Page 35 of Playing for Keeps

I’d hugged all my teammates at various times, and I’d hugged Luke growing up. Even in the hyper-masculine world of rural grassroots rugby, it was standard to congratulate your teammate with some kind of backslapping hug.

So why did this feel different?

Why did wrapping my arms around him and breathing in that particular scent of Luke, which let’s face it, was eighty percent sweat and mud right now, cause some weird feeling to thrum inside me?

Before I could analyze it, Luke released me and turned to Reuban, who slapped him on the back. “Fuck, Hunter, we’re gonna have to call you Miracle Man if you continue to pull moves like that.”

It always amazed me how one special play could lift a team. But, after Luke’s insane try, the Stallions didn’t get a look in. We ran in two more unanswered tries, and ended up winning 30–14.

The mood in the changing room was raucous, everyone celebrating.

It was awesome to see Luke loosening up around the guys, joining in on the usual shit we spun.

I sauntered over to him as I buttoned up my dress shirt. “So that was a pretty epic try.”

“Thanks.”

“Might even make your top ten.”

Luke raised an eyebrow. “What’s my best ever try in Ethan’s esteemed opinion?”

“That one in the under thirteens when you skidded in and banged your head on the goalpost sticks in my mind for some reason.”

Luke snorted as he knotted his tie. “Fuck, I’m so glad you’re around to remind me of that.”

“I do tend to replay it in my head quite often. Anytime I need a laugh.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Do you want me to come up with my list of Ethan’s most embarrassing moments? Because I’m thinking your boardshort malfunction at swimming sports might have to feature in the lineup.”

“At least I wasn’t the one sent home from Toby King’s party in someone else’s pants.”

A grin toyed at the corners of Luke’s mouth. “That was totally due to cordial spillage and you know it.”

We continued to give each other shit on the bus back to the hotel. When we arrived, Luke and the rest of the team headed straight to the restaurant for the sponsors’ dinner, but I veered off toward the elevators.

“I’ll catch up with you soon,” I said.

Luke stopped. “You not coming to the dinner?”

“Yeah, I’m coming, just got to FaceTime Theo first.”

“Say hi from me.”

“Will do.”

Back in our room I quickly FaceTimed Char.

“Hey,” she said. She had her hair scraped back in a ponytail, and dark circles around her eyes.

“You okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, fine. Just tired. I was up late last night painting.”

“How’s it going?”

“Okay, I guess.”

“Let me know if I can help. I can take Theo the whole time I’m home if you need extra time to paint.”