Page 158 of The Rookie

Because as much as I’ve got this secret under control now, one wrong move in Tahoe?

And it’s game over. The Knox family is no joke.

thirty-nine

. . .

Avery

It’s the Thanksgiving game,and the energy in the stadium is electric. The crowd roars, their excitement practically vibrating through the air, and I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed as I sit in the skybox.

The view is insane—glass walls overlooking the field, plush seats, endless food and drinks. Cassie’s practically bouncing beside me, her excitement contagious, while Brielle lounges on the other side, sipping champagne and scrolling through her phone.

“This is so cool!” Cassie gushes, grabbing another nacho. “And the fact that Griffin is starting? I mean, come on. Talk about a big moment.”

I nod, forcing a smile as I watch Griffin trot out onto the field. My chest tightens, and my stomach twists in a way that has nothing to do with the ridiculous number of wings I just ate.

Because—damn.

He looks…incredible.

The sharp lines of his uniform, the confident swagger in his step, the way the lights bounce off his helmet—it’s like he was made to be out there.

Although he’s looked good when I’ve come over to his penthouse every night this week, too.

And then, just as the camera zooms in on him, he turns slightly, jogging toward the sideline, and my stomach drops.

Because his butt?

Yeah, it’s ridiculous. Perfectly sculpted, filling out those pants in a way that should be illegal.

I tear my eyes away, swallowing hard, but the image is already burned into my brain. I actually laugh a little, recalling when he made fun of me by calling me bubble butt. And then insisted it was a compliment.

“You okay?” Cassie asks, glancing at me giggling to myself.

“Yeah,” I reply quickly, grabbing my glass of water to keep my hands busy. “Just…trying to focus on the game.”

Cassie nods, oblivious, and leans forward as Griffin huddles with his team. I let out a slow breath, trying to calm the pounding in my chest.

Because watching him out there?

It’s a problem.

A big, gorgeous, maddening problem.

And I’m in way too deep. Because we need to tell Cassie—and we’ve established we’ll tell her together. In Tahoe. Tomorrow.

It’s hard. Especially when he pulls off his helmet, running a hand through his damp hair, his eyes scanning the crowd like he knows exactly where I’m sitting.

And then, as if the universe wants to make things worse, Brielle pipes up.

“You know, Griffin’s looking pretty good out there,” she says, her voice casual but smug. “I mean, not that he doesn’t always look good, but…wow. Especially for a rookie.”

Cassie grins, leaning forward. “Wait. Do you have a thing for Griffin?”

My heart skips a beat, and I glance at Brielle, trying to read her expression.

She shrugs, a coy smile playing on her lips. “Who wouldn’t? The guy’s a star. And, fun fact, he’s actually my cousin’s friend. So, you know, I’ve known him forever.”

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