Page 59 of The Penalty

“Do I need to remind Hayes to keep his hands to himself?”

I raise an eyebrow at him. “Are you jealous of your star player, Coach?”

“I hate that I know he’s the better choice for you. I hate that he can touch you in public and not be scrutinized. I hate that any of them thinks they deserve a chance with you.”

I understand why he might think Hayes is the better choice. From an outsider's perspective, he would be. We’re the same age, have similar interests, and he’s attractive and has big goals. But there’s nothing there for me. I never think about Hayes when he’s not around, and I have no desire to kiss him or go to bed with him. There’s no one on the team I think about like that.

Except Tyler.

I can’t get him out of my head even when I know I should.

“Too bad he’s not the one I want,” I whisper to Tyler.

He swallows. “I want you too, McKenzie. And one day, you’ll be mine.”

My heart beats a little faster. I hope ‘one day’ happens sooner rather than later.

“Will you call me tonight if you need a ride?” he asks.

“Yes. Will you come to my bed when I get home?” I counter.

He looks into my eyes, and I hold my breath, feeling like he’s about to reject me. “I shouldn’t.”

“But will you?”

“Yes.”

I nod. Our nighttime ritual started because I didn’t want to be alone. I thought maybe Tyler could help me fall asleep. And now, I can’t imagine falling asleep without him next to me.

“You should go.”

He nods and then quickly escapes from our hiding spot. I wait a few more moments before making my own exit. Luckily, the halls are empty. I quickly leave and make my way back to the Danvers’ house.

Kylie practically jumps on the invitation to go out with the football team. For someone who doesn’t like football, she sure enjoys hanging out with the players. I’m pretty sure Tyler would bench any of his players if they made a move on his daughter, though.

We end up having a great time, although I would much rather be spending time with Tyler. I know it’s lame, but I enjoy our nights in, playing cards or games and talking. I wish he could be here with us, but I understand why he can’t.

By the time we leave the bar, me completely sober, I’m more than ready to see him. He waited up for us just like I expected he would. Once Kylie is in her room, all tucked in, Tyler climbs in my bed, kisses me goodnight, and holds me until I fall asleep.

TWENTY-FOUR

TYLER

The agreement I made with Shae was to fly Kylie back to Georgia for all the major holidays. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I’ve finally forced myself to book her flight. I can’t pretend it wouldn’t be nice to have her here, though. Most of the time, I spend Thanksgiving without family because I almost always have a game the day after.

This year is no different. Our last regular-season game is the day after Thanksgiving, and it’s an away game. I’ve got to be up at the crack of dawn to get on the bus with the team.

Last year, I had a Thanksgiving dinner catered at my place. This year, Zach’s wife is having a big event at their house. Most of the team that has family out of state will be headed to his house, including myself.

But even with all that, I’d love to have Kylie here. It’d be nice to start our own traditions since I missed out on so much when she was a kid. And because of that, her mother wants her home. They have their own traditions. I can’t argue with it.

“Hey, Kylie. I emailed you your ticket info for Thanksgiving,” I tell her one day after work. The girls have a few days left of classes before they have time off for the holiday. Both of them are busy studying for an exam.

“Thanks, Dad.” Then she turns to McKenzie. “Are you going home for Thanksgiving?”

“Um, no. Not this year. My mom has decided to go to my aunt’s house in Kansas. I can’t make it out there this year.”

“Oh no. Are you going to be alright? I know it’s your first year without your dad.” She pauses and gasps, not giving McKenzie a chance to answer. “You should come back to Georgia with me. My mom would love to have you,” Kylie suggests.