Page 47 of Rookie Season
Chloe holds up her tablet. “If I find out, I’ll let you know.” We all laugh. “You seeing anyone, Sierra?”
My muscles tense. I hadn’t thought about the possibility that she was. Just because she came up here with us doesn’t mean she couldn’t be dating some other guy.
“No,” she says. “I’m better off as a lone wolf.”
When she says the words, I can breathe again. Except now I’m thinking about how fucking good it would feel to be the guy in her life.
To see her in the morning. To make her coffee. To pick her up after a long shift. To look up at the box during a game and see her in my jersey. To strip it off her late at night.
“You only think that because you haven’t found someone worth sticking around for.” I hear myself say it.
Sierra’s hand on my ankle tightens. “Oh? Because the only possible reason to not be in a relationship is failing to find the right person?”
My friends and teammates exchange surprised looks.
“No, but when you find the right person, your reasons might start to look more like excuses. I’ve heard,” I add, aware of everyone watching us.
She shifts away from me—only a few inches, but enough that I notice.
Nova lets out a little squeak. “I’m going to fall asleep if I stay in here any longer.”
Clay helps her up, and she heads for the stairs.
When they make their way toward the steps, I’m still turning over what just went down and how I managed to fuck this up.
A thumping on the door makes us all jump.
I cross to it and pull it wide.
“Ryan! Oh my God, are you guys okay?”
Trista is there with another woman, both knee-deep in snow with curls sticking out from under fluffy hats.
“Uhh, yeah. I could ask you the same.”
I step back to let them in. Everyone clusters around us.
“Our power went out for a few minutes, but it’s back on.” Trista’s friend brushes snow off her hat.
Trista nods, stomping off her furry boots. “We wanted to check in with you and make sure you have what you need for the storm.”
“Thanks. I think we’re fine.”
“Good. There were sounds in the woods on the way over.”
“You shouldn’t walk back alone,” Nova says.
The guys look at one another. “Who wants to?—"
“You should go with them, Rookie.”
I cut a look back at Sierra standing on the steps.
My heart sinks.
“Great idea!” Trista cooes, already grabbing my arm in both her hands.
I’m screwed.
