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“There’s no such thing as too personal when you bring your shit on the field and act like a couple of undisciplined assholes. What were you fighting about?”
“He’s dating my ex-girlfriend,” Brett shares.
Coach looks at me. “Did you break them up?”
“No. They haven’t been together for two years.”
Coach glances at Brett with what can only be pity. “Barlow, get a grip. You’ve had two years to get back together with this woman and you haven’t. Move the fuck on. And you.” His gaze leaps to me. “You’re playing better than ever and you’re starting a relationshipnow? I don’t like to get involved in your lives off the field but I want you to make solid choices. Ones that are best for your futures.”
“With all due respect, Coach, I think being with Autumn makes me a more well-rounded man. I’m now happy on and off the field, and thinking about my career in new ways. I never thought about getting married or having kids before. And now I am. I want to be with the Silverbacks for as long as possible.”
“I don’t want to hear about or see any more problems with the two of you, or there will be disciplinary action taken. Capice?”
I nod. “Yes, sir.”
“Yes, Coach,” Brett answers after me.
“Get out of here.”
I’m out of my seat in a flash. “Thank you, Coach,” I say before I leave his office. As I head down the hallway, I feel relieved to have that over and done with. But I can’t help but worry the scuffle between Brett and me may hurt my chances of becoming the starting quarterback.
CHAPTER 21
AUTUMN
I’m in my office when a text comes in on my phone.
Rogan: Where are you now?
Me: I’m in my office.
I’m on my way to see you.
Okay.
I imagine he wants to discuss what happened with Brett. I’d like to know, although I have a pretty good idea what it might’ve been about.
A few minutes later Rogan knocks on my open door, and I smile. “Hey.”
“Hi. Can I close this?” he asks.
“Sure.”
He pulls the door shut behind him and walks toward me. I rise from my chair and he pulls me into his arms. He holds me close, his hands stroking up and down my back. His face is tucked into the curve of my neck. “God, you smell good.”
We finally draw apart and he smiles down at me. “Thank you. I really needed that hug.”
“I’m here to help. What happened earlier?”
“Brett heard me talking with Cooper and Griffin about my girlfriend, and he asked if it was you. And then he said‘myAutumn’ and I told him you’re a person and don’t belong to him or anyone else. He said I’m just a rebound and…” He scratches the back of his neck. “I may have told him that’s not what you said when I made you come.” He won’t even look at me. He’s afraid I’m angry with him.
I break into laughter, and his head snaps in my direction. “You’re not mad?”
I shake my head. “No.” I start laughing all over again. When I’ve finally got it all out of my system, I wipe the tears from my eyes.
“I thought you were gonna be pissed at me.”
“Why?”
