The Game You Play (Rixon Raiders 2)

“How’d you do it?”

All morning, I’d been pondering how Thatcher got the photos of me and Felicity. I’d assumed he had one of his guys following me, but it seemed a stretch. Even for Thatcher. It wasn’t until Grady mentioned he’d seen Jenna talking to some Eagles players Friday as the fight dispersed that my mind began piecing together a more likely scenario. A quick call to Aimee confirmed my suspicions. Thatcher’s guy was in fact, a girl. A girl who, against my better judgment, had an up close and personal relationship with me.

“Jason, I—”

“Answer the fucking question.”

“I followed you, okay? I’d been watching you, noticed you always texting someone. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who, the way you two sat staring at one another across the cafeteria.” Jealousy dripped from her words. “I didn’t plan to follow you, but I saw Felicity sneaking out and before I knew it, I’d gotten in my car. It was just a lucky break.”

A low growl tumbled in my chest and the blood drained from her face again. “I didn’t... that’s not what I meant. I just meant it was a coincidence. Please, Jason, what are you going to do?”

I slammed my hand against the wall beside her and ground out, “Only what you deserve.”

Then I walked away without a backward glance.

No matter our history, Jenna made her bed when she came after Felicity.

She could fucking rot in it.

Felicity

“How are we getting on in here?” George’s head appeared around the door just as I got Benji back in his cage.

“We’re good. I just finished grooming Benji and I was going to get started on Meagan and Frieda next.” They were two of the cutest puppies I’d ever laid eyes on; mini Schnauzers I’d have struggled to tell apart if it wasn’t for their contrasting collars.

“Actually, you have a visitor.” Something flashed over his face.

“Visitor?” I washed my hands and dried them on paper towel. “Here?”

“He’s waiting out front.”

He?

I followed George out into the hall, my mind working overtime. As we reached the doors separating the front and back of the center, George paused. “I just want you to know you’ve already made an impression here. You’re great with the animals, eager to learn, and Serena loves you, which is always a bonus.” He gave me a tentative smile. “The position is yours for however long you want it.”

“What are you—” George pushed opened the door and I gasped. “Jason? But what are you...?”

“Hey,” he gave me a hesitant smile as he approached us. “Thanks, man,” he held out his hand to George, “I really appreciate it.”

“Umm, yeah, sure.” My new boss ran a brisk hand over his head, guilt flaming his cheeks.

“Wait a minute.” My gaze narrowed, sliding between the two of them. “Did he put you up to this?”

“He may have had a hand in it,” George admitted sheepishly.

“Let me guess,” I let out an incredulous sigh, “you’re a Raiders fan?”

His cheeks turned beet red.

“I don’t know what to say.” I’d thought maybe George had found me a position because he liked me; it had never occurred to me he’d done it because Jason had asked him to.

“Can I borrow her?”

“She’s all yours.” There was an undertone to George’s words that confirmed Mya’s suspicion. He did like me. But he knew I belonged to someone else.

I gave him a half-smile. “Thank you. Should I still come by tomorrow?”

“Of course, Felicity. Like I said, the position is yours for as long as you want it.”