Page 87 of Queen Rose

Nate

The next morning, everyone is just finishing up with breakfast and generally enjoying each other’s company when the sound of a throat clearing gets our attention. My chest practically seizes as I turn my head to find Mike Danbrook’s gaze pinned on me.

“Nate, could I speak to you in my office for a minute?”

My brow furrows. “Um. Yes, sir. Of course.” My eyes jump wildly from person to person at the table, but no one seems to think this is out of the ordinary. I swallow down my nerves and stand up, stopping only to squeeze Aria’s shoulder and brush my lips over her cheek. “Be right back.”

Mike’s office is sleek and modern and a testament to his football prowess; awards and trophies line the walls and cover the shelves. I catch my mouth wide open as I look around and promptly snap it shut.

“Have a seat, son.” He’s looking at me kindly as he sits in the comfy chair behind his desk.

I blink, my brain feeling disconnected and fuzzy. Finally, I exhale slowly and slip into the seat opposite him. I have no idea why he’s requested to speak to me, specifically. Maybe something to do with Aria? I haven’t a clue.

He rests his elbows on his desk, steepling his fingers together. He appraises me for a few moments before he speaks. “I hear you’re a damn fine football player.”

I’m stunned by his words and it takes me a bit to finally blurt out, “I’m sorry. What?”

“Nate King. Starting tight end for River Rock High School two years running. You were being scouted by several universities until you had some trouble. Had been offered a scholarship.” He cocks his head to the side. “Am I wrong?”

I cough, covering my surprise. I sit up straighter in the chair and wipe my damp palms on my thighs. “No, sir. That’s me.”

His head bobs. “I heard about it. It was truly unfortunate that your season ended the way it did.”

I look down, pressing my lips into a tight line before I agree. With a stuttered breath, I murmur, “My entire career.”

He squints at me for a moment, then shakes his head. “No, I don’t believe so.”

My heart jumps and runs around in my chest like it’s caught the ball and is running for the end zone. “I’m sorry…?”

“I’ve reviewed footage of you on the field.” He jabs his finger down on an envelope on the desk that I hadn’t noticed earlier. “Nate, I don’t think Shadow River can do without you. I contacted them and talked over your circumstances. And they sent me this letter to give to you.” He leans forward and slides the envelope over to me. “You don’t have to open it right now. It’s from the head coach at Shadow River. It’s a scholarship offer. Full ride.”

I’m frozen in place. I can’t process what he’s saying to me. Is he—? Did he just—?

“What do you think?”

I give a rough chuckle, the beginnings of an incredulous smile curving my lips. I run my hand over my cheek. “I think I’m sitting in Mike Danbrook’s home office and he’s—he’s telling me he just made my dreams come true.”

“No, son. You did that yourself.” He grins at me, sitting back in his chair. “I couldn’t ignore it when more than one member of Rosehaven’s team—who, by the way will also be playing for Shadow River—came to me and said you deserved a shot. But I wouldn’t have been so adamant with Jim Randolph over at SRU if I hadn’t agreed when I had a look.”

“I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

“Congratulations, Nate. Don’t let me down.”

I shake my head. “I won’t.”

“Oh, and Aria’s a sweetheart. You should know… I believe she’s where this idea started. She has a way of making things happen when she wants them to.”

I wink. “Yeah. She’s pretty perfect.”

* * *

I exit Mike Danbrook’s office with a broad grin on my face and the letter from SRU in hand. Aria is waiting for me, an anxious look in her eyes. “What was that all about?”

“I’m pretty sure you already know, princess. But that”—I run my hand through my hair, still a little in shock—“was the Mike Danbrook explaining that he’d been informed that he had to watch footage of me playing ball.” I stop to clear my throat and hold up the envelope. “And after he’d seen enough, he spoke to the head coach at Shadow River.”

Her eyes light up, lips forming a circle of excitement. “And?” She bounces a little on her feet, her hands clasped together under her chin.

I wink at her, shaking my head. “And, if I want it, I have a full scholarship and will play for them this fall.”

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