Page 54 of Tangled with the Tight End

“Take care of yourself, Declan.”

“I will. Thanks.”

“And you know how to reach me.”

Before I know what’s happening, she leans down and places a kiss on my cheek. I turn my face away from her so her lips land closer to my ear. It’s awkward and only serves to put more discomfort in the air between us.

Thankfully, my phone buzzes on the coffee table.

Chantal stands and watches me answer.

I check the display: Delaney.

I silently mouth, “Thanks for stopping by,” while pushing the green button to take the call.

“Do you have company?” Delaney shouts into the phone. The sound of raucous voices behind him makes me homesick for the locker room.

“She’s just leaving.”

“Okay, then …” he taunts.

Chantal waves, wiggling her fingers in the air and turning to walk out.

Winona appears seemingly out of nowhere, meeting Chantal in the hallway and walking her out. I can hear their exchange, but can’t make out the words. Winona is being friendly. Chantal, not so much.

I hear the door shut and blow out a long breath.

“It’s not like that,” I tell Marcus. “My mom sent a woman up here.”

He cackles. “Awww man. That’s rough. Unless it’s not.”

“No. Trust me. It’s rough.”

Winona appears back in the doorway and quietly asks, “Are you hungry?” Her demeanor is reserved.

“Hold on, Marcus,” I say into the phone. “I could eat. Want to eat with me?”

She squints at me as if weighing my offer. “No. I’m not that hungry. Take your call. We’ll figure it out when you’re finished talking.”

An odd wave of disappointment sweeps over me. Maybe I am lonely. I like when Winona eats with me, asking ridiculous questions about what’s on SportsCenter or just sitting quietly in the room without saying anything.

“I’m back,” I tell Marcus. “Just letting Winona know I’m ready to eat.”

“Women waiting on you hand and foot over there, must be nice,” he teases.

“Yeah. Well, I’d rather be with you getting my butt kicked by a coach right now.”

“We just finished practice. I thought I’d check in,” Delaney says. “Coach will be back here in a few minutes to call us for film review.”

“I appreciate you checking in.”

“You sound good.”

“I’m surrendering to the process.”

“Are you now?” He’s teasing again. I miss this—the banter with my team—almost as much as I miss playing. “Don’t go getting soft on me, O’Connell.”

“Never,” I promise him.