The Harder You Fall (Rixon Raiders 3)

Something I couldn’t just forget.

“Nice tackle, Son,” Coach said, offering me a stiff nod, as I jogged off field to let the offense do their thing.

“This one’s for you,” Jase clapped me on the back as he jogged out to the huddle, ready to give the play.

“How does it feel being back out there?” Coach asked me, keeping his eyes ahead.

“It feels good, Sir.”

“The Panthers will be lucky to have you next season, Son.” The words hung between us, and I half-expected him to call me out on why I hadn’t yet committed to the team.

He didn’t though. Jason threw a perfect ball to Cameron who took off down field, every single Raiders fan making the run with him.

“Go, go,” Coach yelled, thrusting his clipboard in the air, as if it was the final play in the Championship game.

“Touchdoooooown!” the announcer yelled over the PA system, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

Jase caught my eye across the field, understanding passing between us. Football would always be a huge part of us, of our friendship. I didn’t doubt that. But he was only just beginning his journey. While mine… mine ended here.

And I had to be okay with that.

“You did it,” Felicity and Hailee rushed over to us. Jason caught his girl, pulling her in for a kiss.

“We never doubted you for a second.” Hailee smiled, nestling into Cam’s side.

“Where’s Mya?” I searched the crowd for her jersey but couldn’t find her among the friends and family who had flooded the field to help celebrate our win.

“She got a call,” Flick said, coming up for air. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“S

on,” my dad’s voice cut the air like a knife and my spine snapped straight.

“Mr. Bennet,” Jase said coolly. “Nice to see you.”

The air turned tense as my friends watched our interaction. They still didn’t know the whole story, but I figured they had begun to slowly piece things together.

“I wanted to be here to show my support for the team. I’ve donated a sizeable check to the charity.”

“That’s great, Sir,” Cam said, ever the peacekeeper.

“Where’s Mom?” I asked him.

“She’s talking to Cameron’s parents. You know how he gets whenever Xander is around.”

She loved that kid almost as much as she loved me.

“I should probably go and say hello.” Cameron gave me a nod. “I’ll catch you later at Bell’s?”

But just as he turned to head over to the bleachers, something caught my eye. “Is that—”

“Oh God,” Felicity breathed as she took off toward Mya and the tall black guy she was talking to.

“What the fuck?” Jason grumbled.

“I think that’s Mya’s ex.”

“Shit.”