Page 50 of Scoring Zone
His shoulders drop in relief. “You got a package today, sowehave plans. This will be over before you blink. I’ve got you.”
I don’t have time to answer before Finn opens the passenger-side door and pokes his head in. “My handsome twinsies. You’ll exit the car from both sides and take your place behind King. Once he clears the step and repeat, it’s your turn.”
“Step and repeat?” I ask.
My stomach somersaults as I watch Leo, Benz, and Griff in front of the frantic press. Everyone’s trying to be the first to report on any relationship between Leo and Caleb. It’s none of their damn business.
“Signage for the event. Tootles.” Finn shuts the door, silencing the yells from the crowd.
Our car moves up, and since Austin is on the curbside, I have a limited view.
“How mad will Trevor be if I skip the press?” My knuckles turn white as I grip the door handle.
“He won’t be mad at all.” I breathe a sigh of relief before he continues. “He’ll drag your ass right to them with a smile and tell them all about your suit. Then”—he gives me a knowing glance—“he’ll complain to Liska.”
No one wants to be on Liska’s bad side, and insulting Trevor is a capital offense. This idea sounded good in theory, but now that I’m here, it’s so ridiculous.
No one cares about me. I’m the trainer, and they’ll probably ask me to get out of the picture of Austin. And that’s fine. I’m not interested in being in the spotlight.
Austin grabs my hand, and his blue eyes burn with intensity. “All jokes aside. If you don’t want to do this. Don’t. I’ll make an excuse. You can go home in the car right now.”
He’s serious, and it’s my turn to step out of my comfort zone for him. “I’m good.”
He pumps my hand twice and lets go. “Smile. Here we go.” He pastes on his press face and opens the car door.
I inhale the comfort of his lingering scent and do my best to smile, joining Austin as we make our way to the short line.
Damn, I can’t take my eyes off King’s suit as he exits the carpet area. No wonder Trevor thought I was boring. King has on a green jacket with purple geometric patterns. Two colors I would not pair, but they work great on him. From shoulder to elbow, there’s stitching that looks like vertical pleats until there’s a trio of horizontal ones at the elbow. All the stitching discreetly flatters his build. His braids have a new pattern to match his suit with no beads, and he has a rare, genuine smile.
The thought sears my brain like a lightning strike. King belongs on the carpet because he’s part of the team. He’s a player and a huge part of their success.
I don’t belong.
I’m not part of the team.
I’m Austin’s roommate and plus one.
This is a terrible idea.
Austin strides up to the press, and Finn pushes me after him.
Austin is answering a question about the last game when I reach his side.
A woman from the crowd, not affiliated with the approved media organizations, yells to Austin. “Who’s your date? I’ll step in if you need me.”
A sports reporter in a long skirt turns to her and fires back. “That’s the team’s trainer, Grayson Ward. Show some respect.”
“Not a date?” the woman asks.
“Actually, my roommate is my date every year, but he avoids all of you,” Austin says playfully and shifts so our shoulders touch. He’s going to start rumors about us if he’s not careful.
“Anything to announce?” someone asks.
I’m frozen with fear. Not only do I have impostor syndrome, we didn’t think about people assuming we’re a couple. Somereporters know I’m bi, and I’d rather Austin not have to deal with questions he’s not ready for.
I take a small step back, but as if he anticipated my action, Austin’s foot slides behind mine and I risk tripping if I back up further.
“A new announcement?” He grins and casually hooks his thumb in his pocket in an unusually cheeky move.
