Chapter 15
Preston
I watched Trinity rip her eyes away from me, a blank expression masking her face the second Sierra put her hands on me.
Like she had the fucking right to. She didn’t.
Never did, really. It was a few months of random hookups when her schedule aligned with mine.
I was clear it was casual. That was when I was still playing with the Panthers.
I was younger, stupider, and a good time wasn’t usually out of reach.
When she began using my name like she was with me to climb her own professional ladder, I cut things off. She wasn’t thrilled. Clearly, because here she is, still clinging to something that would have never worked.
“Preston. Congratulations.” She beamed her dazzling smile, aiming for professional with a side of invitation. I’d been to that party and had no interest in going again.
“Thanks.” I cleared my throat, shifting away as her cameraman stepped up.
Her hand dropped, and I could see the flash of anger in her eyes before she aimed her smile at the camera.
“Preston, that sure was a way to kick off some Cougar football. Can you tell us what you’ve been doing to get these guys ready for the season?” She angled her body, placing the microphone under my chin.
“Work hard. Fix mistakes and never give up.” I rolled my playbook in my hand. “We have a long season ahead, but we have a good team. Strong leaders and a drive to win.” I nodded, signaling that was all she was going to get from me.
She made a slicing motion with her hand to the man behind the camera before she faced me.
“First win. Maybe we should celebrate tonight?” Her heels moved closer, while my eyes instinctively searched the crowd.
“Preston?” She urged.
“Sorry. What?” I flickered my eyes back down to her when auburn hair and green eyes didn’t grace the field.
“I thought maybe we could…”
My jaw clenched at the fact she was doing this here. This was my work. My job. Not a late-night pick-up.
So I kept it professional. “Nice to see you again, Sierra.” I waved a hand at the cameraman. “Take care.”
I was crossing the field when I felt it. The ice-cold liquid that suddenly cascaded down my entire back along with the cackle of J.C. and Krew.
And I couldn’t help but smile. I lived for this high.
Shaw: I’ve already got a table.
I thumbed a reply as I made my way into Laces Out.
Most of the team went to this particular bar and grill on game nights.
They served players one free drink and half off appetizers to everyone else.
The owners were alumni, and school spirit was a given.
Cougars banners hung on the wall, along with a huge flat-screen TV that housed every game we played.
I stepped inside the rustic building, the old wooden floors scuffed from years of wear.
“Great game, Coach!” someone yelled over the music as I passed the hostess stand.
I waved, pressing forward through the crowd before I spotted Shaw raising his palm in a corner booth.
He was laughing, a beer to his lips as Theo held his arms across his chest, glaring at the scenery.
“What’s his problem?” I asked Shaw as I slid in next to Wes.
Shaw just shrugged and stole a chip from the basket at our table.
“He’s in a mood.” Wesley locked his phone and slid it onto the table. “I think he needs to get laid.”
“He is right here.” Theo gave us his version of an eye roll. “And he is just fine.”
“We came out with a win.” Shaw nudged him. “Fuck, man, smile a little.”
“I smile,” he countered. “I smiled at Hazel last week.”
“That doesn’t count.” Wesley lifted his own beer. “You can’t help but smile at the little princess.”
“He’s got a point,” I added as I rested my arm on the back of the booth.
The bar was packed, and even though I shouldn’t be, I was scanning the crowd. Looking for someone very specific.
“What did you think of the defense tonight?” Wesley leaned back. “Think Rook can hang?”
Rook was the new transfer who had a heart the size of Texas and the ego to go with it.
“He’s young. Give him a year. He’ll be unstoppable.” Theo offered before he uncrossed his arms and reached for a chip.
I was just about to add in my two cents when my phone rang.
Fishing it from my pocket, my chest burned when I saw the flashing name.
Silver Ridge.
“I gotta take this,” I muttered before slipping from the booth.
It didn’t take long to travel to the back exit around the corner, then I was answering the call.
“Hey, Millie.”
“Hey, Preston.”
Her voice was soft, like she hated making this call. I understood.
“Congrats on the win. We had the game on in the main room.”
“Thanks.” I blew out a breath. “I’m guessing that’s not why you’re calling, though.”
She sighed. “He’s refusing meds again. Had an episode tonight when he couldn’t find your mother.”
I closed my eyes, my chin dropping to my chest. “I’ll be out there tomorrow.”
“Okay. I hate to bother you. I know your plate is full.”
“You know I always want you to call.” My throat tightened. “He’s all we have left, Millie. Call.”
“Okay.” She paused. “See you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow.”
As I pressed the red icon, the back door opened. Music filtered out behind a face I’d never be able to forget if I tried. One that I’d been searching for all night.