The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders 4)

But in some ways, she was.

The world needed people like Mya. People willing to put themselves on the line and advocate for those without a voice.

I was proud of her—so fucking proud.

But part of me would always worry. Because that’s what you did when you loved someone.

Asher

“Looking good, Bennet,” Coach yelled across the field as I ran drills with Diego and a hulk of a guy called Brian. “Run it again.”

Our offensive line got into position, moving toward us like a well-oiled machine. I broke formation, tracking the wide receiver and making the lunge. Our bodies collided with a thud and we went down.

“Fuck, Bennet, you knocked the wind right out of my sails,” Farrow said.

“Hell yeah, I did.” I clambered up and offered him a hand up.

“Okay, hit the showers,” Coach said, “you’re done for the day.”

I pulled off my helmet, dragging in a lungful of fresh air.

“You’re looking good out there, bro,” Diego said approaching me. We fist bumped but his eyes flickered over my shoulder. “You have company.”

I turned to find Mya sitting in the bleachers. A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. “I’ll catch you in a bit.”

He rolled his eyes, but I was already gone, heading in her direction.

“Hey,” she said, coming down onto the field.

“This is a surprise.” I kissed her cheek.

“I had a free period. I wanted to come and see you in action.”

“Oh yeah? I thought football players didn’t do it for you?” My voice was teasing.

“Oh, I don’t know.” Mya came closer, trailing a finger up my dirty jersey. “One football player caught my attention.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, number six. He’s looking—”

I grabbed her and started tickling her sides. “You want a piece of Farrow? I’ll see if I can hook you up.”

Her laughter wrapped around me like a warm blanket. “Okay, okay, you got me.”

I eased up and leaned in to brush my nose over hers. “What are you really doing here?”

A knowing smile lifted the corner of her mouth. “Sally called. They need an extra hand tonight. They've got some new kids and want all hands on deck. I said I’d be there.”

“Okay. Just be careful, okay?”

“Always.” Mya kissed me.

“What time will you get done?”

My body stirred to life at her proximity. I was going to have a serious case of blue balls if she was going to be home late.

“I don’t know. I wouldn’t think any later than nine.”