Page 16 of Off Sides

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Chapter 22

Dasher

Iwake up in Raine’s room and remember what happened. I didn’t hate what I did, I enjoyed it, but I’m still wrestling with what happened. I’m having a hard time figuring out who I am. Am I into me? Am I still into women?

I know what Raine said, and I can respect his answer, but is it me?

And what would my teammates say if I started dating a guy?

Whoa. I went there. I should just let this go for now and see what Raine thinks.

I go to my room and shower, putting on some shorts and t-shirt to wear to practice. I pack my gear bag and grab the suit I took from the house when I packed my stuff.

Raine is cooking breakfast, dress shirt and dress pants, weird attire to cook in but who am I to judge.

“Morning,” he says as he sets a big plate of eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, and hashbrowns in front of me. He slides a glass of orange juice to finish it off.

“Morning. I have to head to practice and then we’re staying at the hotel for tonight.”

He nods, “I have a suite there, would you like it?”

Ummm what?

“I think coach has assigned rooms for us,” I state. He doesn’t blink, “I’ll let coach know. If you want your friends to stay there as well, that can be arranged.”

I’m not sure what to make of this, “why are you being so nice to me?”

He puts his dish towel down, “because I take care of people I care about. Maybe you haven’t picked up on it, but I like you. I’m insanely attracted to you. I know you’re trying to figure things out and if you want to explore, I’m here. If you ever want to be mine, I’ll be here.”

Be mine? He wants me? If I was with him, he would take care of me?

He picks up the towel again, “I’m not pressuring you.”

Thank fuck for that because I still have no idea what’s going on, “thank you.”

He jerks his head toward my food, “eat up. I’ll drop you off.”

I eat and then follow him down to his car. He takes my bag to put in the back of the car and opens my door for me. I slip inside, the leather soft on my legs. The car smells like him, oak and rain. I like it.

We drive in silence, and he drops me off in front, “if you need something, just call.”

I go to close the door, but stop, “again, thank you.”

He smirks, “you’re most welcome. I enjoyed it as well.”

I can feel my cheeks heat up as I shut the door. Taking a deep breath, I turn around to see Tyler watching me.

“Was that Poppy?” he asks. I shake my head no.

“I think we’re going to break up. I’ve been staying at Raine’s while I decide what to do.”

He pats my back, “I’m not going to say I told you so, but I never did like her. Sorry. I know she’s your high school sweetheart or whatever, but she rubbed me the wrong way.”

“I know. Let’s go watch some videos.” We put our bags in our lockers and join everyone else in the theater room, taking seats next to Jester and Dade.

Coach quiets everyone down, “let’s take a look at who we’re up against. Salt Lake City Saints. They’re undefeated. Pay attention. We need to watch every move, every play, every tick, every tell.”