Page 147 of Falling Offsides

Grabbing Sammy’s lead and a couple treats from the jar on the counter, I take him downstairs for a walk around the block and a pee. Bythe time I’m back, he’s chill and Courtney’s officially running late. I give her a few more minutes before I wait for her outside her door.

When I step outside, she’s there, by the elevator. My shirt swapped for a flowery, yellow sundress that hits above her knee. It’s perfectly cuffed around her neck so that my marks are hidden. Disappointment twists in my gut that we have to be a secret. Until now, I haven’t paid much mind to other people knowing, but now that Court’s standing in front of me with that glossy grin on her face, I don't want to risk any second of the time we have together. For anything.

“What do you think?” she asks, when I take the large bowl of dessert she made from her hands.

“I think…”Wow.

Everything about her, most of all the way she’s fluffing her curls out into a voluminous tangle because I told her that’s how I love her hair. Wild, like my girl when she’s not letting her head get in the way of who she is.

“I think you’re too goddamn beautiful.”

Her grin rolls between her teeth with a shy flutter of her lashes. It kills me that she’s obviously not used to receiving open compliments.

I take a step forward, clasping her hand in mine before I tug her to me. “You are… fucking perfect.”

The hitch of her breath gets me right in my chest. And I see the moment the wall comes up and that sassy smirk she hides behind dimples the corners of her mouth.

“After last night, I’m a sure thing, Broussard. There’s no need to?—”

“Pause.” Court freezes, her long nails clawing into the back of my hand. “Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not your fucking teammate, Princess. Call me whatever the hell you want, except Bruce or Broussard.”

The elevator doors ping open and I guide her inside. Courtney’s mouth is still hanging open when I press the button for the underground garage.

“Also,” I sidestep into her, using our joint hands to lift her face to mine. “I told you you’re perfect, because that’s how I see you. Even when you hide behind the sass or when you push me away. I see you, Courtney, and I… I swear… sometimes I forget to breathe.”

I lean in. Ready to show her how much I want her. Every second of every goddamn day since I set my eyes on her.

Court licks her lips and I lower my face to hers, the tip of my nosetrailing along hers. Her minty breath zings into my lungs as I dip just enough to?—

Fuck.

You have got to be kidding me.

The damn elevatordingsto a stop. Doors opening to Jayden and Eli just as Courtney and I pull away.

“What’s up, man?” Jayden greets at the same time as Eli gives us a curt, “Hey.”

Court glances at me and then back at them with a wave and croaky, “Hi, guys.”

She feels too far away, and I hate it. Not being able to touch her and kiss her and just beusaround other people.

Nothing escapes Jayden, though. His eyes bounce between Courtney and me. Brows tugging up into his forehead as his mouth twitches knowingly.

Here we go.I know what’s coming before he opens his shit-eating grin.

“Huh,” he chuckles, slipping his hands in his pockets as he and Eli get in. “You feel that?”

“Feel what?” Eli gives him a confused look.

Here’s the thing, I never know if he really is oblivious to the shit that goes on around us or whether he simply chooses to ignore it. The guy is so detached from everything and everyone… except the game and Jayden. The two of them have the closest partnership in the sport. They’re so fucking tight, there’s been rumors. People talk… it’s part of the game. And normally it’s bullshit, but I don’t know if that’s the case with the two of them. I also don’t know if it’s not. Honestly, I don’t fucking care as long as they keep showing up for the team.

“Really?” Jayden nudges him with his elbow. “You can’t feel that…”

“Feelwhat, JJ?”

“That crackle in the air… like it’s hot in here.”

Eli shakes his head, turning to face the doors. “It’s not even that warm. Forecast says it’s going to rain.”