36
The trip back to Auckland was a blur. Claire could barely focus on anything else other than the best sex she had ever had. The best sex… with none other than Noah Wilson. Noah, who by chance is the captain of the rugby team, where she is on staff. This complicated everything.
After her night, then morning, then night again with Noah, they discussed how to move forward.
“Let’s just see where it goes,” Noah said to Claire.
“Yeah, we’ll keep it casual,” Claire agreed.
“Casual, exactly.” Noah did not sound on board with keeping anything casual, however, he took the opportunity when given.
It was not lost on Claire that there was once a time she kissed another Crusader. And that she and Jack did not put labels on whatever they had and now look at what happened. The parallels were uncanny. Somewhere, deep down, however, she felt different about Noah, like he was more serious in a way.
Sitting in her office, scrolling the newspaper, Claire hovered over an icon that had Noah’s and Jason’s face. She clicked.
All Eyes on US vs New Zealand as Jason Markey Prepares for Tough Rugby Introduction
Anticipation is building ahead of the upcoming United States vs New Zealand rugby showdown, a match that promises intrigue, physicality, and a clear test of rugby pedigree.
While the U.S. enters the contest with renewed attention following the addition of former American football player Jason Markey, the challenge ahead could not be steeper – facing a New Zealand side led by Noah Wilson and shaped by the Crusaders’ proven dominance.
Markey’s move from American football to international rugby has been one of the most talked-about storylines leading into the match.
Known for his size, explosiveness, and competitive drive, the rookie brings undeniable athletic promise to the U.S.
squad. Coaches and fans alike are eager to see how those attributes translate under rugby’s relentless demands.
However, this will be Markey’s first true test at the elite international level, and expectations are being tempered by the quality of opposition he now faces.
New Zealand, by contrast, arrives with depth, experience, and cohesion ingrained into every facet of their game.
At the center of that confidence is Noah Wilson, whose leadership and command on the field set the tone for the side.
Surrounded by Crusaders teammates who thrive in high-pressure environments, Wilson represents the standard Markey, and the U.S.
will be measured against – precision over power, instinct over improvisation.
While the U.S. has shown steady growth in recent years, this fixture underscores the difference between building momentum and sustaining excellence.
Markey’s rookie season may offer flashes of brilliance, but against Wilson and the Crusaders’ influence, raw athleticism alone is unlikely to tip the scales.
For American rugby, this match is about more than the scoreboard.
It’s an opportunity to test new ideas, challenge emerging talent, and measure progress against the best in the world.
For New Zealand, it’s another chance to reinforce why their system continues to produce players who dominate on the global stage.
As kickoff approaches, one thing is certain: the spotlight will shine brightly on Jason Markey’s debut on rugby’s biggest stage.
Whether it becomes a launching point or a learning experience, the encounter with Noah Wilson and the Crusaders will define the tone of his journey – and serve as a reminder that in international rugby, experience remains the ultimate advantage.
Players were meandering in and out of the Med Box. Catching up with each other and the staff about their break.
There was another article that came out that gave Claire pause. An exposé on Jack Hayworth. She didn’t even have time to start reading it when she heard the first knock at the door.
One by one, they filed in – some joking, some wary, all resigned to the ritual.
Miko, Toby, Liam, and her friends. It was great seeing them again.
Check-ups first: heart rate, blood pressure, joints tested and noted.
Then the blood work. Claire worked efficiently, calm and clinical, her voice steady as she explained each step.
Veins were tapped, vials filled and labeled, gloves snapped off and replaced with practiced ease.
No shortcuts, no exceptions. This wasn’t just about compliance; it was about trust.
Jack knocked once before pushing the door open, already smiling like he knew exactly what kind of day she was having. He perched on the edge of the exam table while Claire finished sanitizing her hands, the room smelling faintly of alcohol wipes and latex.
“Survived Christmas?” he asked lightly.
“Barely,” she replied, glancing up at him with a small smile as she reached for a tourniquet. “How was yours? Is Maeve doing ok?”
Jack laughed, easy and warm. “It was really great. Maeve is doing well; she got everything she wanted and more. She deserves everything, of course.” He rolled up his track suit sleeve without being asked, their conversation drifting to food, travel, and the strange blur of days between Christmas and New Year.
