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As soon as he’s out of sight, I’m hit with a blip of regret that he didn’t give me a real kiss. I thought for sure after he licked away the whipped cream, he would. But if I’ve learned anything about men since becoming an adult, it’s that I don’t know much about them at all.
And I doubt that’ll be changing anytime soon.
CHAPTER 11
ROGAN
My phone rings with the FaceTime alert as I’m gathering the things I need to take with me to the stadium. Glancing at the screen, I see my brother Niall’s name.
“Hey,” I answer, smiling when I see not only his face peering at me but Maeve’s too.
“We wanted to wish you good luck for the game,” Niall says.
“Yeah, get out there and kick some booty,” Maeve adds.
“I appreciate the call, and I’ll take all the luck you impart, but if things go the way I plan them to I won’t need it.” I flex my right arm, and angle the camera to show off the ball of muscle in my bicep. “I’ve never felt so prepared.”
“That’s awesome,” Maeve says.
“When you’re out there, stay focused in the moment, bro,” Niall tells me. My gut reaction is to get annoyed but I quash the urge. Having been a pro hockey player for more than ten years, he’s speaking from experience. Everything he tells me has been learned through trial and error. “If you make a mistake, forget about it and move on.”
I nod. “I will.”
“We’ll all be watching and cheering you on,” Maeve says.
“Thanks so much for calling me. You two are the best siblings a guy could ask for.” There was a time when Maeve and I went back and forth bickering at each other over anything and everything. But as we’ve matured, that’s no longer the case. In some ways I miss verbally sparring with her, but I enjoy our peaceful interactions more. And I know Niall does. We used to drive him mad whenever we were all together.
“Good luck,” Maeve shouts.
“Play hard,” Niall says.
I hold up my hand. “Talk soon.” We hang up and I finish packing up my things.
As the clock counts down to the moment I’ll be on the field, my excitement grows. Yes, it’s only a preseason game but it means we’re that much closer to the official start of the season. And I plan to be the starting quarterback by then.
Preseason games are slightly lesscompetitive than in the regular season. Teams don’t make specific game plans and most coaches use them as a way to shake the rust off and prepare for the season. Rookies are usually evaluated through more playing time while starters take minimal reps. But roster spots can still be earned and lost.I’m counting on it.
“How’s that arm today?” Griffin Moore is in full pads and standing at my locker, looking serious.
“Never better.”
“I see the move you’re making.”
“What’s that now?”
“You’re pushing for the starting job.”
“I am.” I stand up and look him straight in the eyes. “And Iwillget it.”
Griffin stares in silence for a moment and then breaks into a smile. “I’m suiting up for extra reps tonight.” He offers me a fist bump. “Let’s go.”
I understand his recent interest in me. Griffin is in what we call a contract year. His three-year rookie deal ends this season. A player with his speed and ability should earn a massive second contract with the team. I get it, he wants to show everyone what he can do and exactly what he’s worth, but Brett’s inconsistency down field isn’t helping him. I will, though, and we’ll both benefit.
“What’s that all about?” Cooper pops his head into my locker space.
“Huh?” I’m a little caught off guard by his abrupt appearance in my face.
“What are you guys up to? And how do I get in on it?” he persists.
