Page 34 of The Riskiest Move

“Jesus. Not you too.” Griffin shakes his head.

“I’m just saying, since we don’t have proof one way or the other, maybe we should err on the side of caution.”

Griffin rolls his eyes. “Fine, whatever. I’ll keep my concerns to myself from now on.”

“Good idea,” Thor says firmly.

Rogan claps Griffin on the shoulder. “Look man, we get it. Every game has its challenges. But we’ve prepared well and we’re ready. Focus on that instead of worrying.”

I nod in agreement. “Exactly. Channel that nervous energy into intensity on the field.”

Griffin takes a deep breath and nods. “I won’t say anything about it again”

“That's all we ask,” Thor says, clapping him on the shoulder.

“My bad, guys. Let’s crush it today,” Griffin says.

We all bump fists, the momentary tension dissipating.

I’m relieved the conversation is over. The last thing we need is doubt creeping into our minds before a big game. I try to refocus my thoughts on our game plan and my role in it.

As we finish our stretches, I scan the steadily filling stands. I know Scarlett and Autumn are supposed to be here, as well as Cassie. I texted Scarlett to let her know to be on the lookout for my sister, and sent her a picture so she’d recognize her.

Rogan, Griffin, and I throw the ball back and forth with each other for a few minutes.

“Hey, Cooper,” Thor calls out. “Your girl is here.”

My head snaps up, following his gaze to the stands. Sure enough, I spot Scarlett with Autumn on one side and my sister on the other, the three of them decked out in team colors. Even from this distance, I can see Scarlett’s bright smile as she waves at us.

I lift my hand in a small wave back, trying to ignore the way my heart rate picks up at the sight of her. It’s just the pre-game adrenaline.At least that’s what I tell myself.

CHAPTER 9

SCARLETT

The energy in the stadium is electric. Fans decked out in team colors fill the stands, their excited chatter creating a constant buzz of noise. I’m sandwiched between Autumn and Cooper’s sister, all of us wearing our team gear.

Cassie looks around in awe. “Even though I came to the season opener, I’m still amazed how packed it is.”

I grin. “I love how crazy it gets at kickoff.”

Autumn leans in. “You should see it during playoffs. This is nothing compared to that.”

I nod, trying to imagine an even more intense atmosphere. My eyes drift back to the field where the players are warming up. I spot Cooper easily, his number eighty-nine jersey standing out. He’s throwing passes with Rogan and Griffin.

I wave and nudge Cassie. “There he is.” He raises his hand in acknowledgement before his focus returns to warming up.

“How is it living with your brother?” I ask. I’m curious about their relationship. The idea of having a twin has always fascinated me.

“We get along well. We give each other shit, but it’s all in a good-natured way. He never makes me feel like I’m sponging off him, which I appreciate.”

“I don’t know Cooper that well, but from what I’ve experienced, he’s kind and considerate,” I say.

Cassie nods. “He’s both of those things and so much more.” She leans over and whispers, “I know about your arrangement.”

I nod. “He told me it was your idea.”

Her eyes light up. “It was.”

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