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“I have zero intention of convincing you with my words. I’ll let my actions do the talking,” I reply as I pull on some shorts and wince at the soreness in my knee.

“You need to get back in front of the physio, babe.” Jenna’s voice switches from playful to serious in an instant.

From my seat at the bench, I can see the slight swellingaround my patella. “I think all I need is my brace to help it for a while.”

She props her hands on her hips. “And you think showing up to practice on Saturday morning, wearing a brace, won’t result in questions from the trainer.”

Jenna flops down next to me as I huff out a breath.

The past three weeks havenotbeen the best for me.

“I know Team USA scouts could show up at any game or practice, and I know they have me on their radar. Since Laney retired last season, we’ve been short on center backs, and I feel like this is my shot. I don’t want to wait another four years, Jenna.”

She wraps an arm around my shoulders and brings me into her as the rest of the girls start to file out of the locker room.

“You okay, Kend?” Hollie stops on her way out the door.

I throw up a hand and smile. “All good, babe. Be out in a second.”

With a little squeeze, Jenna pulls me around to face her. “Listen to me, Hart. When I say there isn’t another defender I’d want in front of me in club or international games, then I’m not lying. You are more than on their radar; you are absolutely at the top of their list. But if you start fucking around and hiding injuries, then not only will they find out and be pissed at you, they’ll also be concerned that you weren’t up front.”

As I stand from the bench and pull my phone back out of my bag, I know she’s right.

Jenna’s playful exterior returns as she swings her bag onto her shoulder. “Now message lover boy back and come join us outside.”

I don’t bother to argue with her as she pulls open the door, and it slams behind her, leaving me alone in the locker room.

Me

Thanks. You should give it a try sometime. One last game tonight, right?

Jack

Yeah, we need the W. How’s the apartment doing? Ceiling’s still in place, I assume?

Who knew the guy I barely spoke to in college was actually this funny?

When the app shows that Jack has gone offline, a wave of panic flashes through me. Was that flirty?

Damn you, Jenna, for messing with my head.

I’m hurriedly typing out a clarification that I’m grateful for his help when Jack starts typing again.

Jack

Put the flag out. Kendra Hart noticed me.

I stand in silence, staring at the message and trying to work out exactly what he meant by that. Similar to what Jenna did a few minutes ago.

Me

I did notice things about you in college.

All right, let’s test that …

I’m poised with my phone gripped tightly in my hand as he types again.

Without cheating, when is my birthday?