6. Trevor
Chapter 6
Trevor
T he crisp scent of freshly cut grass fills my lungs as I jog onto the field, the late afternoon sun warming my skin. My teammates are already gathered, their playful jabs creating a buzz of energy that's contagious.
"Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence!" Sawyer calls out, tossing the football in my direction.
I catch it easily, grinning. "Not all of us are playboy billionaires with nothing better to do. Some of us have real jobs, you know. Saving lives and all that."
"Oh, excuse us, Dr. Hotshot," Kane chimes in, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "We mere mortals are in awe of your presence."
As I start to stretch, my witty retort dies on my lips. My gaze is immediately drawn to the adjacent field where a group of women are gathering for what looks like a kickball game. Among them, a flash of red hair catches my eye, and my heart skips a beat.
Brooke’s here. Holy shit. Brooke’s here. The captivating woman from last night at Hooplas and the woman I just made a date with for tomorrow afternoon. I’ve never met her before, but in less than twenty-four hours, I’ve seen her twice in this small town.
She's laughing, the sound carrying across the field, and I find myself mesmerized. Her curvy figure is accentuated by fitted yoga pants and a loose yellow top, her long red hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. She's a vision of carefree beauty, and I can't look away.
"Earth to Trevor!" Sawyer's voice snaps me back to reality. "Are you planning on joining us anytime soon?"
I tear my eyes away from Brooke, feeling a flush creep up my neck. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming. Keep your shirt on, Payton Manning."
As I jog over to my team, my mind races. I can't believe she's here. The memory of our conversation last night floods back – the way her green eyes sparkled in the dim light of the bar.
"You okay there, Doc?" Hudson asks, eyeing me curiously. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
I laugh, trying to shake off the daze. "Just got lost in thought for a second. You know, complex medical stuff. You Hose Jockey’s wouldn’t understand."
"Okay. Now it’s on!" he says, unconvinced. "I don’t suppose it has anything to do with that redhead over there you’re staring at?"
Busted. I run a hand through my hair, sheepish. "That obvious, huh?"
Sawyer claps me on the back. "Dude, you are practically drooling. Go talk to her after the game."
I nod, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through me. "Already did. Last night. Got a date with her tomorrow for coffee." I walk away before he can say anything to me.
As we take our positions on the field, I can't help but steal one more glance at Brooke. To my surprise, she's looking right back at me, a small smile playing on her lips. She gives a little wave, and I feel my heart race as I wave back.
This game just got a whole lot more interesting. The shrill whistle snaps my attention back to the field. Sawyer's voice rings out, "Heads up, Doc!"
The football spirals towards me, a perfect throw. But my eyes betray me, darting to look at Brooke just as she bends to pick up a kickball. The curve of her body, the way her hair cascades over her shoulder, the way her ass is shaped in those yoga pants – it's mesmerizing.
"Trevor!" someone shouts.
Too late. The ball smacks against my chest and falls to the ground. I fumble, desperately trying to grab it, but it's gone. Laughter erupts from my teammates.
"What the hell was that?" Sawyer jogs over, shaking his head. "I've seen you make harder catches in your sleep."
I feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "Sorry, man. Sun was in my eyes."
"Yeah, right," Jax snickers. "More like you were blinded by that redhead's smile. Works for my team, though. Keep staring at her. We’d be happy to crush you today." He high fives Chance as they walk past each other.
I can't help but chuckle. "Alright, alright. I'll get my head in the game."
“Or out of your ass.” Sawyer teases.
As we reset, I steal another glance at Brooke. She's looking my way, an amused smirk on her face. Great, she saw the whole damn thing. What a way to make an impression.
The next play starts, and I force myself to focus. The competitive fire that's been dormant for so long starts to flicker. I may be rusty in a jovial game of football, but I'll be damned if I'm going to let a pretty face completely derail my game…at least not in front of her.
"Going long!" I shout, sprinting down the field.
Sawyer launches the ball, a beautiful arcing throw. I push myself harder, feeling the burn in my legs. This is it – my chance at redemption.
I dive, arms outstretched. The world slows down as I sail through the air, my fingers just grazing the ball. For a moment, I'm weightless, suspended between the earth and the sky. Then I hit the ground, grass and dirt filling my vision, but I've got it. The ball is clutched tightly against my chest.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Sawyer whoops, running over to help me up.
As I stand, brushing grass from my clothes, I can't help but grin. The rush of adrenaline, the camaraderie – I'd forgotten how good this feels.
"Welcome back, Doc," Hudson says, punching my arm playfully. "Thought we'd lost you to daydreams for a minute there."
I laugh, genuinely happy. "Nah, just needed a minute to remember how to play. I'm all in now."
As we huddle up for the next play, I risk one more glance at Brooke. She's watching me, a look of admiration in her eyes. My heart skips a beat.
I wince as I straighten up, my muscles protesting. "Damn," I mutter, rubbing my lower back. "That ground's a lot harder than I remember."
