The Game by Vi Keeland by Vi Keeland

I shook my head. “I don’t know, Bella. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“He basically stalked me. And that’s just in this planner. I only brought the one. There are more. How long did he follow me?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I can’t imagine John Barrett having the time to follow someone around for one day, let alone months.”

“It’s really creepy to realize I had no idea someone was watching me. I like to think I’m pretty alert when it comes to my surroundings. I’ve been sitting here for about an hour, and I keep glancing around to see if someone is watching me, even though obviously he’s gone.”

Bella’s eyes were rimmed red with dark circles beneath them. “Did you sleep at all last night?” I asked.

She frowned and shook her head. “Reading usually makes me sleepy. But I couldn’t stop my mind from racing after I read the planner. My body is exhausted, but my mind feels like it still wants to run sprints.”

I eyed the now-empty coffee cup in her hand. “Caffeine and daylight are going to make it worse. Can you sleep today, or do you have meetings and stuff before the game tomorrow?”

“I have a few meetings, but I can reschedule or bow out.”

I smiled. “Perks of being the boss.”

“Two are with some of our big advertisers that are local here, but Tiffany and a few others will be at those. I’m sure she’d be thrilled if I skipped.” She sighed. “What’s your day like?”

“Team meeting at nine. Light practice after on the field, which I’ll be on the sidelines for. Then team dinner this evening. Rumor has it you’re coming to that.”

She nodded. “I don’t want to miss it. I’m not trying to fill John Barrett’s shoes, but the one thing I’ve heard from everyone in the organization is that he was approachable, so I’d like to establish myself as the same, if that’s possible.”

“I could just have the team bus drive by where you live on the way home from the airport. That’ll dispel any myths that you’re an elitist.”

Bella chuckled. “You’re teasing and you haven’t even seen the inside yet.”

“We could remedy that. I’ll pick up wine on my way over Monday night when we get back.”

She smiled, and it finally felt real.

“Thank you,” she said.

“For what?”

“For listening. You’re really easy to talk to, even with things that aren’t easy to talk about.”

“Glad to be of service.” It was on the tip of my tongue to offer other services, but I managed to refrain since I’d already gotten in a little flirting during a time she was feeling pretty somber. “Well, I need to hit the shower before we head over to the stadium for the team meeting. You going back up or staying down here for a while?”

“I think I’m going to take a walk outside and get some fresh air, try to clear my head before going upstairs.”

“Good idea.”

I stood and tucked my chair under the table. “I’ll see you tonight. I hope you get some sleep.”

“Have a good day, Christian.”



***



“Holy shit. I’d think I was looking in a mirror, but damn, I’m better looking,” I called as I walked off the field after watching the light practice. My twin brother was leaning against the side of the tunnel that led to the locker rooms.

He gave me a bear hug and lifted me off my feet. “You fucking wish you were as handsome as me.”

My teammates all stopped to slap hands with Jake as they passed. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

“It’s my bye week. We had an early practice this morning and then I hopped on a puddle jumper to come visit you. Thought maybe you’d have some free time this afternoon. My favorite jewelry store is in Denver, and I need to go shopping.”

“Don’t you have enough of that shit?”

“Not for me, bro. Buying Lara a special ring.”

My eyes bulged. “Special as in an engagement ring?”

He nodded. “It’s time. She’s put up with my moody ass for two years now. Plus, I want to start popping out some kids. We’re not getting any younger, you know. Her thirtieth birthday is coming up soon. I’m throwing her a big surprise bash. Figured I’d pop the question there.”

I shook my head and wrapped my arms around Jake for another hug. “Jesus Christ. My big brother is getting married.”

He was all smiles. “You know, just because I’m older doesn’t mean you have to take forever to follow in my footsteps. I only got three minutes on you, not eight years. When are you going to get yourself a nice girl?”

“I’m working on it.”

“Oh yeah? Who’s the unlucky lady?”

I put my arm around his shoulder. “Come on, I’ll tell you about her on the way to the jewelry store.”



***



“You’re kidding me? The new owner? Why don’t you shoot for Miss America while you’re at it?” Jake and I were in an Uber on the way downtown to look at rings.

“Nah.” I shook my head. “I went out with Miss Universe. She was too into being pretty for me.”

“What’s wrong with being pretty? I’m pretty.”