Page 131 of The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“Twenty-four hours, that’s all I’m asking.”

“Fine. But if you don’t handle this the proper way, I will. Coach and Principal Finnigan are going to blow a gasket when they find out about this, maybe the truth will soften the blow.”

I didn’t share his optimism, but it was hard to worry about the play-offs when I currently felt like I’d never lift a ball again.

“You look like shit. You sure I can’t take you to the ER?”

“Nah, I’m good. Got everything I need.” I flicked my head over to the bottle of Jack and box of pills.

“Okay, get some rest. If you need anything...”

“Thanks, and Cam?”

“Yeah?”

“Was she there? I mean, I think I saw there but it’s all a bit hazy.”

“She was there,” he hesitated, “but she left.”

“Right.” His confirmation hurt more than any bruise caused by Thatcher’s fist.

“She’ll come around.” He lingered by the door.

“You think?”

“I know so.” A faint smile tugged at his mouth.

“How’s that?”

“Because that’s what you do when you love someone.” Cameron slipped out of the room as if he hadn’t just delivered a bomb.

He thought Felicity loved me?

After everything I’d done to her, the way I’d treated her.

It wasn’t possible.

Was it?

Did I even want her to love me?

It was crazy.

Her and me.

I cared about her, sure. I wouldn’t have done everything I had for her if I didn’t.

But love?

I wasn’t in love with her.

She was nothing like my usual type. Quirky and irritating. Unapologetically weird with her lists and lack of filter. But she was also kind and compassionate and she didn’t take herself too seriously. And she had a banging body hiding underneath those god-awful overalls she wore.

My heart began to crash violently against my ribcage, my palms growing clammy. I was having some kind of reaction. A moment of complete ‘oh fuck’ clarity.

I was ass over elbow in love with Felicity G

iles.