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“Cam? He looked good. I’m surprised he got cut from his team, truth be told. I don’t see a ton of weaknesses in his game. Sure, he could be more explosive at times. But his accuracy and speed are both good, his endurance seems fine.”
A gnawing sensation grinds deep in my belly as I remember the convo Cam and I had right here in this kitchen.
Attitude problem.
Bad reputation.
What the hell did he do to warrant getting axed from the team? I may not understand all the ins and outs of being in the league, but seems like you’d have to do something pretty awful to get fired. I mean, guys end up in jail before that happens sometimes.
“Dad—did Cam tell you anything about why he got cut? When you had your heart-to-heart out on the porch?” I set the fork down, glancing over my shoulder at my dad.
He shrugs. “Not really. He’s not in trouble with the law or anything like that. That’s always a big thing with the league. So I’m not really sure. And it’s none of my business, either.”
I bite the inside of my cheek and hold my eye roll in check. Of course that would be my dad’s perspective.Always staying above the fray of town gossip. So aggravating.
He’s worthless in that department, I swear.
“Listen—” He drops his voice lower, his green eyes serious. “I know you and Cam have always been friends. And he seems like he could use a friend. Now more than ever.”
“Yeah, okay—” I sense a big-ass ‘but’ coming on, judging by the tight line of his lips.
“It’s fine for you to be a shoulder to cry on. You’ve always been a good listener, a good friend. But be careful getting involved.”
The knot in my stomach tightens and my face heats.Am I that obvious?
“I imagine you might be reeling from the break-up with that fella in New Orleans. Never liked him, by the way. I mean, you brought home a Dallas fan. Really?”
I force out a strained laugh, even as my chest squeezes tight and my palms slick with sweat.
“I thought I raised you better than that.” He shakes his head, scrubbing a hand over the back of his neck. “Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, I think Cam’s in a bad spot. Be his friend, but leave it at that.”
I suck in a deep breath, nodding. I’m not entirely surprised we’re having this conversation—he’s never been too keen on me dating anyone—but I am a little shocked.
Because it’s Cam.
He loves Cam.
His golden boy. The player who made it out of Thunder Creek, all the way to the pros.
If Cam’s not good enough for me, who the hell is?
“Sure, Daddy. Got it. Be a good friend. Just like they taught me in Sunday School. But keep my clothes on.”
My dad turns beet-red and slams his hands into the pockets of his cargo shorts. “You get what I’m saying, Sloane.”
I shoot him a sassy grin. “I do. You’re fun to tease, though.”
“Night, baby girl.” He steps forward and presses a kiss to my forehead. “See you tomorrow.”
He heads to his bedroom for the night, leaving me alone in the kitchen. I doubt my dad needs to worry about anything happening between me and Cam, considering Cam’s done an excellent job of avoiding me since the incident on the sandbar.
So close, yet so far.
I probably misread the whole damn situation. Between me and Gracelyn, you’d think we were starring in our own rom-com or something. Except the romance bit seems to be entirely one-sided—and that realization is more depressing than breaking off my engagement with Ratface.
I should listen to my dad and leave Cam alone. But what my head knows and my heart wants seem to be two entirely different things.
CHAPTER 14
