Page 84 of Make the Play

“Corie,” I correct with a smile.

“Let her talk,” Knox says from his seat in the front row. “Go on, Corie girl,” he says. His voice is soft, and if I notice it, others do, too, so I’m quick to move on.

“I’ll be quick. It’s time for our annual visit to the Caring Hands Nursing Home facility.” Holly explained that this is the biggest care facility in Nashville and that it’s a tradition for the players to visit the residents once a year. “I need four volunteers, minimum,” I tell them before rattling off the date.

“I’ll go.” Knox raises his hand.

“Kiss ass,” Landry mutters. “Fine, I’m in, too,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Thank you, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Beckett. I appreciate that. However, Mr. Beckett, I have a special request from the Make-A-Wish Foundation for you, so you’ll be excused from this.”

“Just let me know when and where,” Knox tells me.

I give him an appreciative smile. “I need at least three more for the nursing home. However, I have another small favor that one of you would possibly rather do.”

“What is it?” Landry asks.

“I received a phone call earlier today from Natasha Gillman’s agent. She needs a plus one for the Lighthouse charity gala. It’s an event to raise proceeds for underprivileged children. It helps support after-school sports programs. The event isn’t until late November, but she’s going out of the country for a shoot and wants to have something lined up for when she gets back.”

A player I don’t recognize whistles. “Natasha is a looker.”

“I’ll go!” Baker stands and raises his hand. “Done,” he says quickly.

Foster is sitting next to him and is barely containing his laughter. “We all know why,” he says, his head tilted back to the ceiling as his body shakes with hilarity.

“Enlighten me,” I tell them, even though Holly already filled me in.

“Don’t you want to go see your giirrrlllfrrriend?” Reid asks, pitching his voice.

“Not this year, boys. For three years straight, I’ve gotten mauled by that lady. No more. I’m off the hook. Reid, you better wear some thick pants.” He pinches the air. “Those talons of hers hurt like a bitch,” Baker grumbles.

“I’ll do it.” Reid looks to me for help, as if I’ll choose him over Baker.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Montgomery. Mr. Sinclair was the first to volunteer. It’s only fair,” I say, hiding my smile by biting the inside of my cheek. It’s weird addressing them so formally.

Reid mumbles under his breath while Baker takes his seat with a look of relief crossing his face. “Okay, I need two more,” I tell them. “I have Reid Montgomery and Landry Reynolds.”

“I’ll go, too,” Foster says, holding up his hand.

“I’ll go. Holly’s going to be there.” Cody Martin, a defensive back, raises his hand.

“She will be there. This will be Holly’s last official event as a Rampage employee.” She stopped coming into the office several weeks ago. She still checks in by phone and email, checking on me, but this event, she wanted to handle, and I was more than happy to let her take the reins.

“Are you going, too?” Landry asks.

“No. I’ll be assisting Mr. Beckett with his trip to the Children’s Hospital for his visit with”—I look down at the notes in my hand—“Asa Meeker.”

Landry nods.

“Thank you to the volunteers. I have handouts with all the information.” The guys stand and come to get their papers, and then I turn to Knox. “I wanted to check your schedule. I was hoping that one day after practice would work for you. The hospital said we can come anytime.”

“How’s today?” Knox asks.

I nod. “Let me call my contact and set it up.”

“Thanks, Corie girl,” he replies. He’s all stretched out in his seat, cool as a cucumber, but it’s his eyes that give him away. He’s watching me like a man in the desert staring at water. My pulse races, and I feel my cheeks start to heat, so I turn with the ruse of placing my phone to my ear for a quieter space in the corner as I walk away, but really, I just need to get away from him before I blow our cover.

It’s getting increasingly difficult every single day to avoid him. After confirming with Sherry from the children’s hospital that this afternoon will work, I make my way back to Knox. Thankfully, the room has started to clear out, so there are fewer eyes on us.

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