The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“I...” The words lodged in my throat along with the giant fucking lump that had been there for the last couple of minutes.

“I think you’ve stunned him into silence.”

Hailee’s brows furrowed. “Are you okay?” she whispered.

“It’s good, really good,” I managed to choke out. “Thanks.”

“Okay, now we’ve got all the formalities out of the way,” Coach declared, “let’s eat.”

Mrs. Hasson and some of the other player’s moms began uncovering all the food laid out on a long table at the edge of the gazebo. Most of the guys wasted no time joining the line. But Cam and Asher came over to us. “You’ve been holding out on us, Hails,” Ash said.

“You saw them yesterday.”

“No, I saw the mess Thatcher made.” I winced at the mention of his name. “You’re super talented and I don’t know about these two goons, but I’ll be hanging mine above my bed.”

“Thanks, I think,” she chuckled.

“Where’s Fee?” he asked.

“She’s hmm,” Hailee’s eyes flicked to mine, “around.”

Code for: she didn’t know if she should come over here.

My chest tightened.

“Are you hungry?” Cam asked her.

“I could eat.” Hailee blushed, and I groaned.

“Seriously, can you two at least pretend to be talking about food.” Shouldering past him, I headed for the line, only to be intercepted by Felicity.

“Hi,” she said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

“Hey.”

She winced at my cool tone, but shook it off maintaining eye contact. “I just wanted to say congratulations.”

“Thanks.” I went to move around her, needing to get away, but she grabbed my arm. “I was hoping we could talk, later, maybe?”

“There’s nothing to say.”

Hurt flashed across her face. “Jason, please, I came tonight for—”

“Hey, Cap, you gotta try this,” Grady yelled, and I took the opportunity to slip away. He shoved a sophomore out the way to make room for me and handed me a plate. “What was all that about?” He tipped his head to where Felicity was still standing, watching us.

“Nothing.”

“So last night was…”

“Nothing.” I shrugged.

“Doesn’t look like nothing from where I’m standing. It looks like you got yourself a stage five clinger.”

“She’s Hailee’s best friend,” I deadpanned.

“Never shit where you eat, man.” He slung his arm around my shoulder.

“It isn’t like that.”