Page 124 of Let You Love Me

“So, where’s Lockhart come into all this?”

“You know how tight they are, right? Him and Coach?”

“Sure. It’s pretty common knowledge among the team, and they don’t exactly try to hide it. He coached him in high school, right?”

“Right. And maybe I’m paranoid, but I can’t help but feel that ever since Lane and I have started hanging out, he’s had a huge problem with it.”

“Did he say anything to you?” Tommy arches a brow.

“Not specifically. But there are signs. Like the entire game at Alabama where he didn’t give me the ball once. Some comments he made about the bracelet her daughter made me. Confronting Lane about hanging out with me. Extending game tape hours today so that I can’t see her.”

“You think he planted the whiskey in your locker, don’t you?”

“I think it’s a definite possibility,” I say.

We cross the street and Tommy pauses on the sidewalk in front of Slice. “You really think he’d fuck with you like that over Turner’s daughter?”

“I know it sounds crazy, but after I cleaned the glass up, changed, and had Mark bandage my hand, I busted ass to get to her place last night because I’d promised I’d go trick or treating with them, but guess who beat me there, ‘looking for coach’?” I make air quotes with my hands.

Tommy’s brows rise. “No shit.”

The muscle in my jaw twitches. “And, according to Lane, when he found out she was waiting for me, he laid into her about how bad he thought I was for her.”

Tommy whistles. “So, you think he has a thing for her? Or is it more like a brotherly, overprotective thing?”

Do I think he’s interested in Lane? I don’t know. The fucking pieces don’t quite fit; it’s like I’m missing something, but I’m not sure what. Then again, maybe he’s an overbearing douchebag when it comes to Lane because of what she went through in high school. He would’ve been around when she was pregnant.It’s possible he’s worried I’m just another egotistical asshole that only cares about himself.

I want this theory to fit, and logically it makes sense, but for some reason, it doesn’t feel right, like a pair of shrunken jeans. “I’m not sure,” I say after a while.

My gaze finds the large window of Slice. I can already see several of the guys from the team inside, waiting to be seated.

Tommy follows my gaze, his brow knotted as he says, “It’s gotta be the overprotective bit, right? Or maybe he’s just pissed that you disregarded Coach’s orders? I mean, it would be weird to go to such lengths just because he was into her when the dude could, literally, have any chick in the tri-state if he wanted.”

Not Lane; never Lane.

“Right,” I say.

Tommy claps me on the shoulder. “Maybe you should just talk to him, clear the air and let him know your intentions. It can’t hurt, right?”

Chapter 31

LANE

Isit down atthe formal dining room table with Sophie. Years ago, when I was a kid, Mom decided we didn’t use this room enough, and her Sunday brunches were born.

It’s ten o’clock. I already spoke with Teagan, and though I wish he were here, I understand why he thinks it’s a bad idea after what happened at practice this week. Better to play it safe and not poke the bear. Besides, I’d rather have him alone, which is precisely why I’d asked my mother to watch Sophie for me. The second I’ve choked down my food, I plan on heading to the lake house where Teagan is meeting me.

Only two more hours until I get to see him. Two hours for the day alone, a first for us.

My stomach twists with nerves at the thought, and I bite my lip.

All I have to do is get through brunch, which shouldn’t be much of a hardship since Chance isn’t here. Looks like he heeded my warning and smartly stayed away.

Mom places the last of the platters on the table heaped with trays of bacon, fruit, crepes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, quiche, and even fried chicken.

My stomach rumbles. I haven’t attended one of her brunches since summer break, thanks to Chance, and it’s easy to forget how amazing they are.

Dad ambles into the dining room, takes one look at the place settings, and says, “I don’t think Chance is going to make it today, hon.”