Risky Play (Red Card #1)(63)

“Not gonna be a problem,” I said confidently—even though something still felt wrong.

And as I continued running off, doing drills, sprints, I wondered what it would take for the damn feeling to go away.

“Watch it,” Jagger growled when I was so lost in thought I nearly ran into him.

“Sorry.” I gave my head a shake. “I’m a bit out of it today.”

“Sex does that to a guy.” His nostrils flared, and he stood there. Like he was waiting for me to deny it.

“Guess it does,” I said through clenched teeth. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

He scowled. “You’re going to break her, like you break everything. Why can’t you just leave it alone? Leave her alone?”

“What do you mean break her?” I stood with my hands on my hips. “She holds all the cards, not me. I genuinely like her, which is more than I can say about you.”

“Funny.” He hung his head. “I don’t want to be that guy, Slade.”

“The asshole?”

“Nah.” He shook his head. “The guy the girl comes running to because the one that she really wants breaks her heart. Don’t make me that guy. I suck at being that guy.”

He turned on his heel and jogged off.

Leaving me wondering what he could possibly know that I didn’t.

About Mack.

About my past.

I didn’t break things.

If anything, I was the one who still felt broken.





Chapter Forty-Five SLADE

“Hey!” Mack walked into the stadium with a bright smile, her brown hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and her eyes actually sparkled. I’d never been the type of guy to get focused on all the tiny little details, but with her, I couldn’t help but notice everything.

Even the three freckles near her nose.

The slight dimple on the left side of her face when she laughed really hard.

She had a scar just below her chin like she’d taken a fall when she was little. I could imagine that, a small Mack sprinting through the house and tripping over something.

I watched her make her way slowly across the turf.

She was dressed casually in black Converse, skinny jeans, and a long-sleeve shirt. It looked good on her.

“Hey,” I finally called back, waiting for her to step into my arms, which she did, even though I was sweaty. “You made it.”

“You’re . . .” Her breathing picked up. “Sweaty.”

“I hope this doesn’t mean we have to break up,” I teased, placing a kiss on her nose.

Her eyes flashed to mine. “Break up . . .”

“Wow.” I reached for her hand and interlaced our fingers. “Mack, that cuts deep!”

She laughed and leaned her head on my shoulder, despite my sweat. It was like she didn’t care. And I loved every bit of it.

“So not only am I not a one-night stand but . . . did you just basically call me your girlfriend? Moving a bit fast for a player, Slade.”

“Hilarious.” I stopped walking and pulled her into my arms then pressed my mouth against hers, tasting the mixture of coffee and spearmint gum on her tongue. “Be mine?”

“I’m already yours. You know that,” her voice whispered softly between our bodies.

“Maybe I just like hearing you say it.”

“That’s more like it . . . it scares me when your arrogance isn’t showing.”

“I’m not sure if I’m offended or if that actually makes sense.”

She looped her arm in mine. “Trust me, it makes total sense.”

“Hah.” We walked down the tunnel that led to the locker rooms and parking lot. I didn’t miss the stares I got from teammates, with expressions ranging from knowing smirks to complete devastation.

Jagger.

Mack’s breath hitched.

I wanted to stand in front of her, guard her from his leering eyes. I wanted to wrap her up in my arms and yell, “Nothing to see here!”

Instead, I chose the opposite of being my typical dick self and kissed her on the forehead. “I need to go shower really quick. Why don’t you guys . . . talk.”

“Did that hurt to say out loud?” She smiled up at me.

I groaned. “You have no idea. My throat actually hurts, but not as much as my chest . . . stop giving me anxiety, it’s not good for my game.”

She patted me on the chest. “I think you’ll make it.”

I sighed. “Just . . . don’t let him touch you. Or breathe too much air around your space, and if he says—”

“I’m a grown-ass woman. Go take your shower so you can feed me. Oh, and Slade, you’re paying.”

I burst out laughing. “A gentleman always pays.”

She winked.

It didn’t alleviate the panic when she turned to Jagger.

When he got up and made his way toward her, a mixture of anger and sadness filled his features.

I exhaled and turned around.

With every step I fought the need to protect her.

To protect what we had.

To keep him from telling her what she already knew.

I wasn’t good enough for her.

Would never be.





Chapter Forty-Six MACKENZIE