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CHAPTER TEN

LEFT FIELD

ADELINE

After a week with the players, I’m beginning to settle in.

Everyone’s been kind and thoughtful, and they’ve been super accommodating with my food suggestions.

The whole reason I was hired was because the previous dietitian had been too lenient on the players and gave them what they wanted instead of what they needed.

And I think it showed in their playing. The years that they won the Super Bowl, they had a top-notch dietitian…

who went on leave to take care of her sick mother and never came back.

So, I think they’re more than ready to adjust to my methods.

I’ve heard what they’ve had to say in our meetings, placed massive food orders, and this morning, one of my shipments came in, so I can start proving that healthy food doesn’t have to mean gross food.

Besides traveling with the team and providing their meals, it’s my responsibility to offer pre and post-workout meals at the training facility.

The thought of coming up with creative ways to help the body perform to capacity has excited me since I started learning about it in a nutrition class in high school.

I’ve arrived every morning at five to get ready for them. We’ve used up most of what was on hand and this will be the first morning that I can give them my favorite choices—from protein bars and energy drinks to my recipe for salmon and chicken noodle soup that will be on the lunch buffet.

I stir up my special recipe for what I’ll call our Mustangs Magic drink and pour it into little cups so they can drink it in two large gulps.

I’m excited to see what they think of it.

I tested it out in California and heard only positive things.

I have that all set up next to the supplements and then they can hit the omelet bar, the waffles, and fresh fruit.

There’s a carb table full of snacks for them to grab on their way out to practice.

The assistant dietitian, Toby, helps with everything, and Lorelai walks through every now and then to give her stamp of approval. So far, I really like our team. Lorelai’s a good leader and Toby takes direction from me well.

Once we’re set up, I have only a few minutes to spare before the players start pouring in.

Penn is the first one through the door. It still catches me by surprise to see him, not because I’m not aware that I’m working with him , but because I am so attracted to him.

It’s like Pop Rocks exploding in my body every time he crosses my path.

For the past few days, I have been hyperaware of him.

He’s smiled sweetly. Like that guy I met in the Bahamas. Been the perfect gentleman, despite the way his body reacted in my office the other day…which, holy hell, that vision is playing on repeat in all my fantasies.

I’m so distracted by him I don’t know what to do with myself.

“First one in line, huh?” I tease, handing him a cup of Mustangs Magic.

The drink is neon green and he eyes it for a second and then grins, taking it from me. “What is it?”

“Mustangs Magic.”

“Magic, huh? You trying to turn us into superheroes?”

“Something like that. Or, at the very least, keep you from crashing midway through practice.”

“Someone’s gotta test it out to see if we’ll survive this.”

I roll my eyes, but I’m grinning, so I can’t be taken seriously. “Dramatic much, Preacher Man?”

He smirks and lifts the cup, turning toward the team, filing in behind him.

“Gentlemen, today we embark on a journey into the unknown. Will this magic concoction make us stronger? Faster? Will it unlock the secrets to the universe? There’s only one way to find out.

” He nods and leans in, causing my breath to halt.

“Watch this, I’ll be so convincing they’ll be lining up to drink it like it was their idea. ”

“If you pull that off, I’ll owe you,” I tell him.

His grin deepens. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Laughter ripples through the group as he downs the drink. He pauses and then nods approvingly, smacking his lips together. “That’s actually delicious.”

I try to contain my excitement that he likes it.

A few teammates are wary, but then they start grabbing their own cups. One by one, they gulp down the drink and not one of them complains about the taste.

Penn hangs around as the others move on to pile their plates with food.

“Nice work. The preacher man strikes again. You’ve already got them believing in this magic,” I whisper.

He grins. “I can be very convincing when I want to be.”

When he walks away, I’m flustered. I’m pretty sure the other day in my office and just now, he was flirting with me.

As soon as they leave, I start snacks and lunch prep. During their break outside, I take out Pedialyte freezer pops and squeezable applesauce. When I reach Penn, his fingers brush against mine as he takes the popsicle from me and I freeze.

He grins and leans in. “What are you doing later?”

I look at him in surprise. “Crashing. I’m exhausted.”

“Have dinner with me first?” he asks, his voice husky.

I cross my arms, amused but wary. The things he said about not being able to date and all that. “Penn, what are you doing?”

He grins, tilting his head. “Trying to convince you to have dinner with me. Is it working?”

“Hudson, quit flirting with my daughter and let her work,” my dad’s voice booms across the field.

My cheeks flame and Penn looks sheepish but undeterred. “Say yes,” he whispers.

I run off the field, eager to get back to work on lunch.

It’s a lot of work to have enough food for these guys and their appetites.

They burst through the doors at noon, hungry and sweaty, and I enjoy hearing how much they like the food.

When everything wraps up, I go to the kitchen to work on the next round of snacks and to replenish the carb tables.

A knock on the door makes me jump and I turn, hand to my chest.

Penn stands there, leaning against the wall, watching me with that infuriating mix of confidence and amusement.

I stop short, narrowing my eyes. “You again?”

He grins. “You say that like you’re not thrilled to see me.”

I shake my head, exhaling. “It’s not that.” And then I freeze because I just basically admitted that he’s under my skin. “You’ve been all over the place, Penn. And now you want to go out with me?” I lower my voice. “Aren’t you scared of my dad?”

“Terrified,” he admits. “But I want to go out with you more than I’m terrified of him.”

I laugh and his expression softens, stepping closer. “As friends?”

“I haven’t forgotten the Bahamas, Addy.” His voice is lower, more serious. “But yeah, as friends.”

