Page 84 of Timelessly Ours

“Coach, we’ve done this,” Nick starts. “None of these are rookie mistakes, the other teams, they’re just—”

“Don’t say better.”

“I wasn’t going to. It’s like—they know our next move before we make them.”

“That’s called research. And that’s not it. I’ve changed it up. We’re not predictable. The only ones who know our next move is our team.”

Jace pushes off the desk. “What are you saying?”

I shake my head, refusing to believe that someone on the Blades is deliberately sabotaging the game.

I rub my forehead. “Nothing. It’s nothing. I just need sleep.”

My two captains exchange glances. “Is Rory sick? She been keeping you up?”

“Will you just watch the goddamn videos and let me know if anything looks off?”

I have three suspicions but I need to see if they come up with the same. And then, I have a plan.

But if I’m caught—and word gets out that I don’t trust my team and have tested each one of them—I might as well retire today.

After the replays, I let my two trusted players in on my plan. And the room goes silent.

Jace’s face twists. “Just for Friday’s game?”

“No,” I mutter. “Until my suspicions are confirmed.”

Jace shakes his head, no doubt hating this plan.

“Look, my methods, my research, my knowledge has never failed me before. Something is up and I have a feeling it has to do with Hastings being back in town.”

“You think there’s a connection?”

“I’m almost sure of it.”

22

It’s been four days since our tryst in the hot tub and I just feel…different. Opening up to Royce was liberating to say the least. Weightlifting. My insecurities about my past and what people might feel about me…washed away.

At least for now.

Not much has happened between us since that night and I’m disappointed…but patient. I can’t get in his way. He needs to focus on the team…he needs sleep.

He didn’t make it home for dinner the last two nights but I see him in the mornings. He’s been up earlier than usual this week, handing me my coffee, offering my meds—which I’ve been refusing—and whenever we can, we steal a goodbye kiss before he leaves.

I don’t ask what it means. I know it’s just for now.

Maybe I’m just a distraction for him. The good kind. The kind he needs to stay sane with everything going on at work.

And I’m alright with that.

Use me all you want, Coach Collins. Because I don’t mind.

After all, one can only dream to be in his arms for longer than… right now.

It's Friday morning and I sip my coffee, trying to hold on to the memory of his scent when he brushed past me briefly this morning on his way out. Both of us sneaking a glance at Rory who was a mere three feet away. He’d turned back to me with a regretful gaze, and I nodded understandingly.

Of course. We can’t show Rory anything. It would only confuse her when I leave eventually.

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