Page 58 of The Rookie

“Best part of the class, hands down,” I say, still sprawled on my mat. “I’d do that all day.”

Avery stands gracefully, shooting me a look. “I’ll make you a deal—you stay inshavasanaforever, and I’ll never have to hear you talk again.”

“Deal.”

Jake snickers, already rolling up his mat. “Bro, I think you had a spiritual awakening back there.”

“Awakening, downloading—call it what you want,” I mutter as I sit up, running a hand through my sweat-damp hair. “I’m a changed man. Also, what was that song again? Faith’s Hymn? I’m adding it to my pregame playlist.”

Avery rolls her eyes. “You are not blastingFaith’s Hymnbefore a football game.”

“Why not?” I grin. “I feel like I could throw 80-yard touchdowns after that.”

Before Avery can respond, Kayla—the blonde who was sitting next to me—sidles up, ponytail swinging. “Hey, Griffin,” she says, all smiles. “Do you have any plans later? A couple of us were thinking of going out.”

I pause, caught off guard. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Avery bending down to grab her water bottle, looking perfectly unbothered.

“Uh…” I scratch the back of my neck. “I?—”

“Actually,” Jake cuts in smoothly, his voice dripping with enthusiasm. “Why don’t we all go out tonight after we get back and shower off? I saw this killer spot downtown—live music, cool vibes. We’ll make it a group thing.”

Kayla blinks, but then nods with a bright smile. “Oh! That sounds great.”

Jake turns to Avery, throwing her an exaggerated wink. “Right, Sinclair? You’re coming, too.”

Avery straightens up, her face neutral as she slings her bag over her shoulder. “Sure. Why not?”

“Knox?” Jake looks at me, smirking like the devil himself.

“Yeah,” I mutter, not looking at anyone in particular. “Sounds good.”

As we head for the door, I linger behind, walking next to Avery.

“You coming out for the vibes, Sinclair?” I ask, nudging her with my elbow.

She arches an eyebrow at me. “Why? Afraid you’ll get lost without me?”

I smirk, stuffing my hands in my pockets. “Nah. Just making sure you don’t cramp my style.”

Her lips twitch, but she keeps walking, her tone flat. “Please. You wouldn’t survive without me.”

I grin, watching her out of the corner of my eye as we step into the late afternoon sunlight. My brain might’ve downloaded all the wrong things back in yoga, but this time, I don’t fight it.

eighteen

. . .

Avery

“Areyou dressing for a royal wedding, or what?” Griffin drawls, his voice dripping with sarcasm as I rifle through my suitcase.

I glance at him over my shoulder where he’s loungingshirtlesson his bed—again—with a smug expression and a towel hanging low on his hips. It’s like he’s allergic to wearing clothes.

“Do you ever stop talking?” I retort, turning back to the mess I’ve made in my suitcase.

The truth is, I’m stalling. I’m not usually one to stress about what I wear, but tonight feels…different. It’s just drinks and music with the group. Nothing special. And yet, for some reason, I’m nervous.Annoyinglynervous.

“Just pick something, Sinclair,” Griffin says, rolling onto his side with an exaggerated groan. “It’s not like anyone’s gonna be looking at you—” He pauses, his grin widening as I pull outthedress.

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