Page 156 of How to Score Off Field

This scrimmage demands my full attention, and I’m determined to give it my all—regardless of the unanswered questions lingering in my mind.

“Dude, what’s going on?” Suddenly, my brother is there, clamping a hand on my shoulder like we’re the only two people in this stadium crowded with thousands upon thousands of people.

“Nothin’.”

He smacks me on my shoulder pads. “We don’t have time to fuck around. Just tell me what’s going on.”

The fans are so loud it’s almost deafening.

“I have no idea what’s going on,” I say honestly because I literally don’t.

Drake laughs. “Welcome to the wonderful world of relationships. Congrats, bro. Welcome to the club.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Should I be amused? ’Cause all I am is confused.

“It means that women are a mystery. Don’t try to figure them out. When she’s ready to tell you what the problem is, she’ll tell you.” He pulls his helmet down over his head, snapping the chin strap. “Get your head in the game, man. Do you want to end up hurt?”

“No.”

“Then shut off the noise and get your head in the game.” He smacks me again on the shoulder pads. “It’s time to give ’em hell.”

CHAPTER55

TESS

I WON’T LIE, HIS BROTHER IS PRETTY FREAKING AWESOME, TOO.

Of all thepeople I thought would come lecture me about communicating my feelings, never in a million years would I have thought it would be Drake Colter.

Drake.

Of all people.

The Drake Colter I remember from our youth was a cocky, arrogant asshole who never had time for anything other than football.

Granted, Drew didn’t really either, but at least he wasn’t a dick about it.

But as I lounge around Drew’s bedroom, awkwardly waiting for him to finish his shower, the door creaks open, and there stands Drake, his brother, giving me that enigmatic smirk that has “I’m here to stick my nose in your business” written all over it.

“Having fun?” he drawls, leaning casually against the doorframe, bulky arms crossed.

I notice he has tattoos, something I hadn’t noticed before.

The gap between his teeth winks at me.

“Am I having fun?” I wouldn’t call sitting around a bedroom waiting for a guy to get out of the shower my idea of fun, but whatever. At least I’m here.

I try not to let Drake’s sudden appearance in the doorway rattle me, but the truth is he’s always intimidated me. Probably because of his Zero Fucks Given attitude that I’ve never mastered.

“Oh, just soaking in the ambience of your brother’s room.”

He chuckles, strolling into the room as if he owns the place.

Which technically, I guess he kind of does.

Drew told me that his older brother Duke owns the house, and they’re allowed to live in it rent free as long as they’re on the team and in school.

Drake is by the desk now, leaning over to sniff the roses still placed in the center of Drew’s desk.

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