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“Your mom said she messaged you yesterday, asking if you’d be over for your birthday on Sunday.”

I wince when I remember reading the text and forgetting to reply. “Kind of have plans. Maybe later in the week?”

Jon’s eyebrows shoot up. “Sure thing. But with who?”

I stare at the condensation as it runs down my pint glass. “A girl.”

To prevent his pint from landing in his lap, Jon quickly sets his glass down. “I’m sorry, what?”

On a wince, I know it’s time to give him the truth. “When I say plans, they’re kind of not fixed in place yet. I plan on speaking to her about it when I get home.”

“Jack, I’m really going to need you to start talking English as soon as possible.”

I puff out a laugh and decide just to go for it. “Kendra Hart. She’s staying at my place for a while. Long story short, she’s basically homeless, but not because she recently split with her boyfriend. I said she could stay with me, and, well, since she doesn’t have any plans for her birthday, which is a week after mine, I figured I’d see if she wanted to celebrate. As friends,” I clarify.

Jon holds up a shaky hand. “Wait, Kendra? As in Tyler’s ex?”

I nod once.

His head falls into his hands. “Oh fuck.”

“Yep.” I pop theP. “It’s just a case of me helping a friend out,” I repeat.

He tips his head toward me so I can see one very doubtful eye. “Yeah, the look on your face tells me afriendis exactly how you see her.”

I lift a shoulder. My concern over what Tyler finds out is really only centered around the team and Kendra. “So, what if I do like her?”

Jon sits back in his chair as he drops his hands and drags his palms across the bar top. “You’re not breaking any rules with what you’re doing, but you are running the risk of a broken nose. If Tyler finds out about any of this, he will go nuclear on your ass. I can already see how their breakup is eating away at him.”

“For all the wrong reasons,” I say under my breath.

“Maybe so, but if he gets wind that she’s shacked up with you and you’re hot for her? Prepare for pain.” Jon’s face switches back to coach mode. “If you want to go after a girl, then be my guest. If anyone is all for finding their person, it’s me, but if any part of this affects team dynamics and performances, then you know I’ll come down on you both. We’re just starting to make some progress in the league.”

I can’t deny the sense of dread as it flips through my stomach. “I’m not planning on pursuing a girl who just got out of a long-term relationship and needs my help.”

A rumble of agreement radiates from Jon’s throat. “And I get that. I’m just saying, I think you’re living dangerously when it comes to your teammate and your feelings.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

KENDRA

I’m curled up on Jack’s couch, watching reruns ofFriends, when the apartment door opens, and Jack appears in his postgame suit, carrying his suitcase in one hand.

I’m not sure if he sees me buried beneath the blankets when he sets the suitcase down and pulls off his shoes before making his way into the kitchen and opening the fridge.

He unscrews the cap on a bottle of water and takes a couple of sips before bracing his palms on the counter in front of him.

My initial reaction was to say hi, but my gut tells me he’s having some kind of private moment as he squeezes his eyes shut and whispers something inaudible under his breath.

A few more beats pass before I sit up and clearly scare the living shit out of him. “Everything all right?”

“Fuck. I thought you’d gone to bed and left the TV on or something.” He brings a palm to his chest.

“I was falling asleep but …” I reach across the couch and check my phone for the time, a message from Tyler lighting up the screen.

Tyler

See you tomorrow at one. I miss you. x