Page 36 of Racking Up Penalties
The bond with my teammates is still new, still forming, but in this moment, it feels solid. We’ve got each other’s backs, and that’s what counts.
“Delaney!” Coach calls, snapping me back to the moment. “Let’s get your head in the game.”
“Already there, Coach,” I reply, forcing my mind clear of anything that isn’t about the plays, the passes, the victory ahead.
“Good.” He claps me on the shoulder, a solid reassurance. “Lead us out.”
“Will do.” I secure my helmet, the click of the chinstrap a definitive sound that brings me back to the present.
“Focus on the win, Delaney,” one of my teammates murmurs, clapping a hand on my shoulder, grounding me.
I nod, inhaling deeply through my nose, the cool, sterile scent of the locker room filling my lungs. As I exhale, the clash with Tyler dissipates like steam off my back.
We line up at the door, a single entity pulsing with the same heartbeat. As the roar of the crowd seeps through the walls, I let Tessa’s faith in me fuse with the energy of my teammates.
“Let’s show them what we’re made of,” I say, my voice rising above the din. It’s a call to arms, a pledge to fight until the last whistle.
I push the door open, and we pour onto the field, a flood of determination under the bright lights. We are ready. I am ready. To give everything I have for every yard, every touchdown, every moment of triumph. This is where I belong, and there’s no place I’d rather be.
Except by Tessa’s side.
Chapter 17
The sun filters through the towering oaks of Eastwood University’s courtyard, casting dappled patterns over the cobblestones. I hitch my bag higher on my shoulder and navigate through the bustling crowd.
Across the sea of students, I see Liam. He’s leaning casually against a pillar, looking every bit the co-captain of the hockey team with his tousled blond hair catching the light.
A flutter kicks up in my chest, a little burst of excitement that makes my steps quicken. We had our first date just last week, and the memory of his easy smile lingers in my mind like a promise.
“Hey, Liam!” My voice rings out as I approach, a smile spreading across my face. It’s as if my worries about the complexities of my heart momentarily fade away, replaced by the thrill of seeing him again.
His gray eyes flick up to mine, and there it is—that spark, that undeniable connection. “Tessa, hey.” His greeting is warm. “How’s your day going?”
“Better now,” I admit, feeling bold. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, I had a really great time with you the other night.” I tuck a stray strand of red hair behind my ear, a subtle gesture meant to convey interest.
“Did you?” The corner of his mouth lifts in that familiar half-smile, and I know I’ve scored a point.
“Definitely,” I say, hoping my eyes reflect the sincerity of my words.
“Guess I’m just lucky then,” he replies.
The air between Liam and I crackles with something electric, a current that hums with the promise of what could be.
A shadow falls over us and I glance up to find Tristan approaching. His deep blue eyes are impossible to read, but there’s an easiness in his stride that belies any tension. Still, as he joins our little bubble, I notice a shift in Liam, a subtle tightening of his jaw, a fleeting look of uncertainty that he quickly masks with a small smile.
“Hey, Tristan,” I say, my voice a pitch higher than usual, betraying my surprise at his sudden appearance.
“Hey, Tessa.” Tristan greets me with a nod, then turns to Liam. “What’s up, Liam?”
Tristan pulls Liam into one of those bro hugs where they clap hands.
“Just in between classes,” Liam replies, his tone light, but his posture rigid like a hockey player bracing for a check.
There’s a beat of silence, filled only by the distant chatter of students and the rustling leaves overhead. Then, as if compelled by some unspoken challenge, Liam squares his shoulders and faces Tristan directly.
“Tristan, I’ve got to ask,” he starts, his voice steady but revealing a hint of vulnerability beneath the surface. “Are you okay with me dating Tessa?”
I hold my breath, suddenly aware of how much Tristan’s answer means to me. Tristan told me it was okay but he has a chance to scare Liam off now.
