Page 2 of The Trade

“That’s my recommendation. Take it or leave it, but just know you won’t have the support of your coach if you decide to go against this.” His gaze is somber but steadfast. “Understood?”

I clench my jaw, holding back the sudden urge to flash him both middle fingers and yell out a big Fuck You.

“Understood.” I give him a tight half-smile, turning on my heel to catch up with my teammate. I don’t know what I expected, but it sure as hell wasn’t that. He didn’t even give me the slightest shred of a chance.

“Cam!” I call, hands cupped around my jaw as I nod toward the bleachers.

Camden Scott is one big motherfucker. He’s a linebacker for the team. Huge, intimidating, and one of my best friends. The man absolutely loves playing the game, but he has no plans to go pro. He’d rather study biomedical engineering for the rest of his life.

According to Cam, only about five percent of physical science jobs are held by Black men. And my best friend since freshman year, well, he’s determined to contribute to the stat. In his words, he plans to become a goddamn engineer, a biomedical pioneer, and a PhD candidate in the next few years. All of the above, if he can swing it.

“Hey, man,” he shouts back, shoving his helmet inside a Dayton U duffel. “Are you heading to the showers?”

“Nah, I’m just gonna shower back at the house.”

“Then let’s get the hell out of here.” He swings himself over the divider, coming up beside me to exit the field.

We slowly make our way past the endless rows of bleachers, eventually crossing in front of the Intramural Training Building.

“So, what were you talking to Rodriguez about?” he finally asks, effectively breaking my brooding silence.

“He doesn’t want me declaring early.”

“Fuck, man. I’m sorry.”

“It’s just bullshit. He wouldn’t even—”

“West! Hey!” I’m cut off by the sound of a familiar voice, tiny feet pattering on the pavement as she runs to catch up with us. I manage to stifle a groan, running my fingers through my sweat-damp hair before I turn to greet her.

“Cass,” I grind out, forcing my lips to curve into a smile.

My eyes flicker across her uniform. Tight cheer skirt. Long tan legs. Tiny little waist. Yeah, Cassidy Viotto is hot as hell, but I’m really not in the mood for all this right now.

“Did you want to come over to my place tonight?” she asks, that fake sultry tone slipping into her high-pitched voice. She bats her thick lashes at me, biting down on those full lips of hers.

“It was a brutal practice, Cass.” I sigh, rubbing at the back of my neck. “I’m tired, gonna hit the hay early.”

She rolls her eyes, glancing quickly at Cam before leaning in close. She makes sure her lips graze my ear as she whispers, “I could do that thing with my tongue you like.”

Fuck if I can help it, but blood immediately rushes to places it shouldn’t. Maybe a night with Cassidywouldbe a good distraction from this bullshit with Coach, after all.

“Uh ...I mean—”

Wait, no. Think with your upstairs brain, West. You want to be alone tonight, relaxing at home after a long steaming shower. Besides, she hooked up with your teammate less than a week ago. Not that I really give a shit, but it does kind of ruin the appeal.

“No, you know what? I said I’m tired, Cass.” I work to keep the irritation from my voice. “Maybe another time.”

“Well, if you’re tired ...” She places her palm against my chest, stroking her slender fingers down my jersey. “We could just, like, talk or something.”

The fuck? I glance at Cam, shaking my head before pulling Cassidy to the side. She may be overly forward, bordering on stalkerish, but I’m not about to embarrass her in front of my teammate.

Once we’re a good few feet away, I open my mouth to ask, “What are you trying to do?”

“What do you mean?” She crosses her arms over her chest. “Why’d you bring me over here?”

“So we can have a private conversation. You want me to come over totalk? That’s not what this is, Cassidy.”

“Oh my God.” She blows out a heated breath, perching both hands on her hips. “You’re acting like I asked you on a date, West. I just saidtalk.Friends can talk.”

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