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Those feelings are still strong. They never went away. Never faded. Never dimmed.
And with her back in my life, the light between us burns as brightly as ever.
There’s just one problem.
It’s a light that’s only meant for the two of us. There are too many complications for it to be any other way.
My phone starts to ring—loudly.
She halts, but I don’t.
I ignore it until it stops and goes to voicemail, but it starts up again almost immediately.
She pulls back first. “You should get that.”
My eyes open, and I feel a little insulted. I shouldn’t. She’s just trying to be polite.
I grab my phone to shut it off when I see it’s my father calling.
My gut tells me not to do it, but I answer anyway. “Hello.”
“Care to explain why I just got a notification that my son is shacking up with the enemy at THE Ohio State?” he asks.
Jesus. Word travels fast.
I glance up at Jolene. Clearly she heard what my father just said, and I watch as she shifts from slightly flushed with lips swollen from our kiss to this retreating figure moving toward the window to give me privacy.
We were close. So goddamn close.
And I feel the divide firmly back between us already.
I’m not sure what I can say in this situation that will appease both my father and her. If I deny it, I’m hurting her. If I admit it, I’m hurting him.
Nobody wins…least of all me.
To that end, I keep it vague. “What an honor for my alma mater to invite me to give tomorrow’s commencement address. I’m certain scores of reporters will be covering it, none more essential than my very own local news correspondents.”
“Keep your distance, son. Don’t be stupid.”
Or what?
I don’t need to ask. I already know the answer, and there’s even more at stake now that my brother is going to be playing for my team and another brother is potentially joining my coaching staff.
There’s nothing more important than family, and sleeping with the enemy would do nothing more than cause everyone to choose sides.
It might not be fair, but I learned early on that life isn’t fair.
“Thanks. I’ll be sure to do that.” I cut the call without waiting for his response.
And when I turn to glance up at Jolene, there’s no reaction.
I’m certain I’ve already lost her before I ever really had a chance to win.
CHAPTER 10: JOLENE
I blow out a breath.
He didn’t stand up to his father, but I didn’t expect him to.
