Page 8 of Man to Man Coverage (Rangers Football: Hard-Hitting #6)

Rex

G lancing out of the corner of my eye, I watch Devlin as he sits in my guest recliner, running his character through the dungeon.

Never in my life did I think he’d be hanging at my house, playing a game on my big screen TVs—with me.

When he suggested coming over, I got nervous because I know my home isn’t anywhere near his standard of living.

Still, it’s been a nice evening—one I will never forget.

I wish I knew how to flirt. I’d give anything to subtly let him know I not only like him but LIKE him.

Sure, we’ve only spent a few hours together, but I already know I think of him differently than I do Jepson or Jaxson.

Is that what attraction is? Noticing all the nuances about the object of your desire that it takes days, weeks, or months to notice on someone else?

If I had the talent, I would draw Devlin’s beautiful eyes in intricate detail from memory alone, but the only thing I can tell you about Jepson and Jaxson’s eyes is that they are blue.

The left side of Devlin’s smile tilts up a little more than the right side, and when he flashes that million-dollar smile, a small dimple appears on his cheek.

“What do you think?” Devlin’s silky voice pulls me out of my fantasies.

I quickly glance up at the paused game. “About what?”

He chuckles. “Is this a good place to stop for the night?”

“Sure.”

Logging off, he closes his laptop and sets it on the side table before lowering the footrest of the recliner. “I’ve already broken curfew. I should probably get my ass home.”

“Oh crap.” I check my watch to find it’s already fifteen after eight. “I totally spaced curfew.”

Devlin stands and stretches his arms over his head, his muscular thighs flexing in his workout shorts. His body, like his face, is pure perfection—every muscle intricately defined like a bronzed work of art. “No worries. Tonight was worth the risk.”

I don’t know how to respond to that. “How would they know?”

“I suppose they wouldn’t unless something happened after hours like a traffic ticket or car accident, bar brawl, DUI, etc.”

“Aggie won’t tell on you?” I tease.

“Nah. He’d never betray me.” Devlin unhooks the HDMI cable from the TV, wraps it up and places it and his laptop in the bag. I walk him to the door, hitting the button to open the garage while he places his bag in the passenger seat.

All of a sudden, I’m overcome with a wave of awkwardness and a deep desire to kiss him goodnight while holding open the driver’s door to his car.

“When can we do this again?” I ask with my heart in my throat.

Devlin smiles, his eyes moving down to my lips before he chuckles and imperceptively shakes his head, as if he’s dismissing a thought. “Which part? Playing games or hanging out?”

“Both.”

“I usually get online for an hour before I go to bed every night. It helps me relax. As far as hanging out, I’ll come over anytime you invite me—especially if you’re going to cook.”

I press my lips together and nod. “I’d like that.”

“I’ll see about getting you a couple of contractor names and numbers tomorrow. Were you serious about test-driving one of these?” He pats the top of the headrest of his Mini Cooper.

I shrug. “Sure. Why not.”

“I’ll send Bill a text. I’m sure he’ll call you first thing tomorrow,” Devlin smiles again, his eyes hitting the ground. “Thanks for dinner, Rex.”

“It was my pleasure. Thanks for the computer,” I run my hand through my hair and take a step back, trying to break this gravitational pull he has on me. “Are you sure I can’t pay for it?”

“Absolutely.” He winks while shoving his hands in his pockets.

Seconds tick by as a stifling silence descends between us. This is the moment I think normal people on a date lean in for a kiss, but this isn’t a date.

“You know, that stuff I told you about my dad—” I look away, slightly ashamed “—I’ve never talked about that to anyone before.”

“Not even Jepson and Jaxson?” He arches his brow.

Shaking my head, I meet his eye. “Not the whole story. For some reason, we stay on the fringe of deep childhood trauma talks when we hang out.”

“Why’d you tell me?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know, but it felt right.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” He worries his lip, as if he’s thinking through his next words. “I wanted to hug you while you were talking about your mom, but I was afraid I’d freak you out.”

I contemplate my potential reaction had he done that.

As players, we see each other physically vulnerable every day.

Whether we are naked in the locker rooms or injured on the field, we rarely share emotions other than frustration or celebration directly related to the game.

There are back slaps, butt slaps, helmet slaps and celebratory hugs, but most of us keep the personal stuff buried deep from each other. “I think I would’ve liked that.”

“The offer still stands.” He pulls his hands out of his pockets and spreads his arms wide. “Anytime you want a hug, let me know.”

Now I feel ridiculous and shake my head, chuckling under my breath. “Get out of here.”

Devlin also chuckles and then reaches out and chucks me on the shoulder with his fist. “Talk to you later.”

I watch him pull out of my driveway and drive out of sight before I close the garage door and lock up for the night.

If you had told me when I woke up this morning that I would spend the evening hanging out with my number one crush, I would have checked your temperature expecting a high-grade fever accompanied by hallucinations.

Devlin wanted to hug me.

My mom was affectionate, but outside of her cure-all hugs, I didn’t grow up with a lot of physical touch. I’m not sure I would have been able to stop myself from melting into his embrace had he wrapped his arms around me.

It’s been a long time since I felt that kind of comfort.

I grab my phone and notice a slew of missed texts from Jepson.

5:30pm: Want to grab dinner?

5:45pm: Yo! Where are you at?

6:15pm: I’m going to grab a burger. I’ve got to get out of the house for a bit. If you get this, meet me at Burger Barn downtown.

