Page 17 of Sweet Temptation
“Listen, some of you men have been playing this game since you were boys. Five-year-old kids. Unfortunately, the reality of it is for some of you, tomorrow will be the last time you ever step foot on a football field. So consider the gauntlet thrown. You want to play for me? You want to play for the Kings? You want a chance at someone else picking you up if we don’t? Leave it all onthe field. For those of you playing, tomorrow’s your Super Bowl, gentlemen. Make it count.”
Coach looks at the team gathered around him solemnly before he heads inside.
Nothing else needs to be said.
He’s right. Tomorrow’s it.
If you’re playing, you’re playing for a chance to be on this team. You’re playing for your life.
“Beneventi,” Coach calls out from the sidelines as we all walk off the field, and my stomach drops.
“Yeah, Coach?” Off the field, Declan Sinclair is a family friend. On the field, he’s my boss.
“You’re not dressing tomorrow. Rest up. I need you in top shape for the first game of the season.” He claps my back and smiles. “You can breathe now, Lucky. You’ve earned your spot. You keep playing like this, and you’ve got a long career ahead of you.”
Fuck... I think I was holding my breath.
“Thanks, Coach.” I look over his shoulder at the field I’ve wanted to claim as my own for half my life and smile. “I appreciate the chance.”
“You earned it all on your own. Now keep it. Make us all proud.”
I earned it.
Not my name.
Not my family.
Not my connections.
Fuck, that feels good.
Lochlan
Hey, Lexicon. Are you staying in my room?
Lexie
Nope. All moved into my room and I made sure to avoid your nightstand drawers at all cost. I do not want to know what you have stashed in there. Why? What’s up?
Lochlan
They’re empty, smart-ass. I was going to ask if there’s any chance my room is open Labor Day weekend. I really don’t want to spend it at Mom and Dad’s.
Linc
Shit, man. You coming home?
Lucky
You know another way he’s sleeping at your parents’ house if he doesn’t come home?
Lexie
Really? OMG. You’re not sleeping at Mom and Dad’s. I’m not in your room. You’re sleeping here.
Lucky
Pretty sure we’re not going to be in Kroydon Hills that weekend.
