Page 71 of Just Like Home

Now the laughter turned mocking and a few of the guys shouted, “Burn!”

Hotchke played it off, and Charlotte looked confused.

She quickly recovered. “We really want to add some fun numbers to the recital—Julianna would’ve gotten a kick out of you guys strutting your stuff up there.”

“We don’t have to wear tights, do we?” a kid they called “Whitey” asked.

Charlotte laughed. “I’m thinking football jerseys.”

“I don’t know, Miss Page,” Dunbar said. “No offense, but dancing is kind of for sissies.”

Cole folded his arms over his chest. He should probably defend Charlotte’s idea, but truthfully, he saw Greg’s point.

“I promise you won’t look like a sissy,” Charlotte said. “Haven’t you seen the football players onDancing With the Stars?”

The guys would never own up to watching that show, though one or two of them muttered something like “My mom watches that.”

“Just trust me,” Charlotte said. “I think we can keep it fun and cool. Trust me.”

“Plus, it’s for a great cause,” Asher said. “Count us in.” He nodded at Cole, who felt a twinge of guilt at the way these boys were so willing to join in this event when he’d so adamantly refused.

Charlotte’s face lit up. “Great. I think having big, strong football players dancing is going to be a blast for the audience.”

“You think we’re big and strong?” Dunbar flexed his bicep.

“Some of us are,Dumbar, but not you.” Whitey gave Greg a shove.

“Nah, you fools don’t hold a candle to what I’m packing over here.” Hotchke lifted his shirt to reveal an impressive six-pack but followed it up with an inappropriate gesture.

Cole started to correct Hotchke, but his up-and-coming quarterback jumped in before he could say a word.

“Hotch,” Asher said, eyes darting toward Charlotte, as if to say,Dude, we’re not in the locker room.

Hotchke held his hands out in front of him—an apology of sorts. And Cole took note. Somehow, almost overnight, Asher had become a leader. It was exactly what he’d been hoping would happen.

Asher’s actions confirmed Cole’s recommitment to the team. They could learn real-life skills out here on the field, and he could be the one to show them.

Hewantedto be the one to show them.

The conversation turned into a raucous display as the boys threw out ideas for something they knew absolutely nothing about. Cole glanced at Charlotte, who seemed to be enjoying the enthusiasm.

Then, out of nowhere, Teddy Phillips lifted a hand to quiet them all down. “Hold up, hold up,” he said. “What about you, Coach?”

Cole felt his eyebrows shoot upward. “What about me?”

“You’re dancing with us, right?” Teddy asked.

Cole didn’t blush, but he did feel his face heat up. “No.”

“No, he should dance with Miss Page!” Asher’s eyes lit up like he’d just had the best idea in the world.

Now, Charlotte blushed.

“Come on, Coach,” Dunbar said. “You know people would flock out to see the coach of the high school state championship football team dancing a waltz.”

The boys grew rowdy again.

“Not happening,” Cole said.

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