Zone (The New Bradfords #1)

Chapter 1

Knox

“Ican’t wait to tell Mom about the Saints,” I shout to my half-brother Austin over the thumping of the bass.

I spent the last three days being courted by recruiters, and for the first time in my football career, I felt like it wasn’t about my last name. I was the star, the one they all wanted.

Up to now, it’s always been a question of how I felt about my older brother’s career or what my dad thinks of my career path. Even as awesome as my parents are, when it comes to football, Austin has always taken center stage.

He’s Mom’s first, her pride and joy, and when they moved to Newhope, on their own and hiding, Dad took Austin under his wing. As the coach of the high school team, he took Austin from being a determined freshman to QB-1 senior year.

Then Austin went all the way to being the star quarterback in Dallas—following in my dad’s footsteps. I was just a little kid, but I’ll never forget the pride in my father’s eyes when he heard the news. You’d think Austin was his own son.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bitter or anything. Austin’s the best big half-brother in the world.

I was born the year he left for college, so he wasn’t around much when I was a kid. But when he was, we spent every minute throwing the ball, running down to the bay, and pretty much being glued at the hip.

He’s always looked out for me, and I trust him as much or more than anyone.

It’s just, growing up in his shadow isn’t easy. Or my dad’s shadow… and don’t even mention Grandpaw Bradford, the original Texas star quarterback.

Needless to say, I’ve done my best to live up to their legendary reputations. Now it’s my time to step into the spotlight and shine, and I’m so ready to take the ball and run with it. Finally.

Austin smiles, putting his hand on my shoulder and giving it a squeeze. “I’m pretty sure Mom will cry if you play for the Saints.”

Our mom is not from Texas. She was born and raised right here in the Crescent City, and her heart has always been with the Superdome.

“It’s good timing,” he continues, taking a sip of his beer. “With me retiring, we need somebody to keep the game going.”

“What? You’re retiring?” I almost drop my beer along with my jaw. “Does Mom know that? Does Dad?”

His smile breaks into a laugh, and he shakes his head, looking down.

“It was his idea. He’s ready to step down from coaching, and I’m ready to have more time for my daughter.

He asked if I’d ever consider moving back to Newhope and taking over his old job, and you know… ” My brother shrugs. “I would.”

He nods, and a heap of admiration blends with a dash of relief in my chest. I’ve always looked up to Austin.

He’s the best guy I know, but I don’t relish the idea of going up against him during the regular season.

I also won’t miss all the constant comparisons of how we play, who’s winning, who made more mistakes…

“I’m really happy for you, bro.” I say it with all honesty, because I truly am.

I pull him into a hug, and the music changes to a more driving beat. The club seems to bounce as the people around us dance in place. Hell, I’m ready to dance. I feel like I’m starting a new, real chapter in my life.

One of my potential teammates grabs my arm and yells, “What’s your name?”

“Knox Bradford!”

“Alfonso Spears.” He grabs my hand, giving it a firm shake.

“You related to Britney?”

“Naw, bro, I’m cool. I’m from Morgan City.”

“You’re the Fonz. Ayye…”

“That’s right. Come on!”

I look back at my brother, who’s shaking his head.

“I’m too old for a rave,” Austin laughs. “I’m going to cut out and head back to the hotel.”

“Your loss,” I yell as I allow myself to be swept into the river of bodies surging onto the dance floor.

Giving in to the music is easy. Rainbow lights flash overhead, and I scan the top of the crowd, watching it rise and fall like a wave, the bass pulsing through us, binding us together. A disco globe spins and bodies glow with sweat and promise.

The words appear in my mind as they’ve always done since I was a child, lying on my back in the sand and watching the birds drift in slow arcs above my head. They come when I’m happy, and they come when I’m sad. They usually come when I’m quiet, but everything is different tonight.

My world is changing. The door has flung open, and I’m charging through it with smoke machines and glitter guns and cheerleaders and music blasting.

A sexy girl in a tight, low-cut top slides into the space in front of me and puts her arms on my shoulders. We move to the music, grinding, and it feels good. It feels like liquid color sweeping around us, lifting us higher.

Shots are passed, and I take one. It burns like good tequila. My vision clouds, and the beat quickens. We’re all moving faster, eyes closed, and I’m swirling in the energy of the dance. Adrenaline flows through us all, and it smells like sweat and sweet perfume and sex.

Time passes. My phone lights, and a text from Austin tells me he’s at the hotel, going to bed. Another sexy lady dances against me. Her back is to my chest, and her ass slides up and down the front of my jeans. She’s twerking against my crotch, and it feels fucking incredible.

The skin on my neck tightens, and I’m hot. My mouth is dry, and damn, it would feel good to fuck somebody right now.

“Somebody leaked the list!” A guy named Raymond runs up, grabbing me around the neck.

He pulls me down, and I see my name as one of the first-round draft picks.

Here we go. I’m a star, and starting tonight, I’ll be shooting through the stratosphere.

Another girl slides up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist and dancing. I’m surrounded, and I do another shot. It’s a celebration. A Mardi Gras-style Bacchanalia.

We’re all happy. We’re all having a good time, and everyone smiles and laughs. A mouth is on mine, and I don’t question. I kiss her back, sliding my tongue. Hands touch me, and I let them. We’re celebrating, and whatever happens we can deal with tomorrow.

Tonight a sliver of moon is in the black sky like a cat waiting to greet me with a grin.