Sawyer chuckles, clapping me on the shoulder. "Welcome to your mid-thirties, old man."
"Hey, I’m not old, speak for yourself," I retort, but there's no real bite to it. He's right, and we both know it.
As we head back to our positions, I can't help but feel a surge of nostalgia. When was the last time I just... played? No life-or-death surgeries, no on-call shifts, no psycho girlfriend blowing up my phone in a rage. Just the simple joy of playing a game with friends.
"You good, Trevor?" Eli calls from across the field.
I give him a thumbs up. "Never better!" And surprisingly, I mean it.
The game wraps up an hour later, and we gather near the sidelines, chatting and laughing. I find my gaze continually drifting towards the kickball field, searching for that flash of red hair.
"Earth to Trevor," Sawyer waves a hand in front of my face. "You with us, man?"
I blink, refocusing. "Yeah, sorry. Just... thinking."
"About a certain redhead?" he teases, following my line of sight.
I feel a flush creeping up my neck. "Maybe," I admit.
"Well, don't just stand here. Go talk to her."
I hesitate, fingering the phone in my pocket where I'd saved her number. "I don't know..."
"Come on, Doc. You just took a flying leap to catch a football. Talking to a pretty girl can't be scarier than that."
I laugh, surprised by how nervous I feel. "You'd be surprised." I take a deep breath, trying to calm the sudden flutter in my stomach. "You're right. I should go talk to her."
My heart races as I start walking towards the kickball field. It's been a long time since I've felt this... alive. This interested, and it's both exhilarating and terrifying.
"Hey, Brooke!" I call out, my voice a little shakier than I'd like.
She turns, her face lighting up with a smile that makes my breath catch. "Trevor! Nice moves out there."
I chuckle, running a hand through my hair. "Thanks. Though I think I'll be feeling those moves tomorrow."
"Worth it though, right?" She steps closer, and I catch a hint of her perfume – something light and citrusy.
"Definitely," I nod, lost for a moment in her green eyes. "Listen, I wanted to tell you... I’m really looking forward to coffee tomorrow."
Brooke's smile widens. "Me too. Have you been to Java Hut? They’ve got the best coffee in town…at least until the Bean and Bagel opens back up. Kate’s coffee is the best in the world."
"Agreed. All I’ve been drinking since she closed is the cafeteria coffee at the hospital," I reply, "Sewer water would taste better." I laugh. I can't help but marvel at this feeling. It's like rediscovering a part of myself I'd forgotten existed. The part that craves a connection, that isn't afraid to take a chance.
One of her teammates calls her and she waves to them. "Gotta go. See you tomorrow, Trevor," Brooke says with a wink as she turns to rejoin her friends.
I watch her go, a mix of anticipation and nervousness swirling in my chest. It's been so long since I've put myself out there like this. The surgeon in me wants to analyze every possible outcome, but for once, I push that voice aside.
Instead, I let myself feel the spark of possibility, the thrill of the unknown. It's scary as hell, but also... kind of amazing.
The game is over, and after saying goodbye to Brooke, I find myself heading to Hooplas with the guys. When we played years ago, it became a bit of a tradition after our games to go someplace and hang out—now we’re kicking back in the private back room, sharing beers, nachos, and stories that seem to get more exaggerated with each retelling. Tonight, the room is buzzing with good-natured ribbing and laughter as we settle into our usual spots around the table.
Hudson, not usually the quiet one, is nursing his beer with a contemplative look. Garrett notices first. “What’s with the long face, Hudson? You look like you’re trying to figure out if you should save the cat in the tree or put out the burning house. ”
The guys chuckle, and Hudson smirks, shaking his head. “Nah, nothing like that. Just… been thinking.”
“Oh no,” Jax chimes in, feigning horror. “Hudson’s thinking. Everybody brace yourselves.”
“Does anyone else smell smoke?” Garrett quips.
More laughter follows, and Hudson rolls his eyes. “I’m serious, you idiots. I’ve been thinking about proposing to Kate soon.”
The table goes silent for a beat before erupting in cheers and applause. Eli raises his glass. “Finally, man! Took you long enough. We’ve been taking bets on when you’d grow a pair.”
Sawyer grins. “About time. That woman’s been ready to say yes since the day she met you. What’s the plan?”
Hudson shrugs, a sheepish smile on his face. “I’ve got a few ideas. Thought about doing it at the beach—maybe after dinner at her favorite spot. Keep it simple, but special, ya know?”
Jax claps him on the shoulder. “Solid choice, man. Just don’t drop the ring in the sand. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen.”
Garrett grins. “You’re gonna make some woman very happy someday, Jax.”
“What? What’d I say?” Jax asks innocently.
The table erupts into laughter again, and Hudson shakes his head, but the pride in his eyes is unmistakable. He’s one happy man. Kate’s been good for him.