My stomach flips. Say no. Keep your guard up and avoid workplace drama , my inner voice says. But what comes out is, “Okay. I’d like that actually.”

His lips quirk up. “You won’t regret it.”

That night he picks me up, freshly showered, his hair still damp and curling around his ears, and his crisp shirt fitting just right. He looks fan-fucking-tastic, and I hate that he flusters me.

But as I step toward his SUV, I’m met with a surprise. Sitting in the back seat is a boy. He’s young, maybe eleven or twelve, with big eyes and a curious expression.

Penn gestures toward him with a warm smile. “We’re lucky to have my buddy joining us tonight. Addy, this is Sam. Sam, this is Addy…or Adeline, whichever you prefer.” His eyes meet mine.

“I like that you call me Addy,” I say softly. “Hi, Sam.”

Sam grins up at me and I melt instantly. “Hi!”

“Well, this is fun,” I say, grinning over at Penn. This guy is proving that he will keep me on my toes.

“How does Rose & Thorn sound?” Penn asks.

“Suh-wanky!” Sam says.

Penn and I laugh.

“Sounds delicious. I haven’t been there in a long time,” I say. “Is that a favorite of yours?” I turn back to look at Sam.

“I’ve never been. Penn and I usually go to Starlight Cafe or Serendipity.” His eyes are mischievous as he says, “I think he just wants to impress you.”

“Ohhh-kay,” Penn says, his eyes cutting over to me. “Didn’t we agree not to spill my secrets?”

We all laugh and Sam chats happily as we turn onto Jupiter Lane.

The smell of garlic and freshly baked bread fills the air as we walk into Rose & Thorn.

We sit in a booth, and I’m surprised again when Penn slides in next to Sam, ruffling his hair before picking up a menu.

Sam swats his hand away but grins, eyes lighting up as he scans the choices.

“Anything look good?” Penn asks him.

Sam leans forward, as if contemplating a huge decision. “I’m thinking…lasagna. But I also want spaghetti. And also pizza.”

“Ah, classic dilemma,” I say, grinning. “All solid choices….with maybe a vegetable or salad thrown in there.”

“I like vegetables and salads!” Sam says. “And macaroni and cheese!”

He’s so stinking adorable.

“If we get all that food, you might have to roll me out of here,” Penn tells him.

He just smirks. “I guess you better keep lifting weights, old man.”

I burst out laughing and Penn pretends to be offended, pressing a hand to his chest. “Old man? Excuse me? I’m in my prime.”

“Debatable,” I tease, sipping my water.

Dinner is full of easy conversation and even easier laughter.

Sam is the kind of kid who makes you feel like you’ve known him forever, quick-witted and effortlessly funny.

And Penn—God, Penn is so good with him. Penn listens to him, really listens, and Sam idolizes Penn.

He’s funny but respectful at the same time.

They’re easy together, and if Penn is trying to win me over with Sam, it’s working.

But sadly, it seems like he was serious about the friend thing.

After dinner, we pile into the SUV and head to Serendipity. Sam gets a towering cone of mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone, I opt for a mini cup of salted caramel, and Penn goes for vanilla with rainbow sprinkles on a sugar cone.

Sam side-eyes him hard. “ Vanilla ? With rainbow sprinkles ?” he asks incredulously.

“Don’t judge me,” Penn says, taking a bite. “Sometimes you just need to go back to the classics.”

“You’re a mystery.” Sam shakes his head before diving into his ice cream.

“Ain’t that the truth,” I say.

By the time we drop Sam off, my heart is full. Penn puts his hand on Sam’s shoulder and his eyes are serious when he says, “Call me if you need anything. Anything. Okay?”

Sam nods and gives Penn a big hug. “Okay. I will. Thanks, Penn.”

He hops out of the car and waves before jogging up the walkway, disappearing inside. As soon as he’s gone, I turn to Penn.

“So…what’s the story with Sam?”

Penn exhales, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. “I met him through a tutoring program some of the Mustangs did a few years ago. He was smart as hell but struggling, mostly due to a rough foster home situation. We hit it off, and I started spending more time with him.”

I nod, sensing there’s more. “And?”

He hesitates before continuing. “He’s been in one bad situation after another.

I’ve wished I could have him live with me, but…

it’s been complicated. I’m young and single and…

obviously, I travel a lot.” He pulls away and starts driving toward my condo.

“I’ve applied for a foster license recently, and my lawyer is working on paperwork for me to adopt him eventually. The system isn’t making it easy.”

My chest tightens. “Really? Penn, that’s amazing. But it seems like they’d be happy that you’d want to take him. How awful.”

He stops at a light and his jaw is tight as he looks out the windshield. “The worst part? Recently he got arrested for stealing food from the grocery store. He was hungry. That’s it.”

My throat constricts, and before I can stop it, tears are falling down my cheeks. Penn notices and reaches out, taking my hand. It’s only for a second before the light turns and he squeezes it before letting go.

The thought of Sam—this bright, funny, incredible kid—having to steal just to eat is too much. I shake my head, wiping at my cheeks. “He’s such a sweet kid. It’s just not right for any child to be hungry like that.”

“I know. This foster home he’s in…I don’t trust them. Sam says they withhold food from the kids staying there, and I’ve tried to get him out of there, but they check out okay when the social worker visits.”

Seeing the way he cares about Sam, hearing that he wants to adopt him…I don’t think my heart can take this.

“What can I do to help?” I ask.

“What do you mean?”

“Can I tell the courts what a good guy I think you are?”

He grins. “But you don’t even know me.”

“I know enough.”

And what I know, I like so much. Too much.

It seems there’s no way around falling for the guy.