7:30pm: Guess you’re busy. I hope you’re on an epic date or some shit. Want to grab breakfast tomorrow? We need to get out before the lockdown becomes official. Ya know?

I text him back.

8:20pm: Sorry I missed you. I think I’m going to test drive a Mini Cooper tomorrow. Want to do breakfast and then go to the dealership with me?

You and a tiny car? Fuck yeah, I want to come.

Haha. Yuck it up, buddy. See you in the morning.

I meet Jepson and Jaxson near the AutoMall for breakfast. After we order our meals, I lean back in my chair, my gaze bouncing between the two of them. Something is up, but I have no idea what it could be. Jepson is being super nice to Jaxson, who is quieter than normal.

These two make me crazy sometimes. I wonder what life would be like if I had a twin or even a brother. Do Devlin and his brother have weird interactions and a lifetime of secrets like these two?

“Were you on a date last night?” Jepson asks after sucking down half of his orange juice.

I shake my head. “I haven’t had a date in weeks.”

“No interesting prospects? That sucks. What did you do last night?”

Shit. I don’t want to tell them I’m spending time with Devlin because I’m afraid my feelings for the hunky wide receiver will be all over my face. “I got a new computer yesterday and spent last night gaming.”

“Which game?” Jaxson brings his head up from his phone. I normally play with them over XBox and that’s it.

“WarCraft.”

“We didn’t know you played that.” Jaxson glances at Jepson, who shakes his head.

I shrug. “You don’t play it, so I had no reason to tell you.”

“Is it any fun?” Jepson asks.

Nodding, I spread my napkin across my lap as the server arrives with our food. “I used to play when I was a kid, so there’s some nostalgia there. What did you guys do last night?”

Jepson and Jaxson exchange a look.

“Well, as you know, I went out for a burger,” Jepson says plainly.

“I, uh, went for a drive,” Jaxson says without looking at me.

Damn, these guys are weird sometimes. They hold things close until whatever drama blows over, then they tell me about it nonchalantly, like it was never a big deal. Considering this time I’m also holding something close, I let it go.

Who am I kidding? I always let it go. “Okay.”

We eat our meals and switch our conversation topic to the team and the new lockdown.

Instead of bitching as I expect, Jepson assumes some of the responsibility and then does something that shocks me.

He apologizes to both Jaxson and me about any bad press he’s brought our way and promises to do better, leaving both his brother and me speechless.

The rest of the morning proceeds as expected, with Jepson playing carnival music from his phone when I climb into the Mini Cooper—the brothers bonding as they laugh.

Deep down, I knew he was going to do it.

I mean, how could he not, considering it was the first thing I thought yesterday when Devlin walked up to his car?

Devlin. I wonder what he’s doing today? The temptation to text him this morning was strong, but I tamped it down because the last thing I want to do is come across like an eager puppy. Still, you know damn well I’ll be logged on tonight, waiting for him to show up.

The Mini Cooper, while a fun little ride, is an expense I don’t want to take on right now.

I’m thinking of ways to let the sales agent down easily when Jepson takes the attention off of me by asking about a lease trade-in sitting on the lot.

Two hours later, I’m leaving in my old red Dodge pickup and Jepson is driving away in a hot Jaguar F-Type sports car.

He has plans tonight that he doesn’t elaborate on, and I don’t ask, but considering how excited he is, I’m assuming it’s a date.

As I’m driving home, my phone beeps with a voice message from Devlin.

“Hey, man. I hope your day is going well. I got you a contractor. Mel Martinez with Woman’s Work Remodels—an all-female crew.

They recently did all the finish work with the Springs City Fire Department on a city program to build four temporary homes for fire victims and finished a portion of the presentation center at SCCU.

Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, landscaping—they do it all and come highly recommended. I’ll send you their contact card.”

Clicking on the number, I’m greeted by a woman’s voice, the sound of saws running in the background. “This is Mel.”

“Hi. My name is Rex, and I’m calling about a potential remodel?”

“Oh yeah? What are you looking to have done?” The machinery sounds quiet down as I presume she walks away from them.

“Well, I have a house in the old Pinehurst neighborhood that could use some love.”

“Pinehurst? My electrician lives in that area. Great bones with lots of potential. We could come by tonight if you like.”

“Wow. Okay. Tonight would be good,” If the coach’s words hold, Tuesdays will be the only day to conduct business for the foreseeable future.

“Does six work for you?”

“Yeah.” I rattle off my address.

“Great. Can I also have your last name, Rex?”

“Williams.”

“And can I ask how you got my name and number?”

“Uh, well, from my teammate. I play for the Rangers and I guess the Scotts know all the right people to call.”

“You’re a football player?” She sounds skeptical.

I’m not used to being recognized as a player, so any association with the team feels insincere—like I’m bragging or something. I guess in some ways I still can’t believe I finally made it. “Yeah, I am.”

“That’s cool. Sorry for all the questions, but as a female crew, we like to know whose house we’re walking into beforehand. Anyone the Graysons or Scotts recommend is cool with us. We’ll see you tonight, Rex.”

“Okay. Bye.” Hanging up the phone, I send a text to Devlin.

They are coming tonight at six. Wow! After months of living in a mess, I might have a complete house soon. Thanks.

That’s great. I can’t wait to see your remodeled home.

Will you be online tonight?

I will be. Look for me around nine.

Sounds good.

And just like that, I have a virtual date with Devlin tonight.