believe I’m this shitty.

But I definitely am.

“Yes, ma’am,” he echoes Ethan. I flinch and open my mouth to speak, but I suppose there isn’t much room for an apology with my foot lodged so far back in there.

“Um, I’m sorry. That probably sounded way worse out of context,” I begin rambling.

He holds up his hand to stop me. “No need to explain. Your private conversation is none of my business, even if it was apparently about some other loser who also goes by ‘JD’.”

I keep my eyes trained on the ground as walks past me, clapping a hand over Ethan’s shoulder before making his way around the car without another word. I turn and shield my face with my hand, beyond mortified.

“What the heck, Ethan? Why didn’t you tell me he was freaking right there?” I whisper through my teeth.

He shrugs innocently. “I didn’t know you were going to go off about the guy. Now this whole situation is going to be even more cringe.”

I follow Ethan to other side of the car, just as Blake returns. We all supervise as JD squats to pick up a wrench and twists it over one of the lug nuts, loosening it with barely a strain. He moves on to the next one, stifling a small grunt as he forces the wrench to turn over.

Oof.

I audibly gulp as I watch his arms flexing. I cross my own arms over my chest, willing myself to look away and act as bored as possible. But I inadvertently make eye contact with Blake instead, and he’s grinning at me as if his only reason for coming back was to watch me ogle his brother.

It isn’t my fault that JD’s arms look like sexy tree trunks tonight, okay? And does he really have to come to my rescue again, especially after what I just said about him?

I think I might be growling again.

“You okay, Tenley? You seem…thirsty,” Blake says, his eyes narrowed.

“I’m fine,” I snap.

JD glares at Blake until he looks slightly remorseful. Ethan doesn’t mind laughing at my expense, though.

“All right, E. Want to take over now?” JD asks.

“Thanks, Coach,” Ethan says, then gives me a stern look, as if he’s the parent reminding me to use my manners.

I sigh. “Yes, thank you. Sorry for keeping you.”

JD keeps his eyes down as he responds to me, as if he can’t even bear the sight of me anymore. “No worries. Just have Ethan text me to let me know when you make it home safely.” Then he walks to his truck, seemingly without giving me a second thought.

CHAPTER 13

TENLEY

“You could invite a couple of friends over for dinner if you want,” I offer Ethan on the morning of his sixteenth birthday. “I’m making your favorite.”

My parents woke him earlier this morning to give him his gift. We all got a little emotional when my dad handed Ethan the keys to his old pickup truck, and my mom promised to bring him to get his license as soon as I’m able to leave work to sit with my dad this afternoon.

“I could ask Caidence.”

“That would be nice.” I smile.

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