Page 23 of The Catch

Barely repressed mirth covers Evie's face. "Maybe we can go out for dinner, the four of us? I'm sure Ames could use the distraction."

I pretend I don't see it. "I'll ask her."

Logan's micro smile grows a tiny bit. "Tell Ames it's not a date, if she worries about it. It worked for Evie and I."

"You think you're so funny." I take a few steps toward the door, still facing my friends. "You're wrong."

"It wasn't a joke," Logan says.

I smirk and wave at Evie. "I'll go talk to Coach. Logan, see you later."

"Close the door behind you, please," the quarterback says.

"You don't deserve this gesture." I press the lock on the handle, so the door is securely closed once I go. "But I'm a generous, good-hearted friend."

"We are too," Evie says. "We're helping!"

"I might add a bet to the Hypersquare board." Logan's eyes narrow. "Something to do with what happens next time Saint goes to the club."

His girlfriend stops pretending she's not teasing, and grins at me. "There was a bet there last year about me wearing your jersey, Logan. Maybe we could make a bet about Ames wearing Saint's jersey—"

I stop before closing the door and frown at them.

"Weis too many people," I complain. "That board is supposed to be where players place their season's wagers. Last time I checked, you don't play football, Evie."

"We all know I get preferential treatment. I always have, and now that I'm dating Logan…"

"I'll add that bet for us," Logan says.

I glance at the ceiling and let out an exasperated sigh. "It wouldn't mean a lot if Ames wears my jersey. She's a friend. Do we tease Pen when she wears Bear's name on her back?"

"Maybe we should start," Evie argues.

I check my watch like I don't care what they do. "Fine. If you want to lose the Hypersquare crown this year, Logan, go right ahead."

"I can win it again," he says.

"We'll see." I wave again, and leave for Coach Clark's office.

They may think they're teasing me. Helping me in their own way. But anything that makes me think of Ames in a romantic light is too risky to allow.

I would much rather help my situation by talking to Coach Clark and convincing him I'm the receiver he wants.

Chapter 9

Saint

Our game is early that Sunday. We lose. The mood is heavy with dejection afterwards, even if it's only the first loss of the season. For a late-November contest, it's a pretty good record. Still, the plane is relatively quiet on the way home.

We return to Seattle earlier than usual, but still deep into the evening. It's almost nine by the time we're back at TD from the airport and I'm in my car on the way home. Just in case, I open the door to my condo quietly, and kick off my shoes as I peek inside.

I take a slow, deep breath.

Light. Sound. Warmth. They welcome me home. They soak through my feet and travel up my body, until they reach a part of me I hid away years ago. The part that would have dreamed of a thousand moments just like this. Coming home from a game, to find someone waiting for me.

Not that Ames is waiting for me.

A couple of lights are on in the living room but, from the looks of it, most of the action comes from the kitchen. I make my way there, leave my bag on a kitchen island chair, and study the scene.