As he dismissed me, I ground my teeth, and when I got back in line with the others to finish our plays, I felt as if all eyes were on me. That only made my temper flare even more.
“Come on,” I yelled. “Let’s work this play!”
I got into position, and the others did the same, and we ran the play just like the coach had wanted us to. By the time he was done with us, he had a smug smile on his face, and I had one on mine as well.
Despite the scolding, which was earned, Coach Carr had been really tough on me lately, and I wondered how he even knew about Avery and me to begin with. It seemed as if someone had run their mouth or complained. It really sucked when the team, who were supposed to be my friends, didn’t have my back.
After I showered and left the locker room, I walked out to my truck to find Avery parked beside me. She was on her way to her car too, and she gave me a sweet smile as she fished out her keys.
“Hey,” she said. It was the first thing she’d said to me in weeks, and I realized how much I’d missed the sound of her voice.
But, man, she had the shittiest timing. Just when I had made up my mind to do as the coach wanted me to, there she was, looking like a fantasy.
“Hey,” I said, looking around to see if anyone was going to run and tell the coach I was talking to her.
“How have you been?” She met my eyes with those gorgeous greens of hers, and my pulse raced.
“Okay. Focused on playing. How about you?” I tried not to look her in the eyes.
She shrugged. “Okay, I guess. I just thought I’d say hi. I miss you.”
“Yeah, I miss you too. It sucks because I don’t even know what I did.”
“I know, but maybe we should talk about that sometime. Will you call me later?”
“I’ve been pretty busy.” It wasn’t the response I should have given or even the one I wanted to give. But I knew the coach would string me up by my dick if I got in a relationship so close to the championship games.
I wanted to take it back when I saw her expression change.
“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s cool.” She shrank back, walked around her car, and got in, leaving me to feel like a dick. As she drove away, I wished I’d handled that differently. But I didn’t even know what the hell had happened between us.
All I knew was that this time, it wasn’t my fault. I’d tried to give her everything and would have. I thought she was different but maybe not.
I got in the truck and went back to my place. As I made myself an omelet for dinner, I couldn’t help but think about her again. Avery was always on my mind and had my head all fucked up.
I didn’t know why she gave up on me and I wished I had the answers so I could change her mind. It was no secret I came from a problemed past, and yes, I treated Layla poorly, but I wished I could take it all back now. If I had another chance with Avery, I’d take it in a heartbeat and make sure I did things right. I should have just agreed to talk to her. I was still kicking myself for the way things had gone down after practice.
I suddenly had an idea. Not a good one maybe, but it just might be worth it. Another part of me was saying it was too crazy. I wasn’t sure I should bother Layla.
With her and Jayce moving on with their lives together, I was the last person she wanted to hear from.
But something kept nagging me. I just kept screwing up, and I wasn’t sure how to stop. If anyone knew what the fuck was wrong with me, it was Layla. I hadn’t listened to her much when we were dating, but maybe she would not begrudge me a little advice now?
It was a crazy idea, one that could get my ass kicked if I wasn’t careful. “Fuck it,” I said. “Avery is worth it.” And it wasn’t like I was afraid of Jayce Moore.
I picked up the phone and found Layla’s number.
I hit the call button, and I sank down in my couch cushions with my omelet and wondered if she’d even answer.
I wasn’t surprised to hear Jayce’s voice. “What do you want, Seth?”
“Not what you think.” I should have known she’d have her boyfriend answer.
“If it’s what I think, I’m finally going to have a good reason to kick your ass,” he said with a less-than-amused tone.
“Give me the phone.” Layla’s voice sounded just as aggravated in the background as she took it away from him. “Seth, what the hell? I thought I told you not to call me ever again.”
“And since when did I start listening to you?” I was trying to lighten the tone of the conversation, but she still hated me so badly, it made me second-guess why I called.
“Seriously, what’s this about? Jayce is finding his keys, and I’m afraid if you don’t speak up, he’s going to drive over and murder you.”
“I just thought if there was anyone who would be brutally honest with me, it would be you. I need advice.”
“Advice? Seriously?” The tone of her voice had me imagining the look on her face.
“Don’t do it for the asshole I became in the last part of our relationship. Do it for the guy you started dating in the first place.” She had to remember that part of me, even if I didn’t show it often.
“What kind of advice
