Page 46 of Defending her Heart

It’s easy to razz him because he’s the most humble player I’ve ever had the privilege of being teammates with, and because he’s one helluva running back.

“Fuck off.” He flips me the bird and I chuckle, but my laugh stalls out when I turn toward Kendall.

“Congratulations, Nash.” Rowan comes between us and gives me a soft hug.

“Thanks, Rowan.” I don’t know her as well as Riley, but she’s always been sweet. A little on the quiet side but she doesn’t come off as shy or meek. She has fun with her friends on the dance floor and can handle her own around the guys without coming off snarky like Kendall.

I don’t mind the snark. It’s hot coming out of Kendall’s mouth.

“Where’s the party tonight?” Buck asks behind me.

I wet my bottom lip with my tongue while stalling for the right words to say to Kendall. I don’t know where we stand. Is she mad at me? Is that why she ignored all my gifts last week?

All I can think to say is, “My jersey looks good on you.”

Hell if I don’t sound like a conceited asshole. Thankfully, she doesn’t take it that way and snickers.

“You think? It’s not all that different” She traces the five with her finger. “Five. Eight. Pretty close.”

They’re not close at all, but I bite back my response.

“Whiskey Buckle it is.” Buck says. “We ubering and leaving the vehicles here?”

We’d all rather leave our rides at the stadium lot where they’re safer than a bar parking lot if we have to catch rides home.

“I’ll be designated driver tonight. Monday mornings spent in a room bustling with kindergartners is not conducive to hangovers.”

“I’m not planning on getting shit faced, so I can take the late crew home,” Bankes offers.

No doubt Buck and Dec will stay until last call.

Miles does his thing, working his way between Rowan and Kendall. “I’ll hitch a ride with the ladies.”

“Mind if I tag along?” I ask Riley.

“Let’s go,” Kendall says aggressively and storms off with Buck and Rowan in tow.

“Wait for me,” Declan calls, coming through the double doors and running after the trio.

Bankes’s brother, Jackson, and his husband, Taylor, take their own car, and I follow the newlyweds to the parking lot feeling like a third wheel. We talk about the game, breaking down each play, the entire twenty-minute drive to the bar.

The parking lot is packed and Bankes finds a space toward the back. By the time we make it inside, it seems like half theteam is already there celebrating. As soon as they spot us, I feel like Norm in the iconic showCheersas they all shout my name.

“Hump!” There’s wrestling around and lots of shit talking as they argue who gets to buy me my first drink.

Paisley is staying at my parents’ place, so I don’t have to worry about getting home at a certain time or stumbling in drunk, but I told her I’d pick her up in the morning and drive her to school.

It’s only nine-thirty, but it feels like midnight. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve had so much to drink, and I’m only three beers and two shots in. I’m not drunk, but I’ve got a nice buzz going on.

I smell her before I see her. Her arm reaches past my seat at the bar, setting down an empty glass.

“Can I get a refill? Soda water with lime?”

“Sure thing,” the bartender says, filling up her glass. “Anything for you?” he asks me.

“You can put his drink on my tab,” Kendall says.

The bartender laughs. “Your waters haven’t needed a tab, and this guy’s drinks have been paid for in advance by half the people in this bar.”

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