“Speaking of new ventures,” Sawyer pipes up, leaning back in his chair with a sly grin. “I’ve got some news of my own. I bought The Silver Willow a few months back.”
This time, it’s Eli’s turn to look surprised. “Wait, what? You’re in the restaurant business now? Thought being a construction mogul was your thing.”
“It is,” Sawyer says, taking a sip of his beer. “But I’ve always loved that place. Figured it needed someone who’d care about it as much as the community does. Besides, I’ve got a good team running it. I’m just the guy signing the checks.”
Hudson raises an eyebrow. “And how’s that going?”
“Surprisingly well,” Sawyer admits. “Charlie’s still running the kitchen like the drill sergeant she is. Business has been steady, and I’m learning a thing or two about how not to burn water.”
Garrett snorts. “Sawyer Gallo, Renaissance man. Builder by day, restaurateur by night. What’s next? Dance lessons?”
Sawyer grins. “Don’t tempt me. I hear ballroom is making a comeback.”
The table dissolves into laughter again, and for a moment, I let myself relax, enjoying the camaraderie. It’s good to be around these guys— it reminds me that even when life gets crazy, there’s always a place where things feel normal.
The energy in the back room of Hooplas begins to wind down as the guys start to gather their things, their earlier laughter replaced by the casual camaraderie of friends parting ways. Hudson is still grinning from the ribbing about his proposal plans, and Sawyer’s got that relaxed air of someone who loves keeping people guessing.
“All right, gentlemen,” Eli says, stretching his arms above his head. “Same time next week?”
“Always,” Jax replies, clapping him on the back. “And maybe next week, Trevor will actually keep his head in the game instead of the clouds.”
“Hey, I made the catch, didn’t I?” I retort with a grin, tossing my jacket over my shoulder. “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Hudson chuckles. “Just don’t let that redhead distract you too much. Some of us still like winning. ”
Shaking my head at their teasing, I make my way out of the back room with the rest of the guys, the sound of music and lively chatter growing louder as we step back into the main bar. Just as I’m about to head for the exit, a familiar flash of red hair catches my eye.
Brooke.
She’s perched on a stool at the bar, leaning slightly over the counter as she chats animatedly with the bartender. Her cheeks are flushed, her green eyes sparkling, and there’s a tipsy glow about her that’s both endearing and slightly concerning. A half-empty glass of what looks like what’s left of a fruity cocktail sits in front of her.
I slow my pace, my protective instincts kicking in as I notice the bartender shaking her head with a small smile. “Seriously, Brooke, it’s no trouble,” she says. “I can call you a cab.”
Brooke waves her off with an exaggerated flourish. “I don’t need a cab! I’m perfectly fine. Just… maybe one more glass of water, and I’ll walk home. It’s not far. Hell, we live in a small town.”
I step closer, clearing my throat to get their attention. “Actually,” I say, offering her a small smile, “that won’t be necessary, Steph. I’ll take her home.”
“You sure?” Steph asks me.
I nod, “Positive. I’ve got her.”
Brooke’s head swivels toward me, her eyes lighting up in recognition, but her speech is slurred. “Trevor! What are you doin’ here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” I reply, sliding onto the stool beside her. “Last I checked, you didn’t strike me as the ‘bar-hopping solo’ type.”
She pouts playfully, then giggles, the sound tugging at something deep in my chest. “I’m not! I came with Kendall and Charlie and the others after kickball, but they left, and I… well, I stayed for the vibes.”
The bartender gives me a knowing look. “She’s had a good time, but I was just cutting her off and about to call her a cab.”
“Thanks for looking out for her,” I say, nodding. “I’ve got her from here.”
Brooke narrows her eyes at me, though her attempt at seriousness is undercut by the giggle that slips out. “I don’t need babysitting, you know. I’m perfectly capable of—” She pauses, tilting her head as if to find the right word. “Functioning!”
“Sure you are,” I tease, standing and offering her my hand. “But let’s make sure you ‘function’ all the way home in one piece.”
She eyes my hand for a moment before taking it, her touch warm and soft. “Fine,” she says, reluctantly, though her smile gives her away. “But only because I trust you, Dr. Jacobs.”
“Glad to hear it,” I reply, helping her off the stool. I steady her as she wobbles slightly, then loop her arm through mine. “Let’s get you home.”
She narrows her eyes at me again, this time with suspicion, but then she shrugs, leaning into my side as we make our way to the door. “You’re lucky you’re charming, Trevor. Otherwise, I’d have to find another ride. You were here the whole time?” She changes the subject so fast; I’m having trouble keeping up.
“Private party in the back.” I laugh, guiding her outside into the cool night air. “It’s lucky for both of us, I am charming. Now, let’s get you home before you decide to challenge me on that.”
As I help her into the passenger seat of my car, I can’t help but smile. She’s a whirlwind, this one—full of surprises, warmth, and a spark that’s completely captivating. And as I start the engine, I realize that this is a night I’m not going to forget anytime soon.