Page 11

He gives me a wink, but my chest is tight as the man in the bleachers loudly complains again. “You call that leadership?”

My stomach tenses, and I glance up to see Levi’s dad on his feet striding down to where we’re standing beside the field. Levi and Austin are with Jack again, and he’s talking quietly to them.

Levi’s eyes cut from Jack to his dad fuming beside us, but he quickly turns, nodding before heading out to the field where Austin again is in the quarterback spot.

“He’s not going to start him, is he?” George Powell glares at Garrett, and I’m impressed by his bravery.

Garrett Bradford is several inches taller than him and 250 pounds of pure muscle, not to mention he’s Jack’s brother.

Still, Garrett is pretty laid-back for a big guy. I’ve only seen him angry a few times, and both were when bullies tried to mess with Dylan and Liv. Although, I heard he stuffed a guy into a dumpster when they were in high school for bullying Craig for being gay.

“Jack puts the boys where they shine the brightest, where they benefit the team most.” Garrett gives the man a tight smile, and there’s a hint of warning in his tone. “He’ll be watching them all week—and all season.”

George crosses his arms, and I take a subtle step away from them, closer to Sadie and Kimmie, who is still cheering for Austin like nothing happened.

The boys break, and again, Austin falls back scanning the field. This time Levi attempts to run up the middle and is immediately stopped by one of the boys on D-line.

Garrett nods and claps. “Good hustle, Darnell!”

I’m still watching my quarterback son, wondering what he’ll do or if he’ll get sacked again.

Just in time, Noah Redford appears downfield, and Austin pulls back to fire a high, wobbly pass in his direction. The ball just leaves his hands when another big boy grabs Austin around the waist, playfully lifting him off the ground instead of tackling him.

It’s a momentary distraction from what’s happening with the ball.

Noah doubles back, stretching hard to complete the pass. It almost bounces off his fingers, but he manages to hold onto it, getting the first down.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Garrett’s growling yell sends a thrill to my toes.

It was an amazing catch, and Kimmie Joy erupts into more cheers and screaming, holding her hands over her head and jumping up and down, kicking her leg almost to her nose.

“Lucky break,” George grumbles beside me, which ignites my Mama Bear instincts.

“Well, he’s definitely not getting help from certain players.” My eyes are laser-focused on George, and I’m ready to go at it.

He’s coming for my son, and I’m ready to go twelve rounds to defend him. It’s obvious Levi is only performing his best when he’s in the quarterback spot unlike Austin, who gives 110 percent wherever he’s placed.

“Way to hustle, D-line!” Garrett steps forward, breaking our contact almost like he knows.

He’s smiling when Jack gives his whistle a short tweet and tells the boys that’s it for today. It’s hot as hell, and they’re all dripping with sweat.

They head straight for the big green cooler, but Jack walks over to where Logan is standing, and Garrett goes to them as well. They’re only a few feet away, and I can hear their conversation.

“D-line’s coming together.” Logan holds up a hand, and Garrett grabs it in a clasp. “You sure you don’t want to join the coaching staff?”

“Who would keep Newhope safe?” Garrett grins. “I’m building a rapport in the community.”

“Looks like your decision is clear, Coach.” George Powell doesn’t miss a chance to walk straight up to where the three of them are talking.

Jack’s jaw tightens, and I know that look. Jack Bradford doesn’t like being told what to do with his team, which he takes very seriously—especially not by pushy parents.

“I’ll see how he does this week.” Jack’s voice is even, and his blue eyes fix on George’s.

“You can’t deny what you see with your own eyes.” George’s voice rises. “Levi’s the best quarterback on the field.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” Jack’s voice remains calm. “He’s got a lot of talent, but I want to see him be more of a team player.”

“A team player? He’s a team leader.” George isn’t backing down. “He threw a touchdown before you took him out of the game. Is that how you run your team? You’re supposed to be a legend.”

“My dad was the legend.” It sounds like a joke, but an edge is in Jack’s tone. “I’m only the head coach, and I decide who plays where and when.”

George turns to me. “This is Allie Sinclair? Austin’s mother?”

My lips part, but my back straightens. “I am.”

I might be small, but I’m not afraid of this man.

“Uh-huh.” He nods like he knows something. “And that’s Coach Bradford’s daughter? The one you’re always keeping? ”

He points at Kimmie Joy, who is jumping around beside Sadie.

Jack walks over to stand between me and Levi’s dad. “What’s on your mind, Powell?”

“Nothing at all, Coach.” A wicked grin curls his lips. “But she’s a pretty lady. I don’t blame you for giving her son preferential treatment. Maybe those favors go both ways.”

Jack moves so fast, I can’t believe Garrett catches him. He holds his brother’s arms, looking over his shoulder at Powell.

“You’d better get going, George.” Garrett gives a sharp order. “One more word, and you’ll be lucky if Levi’s on third string.”

My heart hammers in my chest, and Jack’s jaw is set. Zane walks over to stand beside his brothers, and I notice his fists are clenched.

Logan is with the boys on the sidelines, and they’re all watching the scene. My face is hot, but Austin is frowning. Levi looks up at the sky, then he jogs onto the field, grabbing his father’s arm.

“Come on, Dad.” His voice is quiet, but I can still hear him. “Let it go.”

“Don’t tell me what to do, boy,” George snaps, throwing his son’s arm to the side.

Levi’s eyes fall to the ground as if he’s embarrassed, and I blink up at Jack.

Garrett’s grip on his arms relaxes, and while he’s still angry, the tension in his body relaxes a bit.

George is still seething, but Jack looks to where his team stands in a group, waiting for what happens next.

“Daddy!” Kimmie runs up to Jack, catching his hand. “Did you see me cheering? Sadie says I’m a good cheerleader. She says I’ll be on the cheer squad when I’m big!”

He lifts her off the ground, putting her on his hip. She puts her arms around his neck smiling, and he turns, going to his boys.