Page 18 of Playing the Game

“I think I owe you an apology.”

Adam didn’t break his steps. “Really? You played pretty good today. It takes something to get a goal past Goran.”

Jonas had been proud of that moment. The other lads had been suitably impressed too.

“That isn’t what I meant.”

“Go on then,” Adam said. “What did you mean?”

“I don’t think we’ve got off to a good start,” Jonas replied. “Ididn’t want to embarrass you about the whole Skipper points thing.”

Adam shrugged. “My accountant is going to have a field day when I put that through the books.”

“I was surprised you went that high,” Jonas said. “Maybe I should rip my tongue out and be done with it.”

Adam turned and stared at him.

“Perhaps I did go a bit silly. I appreciate the apology.”

“Can I pay half?” Jonas asked.

“Don’t be ridiculous. The lads would rinse me even more.”

“We don’t have to tell them.”

“Honestly, there’s nothing to worry about,” Adam replied. “There’s plenty more where that came from. Truth be told, it’s a good idea. I’ve been driving them crazy with Skipper points since I got the captaincy. I should have made them worth something ages ago.”

Javier stuck his head round the door. “That’s enough for today, boys. I don’t want you running out of steam this early in the season.”

The lads all cheered and jostled each other on the way out.

Adam went to follow them but Jonas stayed him with a hand on the arm. Adam seemed to snap to attention.

“I want you to know something,” Jonas said.

They were close. Jonas could almost imagine he heard Adam’s heart beating.

“What’s that?”

“I’m dedicated to this team now. What Javier did last season was unbelievable. Now I know that he had a decent captain to support him.”

Adam blushed. It only served to make him even cuter. Jonas hadn’t removed his hand from Adam’s arm.

“I may be a Canonbury reject,” Jonas continued.

This time Adam held his hand up. “No more talk like that,” he said. “You’re a Brockton boy now. I for one am very glad about it.”

Adam held his gaze for what seemed an age before he grinned.

“Now let’s get showered,” Adam said, pulling his arm away. “Or we’ll be stuck here all night.”

When they got into the locker room, most of the lads were in the showers. Adam went to his place. Jonas had taken a spot farther down between Edi and Udo.

“Nice goal before,” Udo said. “I think we’re going to show Hawkstead who’s boss on Sunday.”

Jonas nodded. “Cheers. I can’t wait until I’ve properly settled in.”

He sat next to Udo. Immediately, Edi got up and went through to the bathroom.