Page 14 of Healing Hearts
The football spirals towards me, a perfect throw. But my eyes betray me, darting to look at Brooke just as she bends to pick up a kickball. The curve of her body, the way her hair cascades over her shoulder, the way her ass is shaped in those yoga pants – it's mesmerizing.
"Trevor!" someone shouts.
Too late. The ball smacks against my chest and falls to the ground. I fumble, desperately trying to grab it, but it's gone. Laughter erupts from my teammates.
"What the hell was that?" Sawyer jogs over, shaking his head. "I've seen you make harder catches in your sleep."
I feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "Sorry, man. Sun was in my eyes."
"Yeah, right," Jax snickers. "More like you were blinded by that redhead's smile. Works for my team, though. Keep staring at her. We’d be happy to crush you today." He high fives Chance as they walk past each other.
I can't help but chuckle. "Alright, alright. I'll get my head in the game."
“Or out of your ass.” Sawyer teases.
As we reset, I steal another glance at Brooke. She's looking my way, an amused smirk on her face. Great, she saw the whole damn thing. What a way to make an impression.
The next play starts, and I force myself to focus. The competitive fire that's been dormant for so long starts to flicker. I may be rusty in a jovial game of football, but I'll be damned if I'm going to let a pretty face completely derail my game…at least not in front of her.
"Going long!" I shout, sprinting downthe field.
Sawyer launches the ball, a beautiful arcing throw. I push myself harder, feeling the burn in my legs. This is it – my chance at redemption.
I dive, arms outstretched. The world slows down as I sail through the air, my fingers just grazing the ball. For a moment, I'm weightless, suspended between the earth and the sky. Then I hit the ground, grass and dirt filling my vision, but I've got it. The ball is clutched tightly against my chest.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Sawyer whoops, running over to help me up.
As I stand, brushing grass from my clothes, I can't help but grin. The rush of adrenaline, the camaraderie – I'd forgotten how good this feels.
"Welcome back, Doc," Hudson says, punching my arm playfully. "Thought we'd lost you to daydreams for a minute there."
I laugh, genuinely happy. "Nah, just needed a minute to remember how to play. I'm all in now."
As we huddle up for the next play, I risk one more glance at Brooke. She's watching me, a look of admiration in her eyes. My heart skips a beat.
I wince as I straighten up, my muscles protesting. "Damn," I mutter, rubbing my lower back. "That ground's a lot harder than I remember."
Sawyer chuckles, clapping me on the shoulder. "Welcome to your mid-thirties, old man."
"Hey, I’m not old, speak for yourself," I retort, but there's no real bite to it. He's right, and we both know it.
As we head back to our positions, I can't help but feel a surge of nostalgia. When was the last time I just... played? No life-or-death surgeries, no on-call shifts, no psycho girlfriend blowing up my phone in a rage. Just the simple joy of playing a game with friends.
"You good, Trevor?" Eli calls from across the field.
Igive him a thumbs up. "Never better!" And surprisingly, I mean it.
The game wraps up an hour later, and we gather near the sidelines, chatting and laughing. I find my gaze continually drifting towards the kickball field, searching for that flash of red hair.
"Earth to Trevor," Sawyer waves a hand in front of my face. "You with us, man?"
I blink, refocusing. "Yeah, sorry. Just... thinking."
"About a certain redhead?" he teases, following my line of sight.
I feel a flush creeping up my neck. "Maybe," I admit.
"Well, don't just stand here. Go talk to her."
