Page 41 of Crazy Love

The more I’m around Penn, the more I like him.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

WELCOME HOME

PENN

Over the next few days, I look for every reason to cross paths with Adeline Evans. I linger around longer than necessary at lunchtime and go back for extra snacks. I stop by her office just to say hey and to see if she's busy, and if she's not, I shoot the shit talking about whatever I think will strike her funny. I feel like a junior high kid trying to impress the girl and I can hardly comprehend how fun this is.

I know the guys told me that I would understand one day, but I truly never believed them. I didn't think I would feel this way about any girl ever. Everything about her is intriguing.

“Penn,” Coach barks. “Why do I keep catching you loitering around my daughter's office? Don't you have things to do?”

Addy stands up and frowns. “It’s the end of the day, Dad. And he’s allowed to talk to me…it’s kind of part of my job…that I talk to the players.” Her tone is no-nonsense, and he looks chagrined for a moment before he keeps walking.

“I looked pretty good out there today, didn't I?” I say, calling after him. I grin at Addy, waiting for her dad to shoot me down.

He waves his hand over his head and grumbles something.

“I think he’s softening toward me,” I say and Addy laughs.

A door slams and Peter, one of our security guards, rushes toward us. I’m surprised when he stops in front of me.

“I’ve got a kid out here. Says he’s Sam. He’s looking for you. I tried to call you, but?—”

“Fuck. My phone’s still on silent.” I pull it out of my pocket and switch on the sound. “Sam’s here?” I glance at Addy for a second and then follow Peter down the hall.

“He’s hurt,” Peter says.

Addy gasps and rushes to catch up with us.

“What? What do you mean? Where is he?” I ask.

He motions for me to keep following him.

When we reach Sam, I’m horrified when he turns and I see his face. His nose is bloody and his eyes are purple and puffy.

“Sam, what happened?” I rush toward him and pull him in for a hug.

He swallows hard, shaking his head.

“I didn't know what else to do,” he says.

“Oh my God, Sam. I’ll go get a cold cloth,” Addy says, rushing to the bathroom near the main entrance.

“What happened?” I repeat. “Who did this?”

He just shakes his head and stares at me.

“Was it one of your foster parents?” I ask.

He eventually nods.

“Okay, we're going to the hospital.”

“I don't need to go to the hospital,” he says, “just please don't make me go back there.”

Addy rushes out with a cloth and gingerly holds it up to his face.

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