It was comfortable and not forced, however, in the back of Claire’s mind, she was remembering Paris.
She finished the blood draw smoothly, pressing gauze to his arm. “Hold that for me.” He did. “I saw you had an article about you.”
“Did you read it?” he eagerly asked.
Claire got the bandaid to put on his needle mark. “Not yet.”
“You should…” he said. “There’s interesting facts about me.”
“Is that right?” Claire chuckled at him. “You’re all set, Jack. Do you need anything else from me?”
As she turned to label the vial, Jack’s hand shifted, fingers brushing hers before gently catching her hand outright. It wasn’t rushed, and it wasn’t careless – just a quiet, deliberate touch that made her pause.
“Claire,” he said, softer now, “I was wondering… once things settle, maybe after training starts properly, would you be interested in dinner? Just dinner, I promise. No pressure.”
The room felt suddenly smaller, the noise of the refrigerator louder. Claire looked down at their joined hands, then back up at him, her expression unreadable but thoughtful. Jack didn’t let go, but he didn’t tighten his grip either. Waiting, hopeful.
She quietly answered, “I’ll think about it, Jack.” She knew that she wouldn’t think about it. She couldn’t tell anyone, but her heart belonged to another player. One that saved her in her time of need, one that kissed her so passionately, she could taste him now.
Noah was elusive that day. They didn’t have time to talk as Claire had to hunt him down to get vials of his blood for tests. There was something in the way that he looked at her though, that gave Claire the confidence that everything would be ok.
“Ready to go?” Noah asked Claire as she was just finishing up his bloodwork.
“Absolutely,” she enthusiastically responded.
The van that Tania ordered rolled into Leigh just after midmorning, dust curling up from the gravel like a ‘Welcome Home’ message.
Word had traveled fast in a village this small.
Kids were already gathering at the edge of the pitch, some clutching rugby balls that were clearly older than they were, others wearing Crusaders kits two sizes too big.
Parents lingered nearby, arms folded, coffee cups in hand, watching with quiet amusement.
Claire arrived without Tania in tow, medical bag slung over her shoulder ready to tackle the day.
It was a clinic day for her, but she knew that the village would be on the field, not in the urgent care, so she’d made the decision to be present at the pitch for first aid, hydration checks, and sunburn prevention.
Official reasons. Unofficially, she wanted to see the guys in their natural element again. Unofficially… She wanted to see Noah.
Noah and Jack split the group without ceremony with Miko, Toby, Liam and Kelsey finding their assigned responsibilities.
“Alright,” Jack called, clapping his hands once with infectious enthusiasm. “If you’re wearing blue, you’re with me. Red shirts – over there with Cap.”
The kids scattered immediately, some sprinting with purpose, others wandering like migrating birds who had forgotten the destination halfway through. One small boy stopped in front of Jack, squinting up at him.
“What?” Jack asked.
“Are you the fun one?”
Jack grinned. “I prefer ‘approachable.’ But yes.”
“What's ap-ro-gable?”
“App-roach-able,” Jack emphasized for him. “You know what? Never mind. Let's play rugby.”
Laughter rippled through the group.
Claire wore light summer linen, practical without trying to be invisible.
A soft white sleeveless blouse tucked loosely into high-waisted sage-green shorts, the fabric moving easily when she walked.
Her sandals were flat leather, worn but well cared for – something she could stand in all day without thinking about it.
A thin gold chain rested against her collarbone, catching the sun when she turned, and her hair was pulled into a low, messy ponytail, wisps escaping around her face in the coastal breeze.
She earned stares from most of the people in the crowd, but in particular, the two men, now leading their young troops into battle.
Noah didn’t clap or shout. He crouched instead, bringing himself down to the kids’ level. “We’re going to keep this simple,” he said, voice calm but firm. “Pass backwards. Run forward. If you fall, you get back up. Deal?”
A girl with braided hair raised her hand. “What if I fall on purpose?”
“Please don’t do that,” Noah replied without missing a beat. “But you still have to get back up.”
Claire watched from the sideline, arms folded, a small smile tugging at her mouth.