Page 33 of Forever Offsides

Not mine.

But I followed his lead, willing to do whatever it took to make him happy, even if it felt like shit not to announce him as my son to do so.

Before Asher can say more or out who I am, the rest of the team starts to take the field. Quinn excuses herself and heads to the sidelines, where the other medical and training staff are congregating.

I’d love to tell you that I don’t track her there, but I do.

I’m too aware of her. I have been since I first saw her walk into that bar.

Except this is my career, and right now, my career is the only thing I’ve got.

So I can’t allow myself to be distracted by anything.

Especially not my son’s pretty ex-girlfriend, whom I happen to remember exactly what she tastes like.

10

QUINN

“That’s the dude you had your epic one-nighter with and have been talking to since?” Skylar is incredulous.

“You’re gawking,” I chastise. “And shouting. Why don’t you wave a red flag at him to make sure you really get his attention?”

“You mean because he’s a red flag for you?” She laughs. I don’t. “That’s not a dude,” she continues, though she does lower her voice. A little. “That’s a man. And he’s certainly not a red flag, or maybe he is in a good way. Wow.” She fans her face. “Girl, my props to you. He’s freaking gorgeous. Like next-level hot. I mean, if I weren’t pregnant and married to another man I’m in love with…”

I flash her a glare, and she holds up her hand before resetting it on top of her large belly.

“Right. Never mind. He’s your brothers’ coach and works for your dad.” She snorts a laugh. “God, that’s such a good story you can never tell them. Good thing you never told Crew his first name or any details.”

“You can’t tell Hayes or Forest when they get here either. Or Aston at any point.”

She gives me an affronted look. “I would never. But we can tell Brae, right? And swear her to secrecy so she doesn’t tell Roman. I mean, she knows about him already, just not all these fun new details.”

I huff out a breath. “Obviously. And they’re not fun details.”

“No. I suppose not. Juicy details but not fun. Sucks.” Her head twists to me. “He really said he wasn’t done with you? That he was just getting started?”

I chew on the corner of my lip and nod.

“And why can’t you fuck him again? What? Don’t look at me like that. I’m legit asking.”

“Um, how about for all the reasons you already know why it can’t happen? Legit, I didn’t want football, and now I have to deal with this. There’s a reason I have a no-athlete policy and why I’d never date my brothers’ teammates. That now extends to coaching staff.” I pan my hand in his general direction, which to anyone else would appear I’m remarking on the team or my brothers who are on the field with their coach.

“Hey, Quinn, sexy lady!”

I flip off Flores, who has been playing with Mason for years. He laughs. Again, I don’t. I’m in no mood.

“I don’t need complicated men in my life and definitely not football men. This is my job. My career. I’m a resident, which means I have to be flawless. I mean, is it really so difficult to find a decent guy who doesn’t compromise me in some way?”

She snorts. “Do you not remember my ex?”

“Yeah, but you’re married to an incredible man now.”

“Who happens to be my older brother’s best friend. We’ve known him our entire lives and it’s not as though we didn’t come with a boatload of drama. Same with Braelyn and Roman. But it is easier when you already know the guy and their history.”

I glower. “If you’re about to suggest I date Hayes or Forest⁠—”

She makes a gagging sound. “God, no. Though if you married Forest, that would make you my cousin by marriage.” She waves that away. “Love is stressful. Look at me. I’m pregnant with my horrible ex’s baby and married to another man that I married out of convenience.”