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Playing With Fire

Page 326

by Brittany Holland

And for once, I don't look away.

By the time I shower and change, my jaw has started to swell. Nothing serious. Just enough to make me look like I made a particularly stupid decision. Which I did.

Mercer catches me near the locker room door.

“Nice goal.”

“Nice winner.”

He grins. “Your assist was decent.”

“Glad I could contribute.”

He glances toward my jaw. “Beckett hit you pretty good.”

“Yeah.”

“You two going to be okay?”

I think about that. “Eventually.”

Mercer nods. Then he looks at me. “For what it's worth, that celebration?”

“What about it?”

“Pretty sure nobody in this building is confused about who you're dating anymore.”

I smile. “Good.”

He laughs. “See you tomorrow, Captain.”

I grab my bag. And head toward the family area near the players' tunnel.

I spot Delaney first. She's standing beside Avery, still wearing my jersey.

Mrs. B and Coach are a few feet away, talking quietly.

Declan stands near the visitors' exit in his Archers travel suit.

The second I appear, Delaney turns. Her eyes widen. “Bishop.” She crosses the space between us. Then stops short when she sees my face. “Oh my God.”

“Hey, Becks.”

“Your jaw.”

“It's fine.”

“Hayes.”

“Okay. It's a little sore.”

She reaches up carefully, her fingertips brushing the uninjured side of my face. I lean into her touch.

“I'm sorry,” I confess.

She frowns. “For what?”

“For making you worry.”