Chapter 29
Preston
I stood on the sideline next to Wesley as the guys warmed up.
I pretended to be focused on the walkthrough plays, critiquing the flow.
I was really watching Trinity as she worked with Krew on his shoulder while he sat on the gator.
It had been three days since she left without a word.
Three days since she’d said as much as two words to me, and three days since I almost kissed her in my dining room.
I was inches away from jeopardizing my job, my reputation, and a solid friendship.
Bad thing about it was that I didn’t care.
Things got real, fast, and she had just as much at stake as I did. Her fear was warranted. But this pull was getting harder to ignore. She was everywhere.
“Are we going to talk about it?” Wesley’s voice was low, just loud enough that only I could hear him.
“Talk about what?” I questioned, crossing my arms.
“The fact that you’re playing with fire.”
I jerked my face to his. “What are you talking about?”
He shook his head. “Come on, man. I see the way you look at her.” He tilted his chin in Trinity’s direction. “And I’ve never seen you act the way you did with Gregory on Wednesday night.”
“It’s not…”
“I’ve known you since we were eight years old, Preston. Do me a favor and don’t bullshit me.”
I let my silence be my answer because what the fuck was I supposed to say?
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” he muttered as Rodney headed in our direction.
I ignored his words, blowing my whistle to rally everyone in. My personal life needed to take a back seat. It was game time on Cougar turf, and losing wasn’t an option.
We barely scraped by with the win, and I had two players on my offense now out with an injury. Rodney slapped a hand on my shoulder, a look of relief flashing across his face.
“Film on Monday.”
I nodded, knowing we needed to study our mistakes and adjust. I’d probably be watching it by myself tomorrow after visiting Ray. I tried to make it out there as often as I could, but some days it made things worse. When he was confused and disoriented.
“And I appreciate your discretion, Preston,” Rodney added as we entered the hallway to the locker room. “It’s hard for a man like me to admit weakness.”
“It’s not weakness.” I stopped to meet his eyes. “It’s something no one can control. You are choosing to fight it. That’s not weakness.”
“Doctors are saying fighting may be a lost cause.” He lifted a shoulder. “Not really my style to bow out.”
If I knew one thing about working with him, it was that he always faced an adversary with a strong fist.
“You do what you need to. I’m here to back you up. No questions asked.”
“Thanks. I know I can always count on you.” He reached for the door, letting the celebration of the locker room echo in the hall.
I aimed to follow, but I spotted Trinity coming toward the tunnel. Alone.
“Go ahead.” I cleared my throat. “I’ll catch up.”
Once he disappeared inside, I spun on my heels, striding in her direction.
She shifted seamlessly into professional mode when she saw me. “That was a close one. I already told Holland what I expect over the next couple of days with his ankle.”
All business, I see.
Coming to a stop, she crossed her arms, standing a few feet away. I hated the way she’d avoided me since Wednesday night.
“Thanks. I’ll make sure to follow up.” I paused before asking, “Will you be home tonight?”
She frowned, but answered, “Yes.”
“Could we…” I glanced down the empty hallway. “Could we talk? I can come over as soon as I finish up here.”
She eyed me, skeptical and guarded. “Is that really a good idea, Preston?”
“Probably not.” I shoved my hands in my pockets. “But I think we should have a conversation about what almost happened.”
“Nothing happened,” she quipped.
“Trinity.”
“Preston,” she mimicked.
I scrubbed a hand over my face. “Just five minutes. That’s all I need.”
She nibbled her lip before her first line of defense began to evaporate. “Okay, fine. I’ll wait up.”
“I’ll see you in a bit.”
She dipped her chin, slipping past me and down the hall to Julia’s office.
I spent the next hour making my rounds in the locker room, touching base with Krew, then handled a few things in my office. Everyone else had already left, I was sure to head to Laces Out to celebrate.
I had just shut my office door when I heard the clicking of heels. I glanced over my shoulder to see Sierra grinning as she glided toward me.
Impeccable timing.
“There you are.” She smiled. “I was hoping to catch you.”
“I was just leaving.” I slid my keys into my pocket.
“The other coaches have agreed to do a quick interview about the game and the upcoming season. Dissect a few rivals and intel on your new players.”
“Okay. Just let me know the date.”
“Now.” She hiked her purse up on her shoulder.
“Now?” I questioned. “Everyone left.”
“Not here.” She rolled her eyes playfully, which just grated on my nerves.
“At Laces Out. Most of you go there anyway. It will be short and sweet over some chips and beer.”
My hands clenched. Last thing I wanted to do was to go to Laces Out. I wanted to go to Trinity. Tell her that I couldn’t stay away anymore. We could figure out the rest as we went. But if this was all of the coaches and I bailed, I’d have to give a reason. Fuck.
“Fine.” I reluctantly agreed. “Meet you there.”
On my way to my truck, I fished my phone from my pocket before shooting Trinity a text.
Preston: Sorry, an unexpected meeting came up. I may be a bit later than expected.
I shoved it back in my pocket before climbing in the driver’s seat. I had more important places to be, but it would have to wait.