Fair Catch

by Kandi Steiner

“Thanks.” We clinked glasses, Clay chugging a big gulp before he swallowed and spoke. “What about you? Going to tell Novo you love her by the end of the season or what?” I nearly spit out my soda, but it got lodged in my throat

Riley wanted to earn respect… and damn, did she. The next few days of practice, I watched the team embrace her like never before, arguing about who would get to sit with her in the cafeteria, and clamoring over the chance to hang out with her after practice.

Without rhyme or reason or a single prayer that I could stop myself, I closed the space between us with three long strides, launching myself into his arms. And he caught me with another kiss that stole any argument left hanging on.

There was no way to avoid the cold, hard truth of it all. I was addicted. And like any addict will tell you, it didn’t matter that I knew in the back of my mind that we were playing with fire. It didn’t matter that one day it all would have to end, that one day I’d have to go through withdrawals and peel myself off the floor. Right now, I had her. And though she told me she couldn’t give me more, I pretended like this would always be enough.