Page 81 of The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders 4)

“Get over here,” Coach yelled, and we all jogged toward him. “What the hell was that, Sanchez?”

“That was getting the job done, sir.”

“That flea flicker your idea, son?”

“The credit is all Chase’s, sir.”

Coach set his eyes in my direction. “Risky move.”

“Knew we could do it, sir,” I said, feeling the weight of the shoulder pads start to crush my lungs.

I needed to get off this field, and fast.

“Lucky for you, it worked.”

I went to move around him, but Coach caught my arm, and I glanced back. “You played well out there tonight, son. Keep it up and you’ll have nothing to worry about when the scouts come around.”

His words only made my chest tighter. “Thanks, Coach,” I mumbled, before tearing off my helmet and jogging toward the tunnel. I needed a shower and then I needed to find the one person who could make it all go away.

Not even an hour later, I filed out of the stad

ium to find Hailee, Xander, and my parents waiting for me.

“Congratulations.” My girl rushed into my arms and wrapped herself around me. “You were amazing.”

“I don’t feel so amazing. Their defense are like giants.”

She stepped back, narrowing her eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Nothing a little TLC from my favorite girl won’t cure.” I leaned in to kiss her, forgetting we had an audience.

Until my brother made a retching noise.

“Get over here, squirt,” I said, crooking my finger. Xander came willingly, wedging himself between Hailee and me.

“We need to talk,” she mouthed, flicking her eyes to him.

Dread snaked through me.

Something had happened.

“Are you okay?” I mouthed back, and she nodded, but there was a sadness in her expression that had alarm bells ringing.

But in true Hailee fashion, she pasted on a smile and said, “Right, who wants ice cream?”

“Can I have sprinkles?” Xander slipped out of my arms and stared up at us.

“Of course you can, buddy. You can have whatever you want.”

“I want three flavors.”

“You got it, Xan.”

We moved over to where Mom and Dad were hovering. “Congratulations, Son.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“You pulled out a nice play at the end.”