Page 62 of Playing the Game

“How’s that?”

“I’ll walk away now without giving you the bollocking you deserve. Next time either of you fuck about on the pitch like you did today, I’m going to recommend to Javier that he suspend you. A few games on the sub bench will show you that no player is bigger than the team.”

He got up to leave. Tito stayed him with a hand on his arm.

“I’m sorry, Skipper. I mean it.”

“Tito, you’re one of the best players in the league. You have the potential to be a hundred times better. Work with the team and they’ll serve you with opportunities to score every weekend.”

Tito had been one of many amazing stars at Liverpool. As the jewel in the crown of Brockton, he had the chance to really make a name for himself.

“I understand.”

“Good. Then we’ll say no more about it,” Adam said. “I’ll leave you to it. I find cleaning is a great way to focus the mind.”

Tito made a face. “You sound like my mother.”

Adam left Tito to think over his words. He really hoped he’d gotten through to the young lad. Adam had seen many players let the fame and lifestyle go to their heads. Hell, he’d even been that person once upon a time.

Tito would need to come round to Adam’s way of thinking if he wanted to make a success of his time at Brockton. Then again, so would Ewen. If things came to a head, Jamie would keep the great Tito Lopes over Ewen. No matter how many years’ service he’d given to Brockton.

Once out on the landing, he couldn’t bring himself to home without seeing Jonas. Of course, Anna was still staying. However it wouldn’t hurt to call in.

You’re addicted to this man.

He climbed the stairs and knocked on the door.

“Tito,” Jonas shouted through the door. “What have you run out of now?”

The door opened and Jonas’ jaw dropped. “Adam.”

Adam’s stomach did a flip.

“Hi.”

“Come in.”

Adam walked into the hallway. He grabbed Jonas by the waist and kissed him long and hard. The smell of Jonas filling his nostrils.

It had only been a few days but he had needs.

“Down, boy,” Jonas said with a chuckle. “I’m still a responsible adult.”

Adam nuzzled his neck. “And I’m in blue ball hell.”

“One more day,” Jonas replied. “Shall I come straight to you after I drop her off at the airport?”

“Why don’t I come with you? It’d be nice to wave her off.”

Jonas frowned at him. “You would forgo your Sunday lie-in?”

“I would to see you.”

Jonas kissed the tip of his nose. “Sweet. You coming in?”

“For a minute.”

He followed Jonas into the lounge to find Anna flat out on the sofa watching some hideous reality TV show.