The roar was louder this time, only heightened by the blood rushing through Mia’s ears. She looked down at the sidelines and there he was, waving at the crowds who were shouting his name.
This town was feeling smaller every day. She sat back on the bleachers, swallowing hard, and hoped like hell he couldn’t see her up here. It was only when the teams started running out onto the field that she finally allowed herself to relax. She’d watch the game, find Michael and Josh, and head straight home. She probably wouldn’t have to talk to Cam at all.
Sometimes life was that easy.
At the end of the second quarter, the coach gathered the team around him to give them a pep talk. The team was down 12-6, thanks to some impressive plays by the other team. Cam let them talk, wandering over to the refreshment stand lit up with red strip lighting. A line had already formed, and he joined the back of it, but was immediately accosted by one of the parents.
“Mr. Hartson? I’m Renee Mason. My son’s a running back. We’re so blessed to have you here tonight.” The woman smiled and offered her hand. “Is it true you’re going to be coaching the team?”
Word got around fast. “Just for a few weeks, ma’am.” He took her hand and shook it quickly.
Before long, he was surrounded by a group of people, all wanting to introduce themselves. More than once he tried – and failed – to get away. He was parched – desperate for that soda he’d come over for.
A familiar blonde head was at the counter, paying the cashier. Cam looked at the man in front of him who was asking about the best college for his senior son.
“Sorry, I need to grab a soda and get back to the field.” Cam gave him a nod. “Maybe you could make an appointment with Coach Carter. I know he’d be pleased to advise you.”
Mia had just turned the corner, heading away from the refreshment stand. He had to run to catch up with her. “Hey,” he called out. She turned to look at him, her hands full with a soda and popcorn.
“Um, hi.” She gave him a small smile. “I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.”
Cam shifted his feet. “Yeah, I just wanted to tell you I wasn’t aware your son was on the team. I didn’t want you thinking I’m stalking you. Not after last Sunday.”
Her cheeks pinked up. “About that. I’m sorry. You took me by surprise and I wasn’t very diplomatic.” She blew out a mouthful of air. “I’m usually very polite.”
“It’s okay. You were honest. I can live with that. It was Michael I wanted to talk to you about,” Cam told her. “He looked embarrassed when he realized I’ll be helping the teams out with some coaching. Do you think it’ll help if I speak with him?”
“You’re going to be coaching the team?”
“For a few weeks. The JV and Varsity team. He’s JV, right?”
“Kind of. He’s been on the freshman team, but he was moved up. He was so excited.”
He couldn’t help but stare at her face. Her skin was so damned perfect. In the harsh light of the floodlamps it was almost translucent.
“He had a sour face when you were introduced over the PA,” Mia continued. “I guess he’s worried you’re gonna be pissed with him.”
“I’m not. I’ll treat everybody the same. The coach thinks he has a lot of talent. Wants me to work with him, but if you don’t want me to, I’ll bow out. No hard feelings.”
She took a deep breath. Her green eyes looked clouded with thoughts. “You know what?” she said, that smile still ghosting across her lips. “This is stupid. You’re an NFL player. He could benefit so much from learning what you have to teach. Let’s try to make him more comfortable.” She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, and he couldn’t stop looking at it.
“How should we do that?”
“Are you free tonight? After the game?” She swallowed hard, and of course his eyes were drawn to her throat. Damn, he needed to get a hold of himself.
“Yeah, I’m free.”
“The boys and I are planning to eat at the diner. Maybe you could join us if you’d like? No pressure. If you don’t want to be seen with us, that’s fine, too. Or if you have a better offer…”
“Mia.” His gaze caught hers. “I’d love to come to dinner with you all. Michael and I can talk about the game, or whatever else comes up.”
Her shoulders relaxed. “Okay. Great. I’ll have to wait for Michael, so if you get there before we do, just hold a table, okay?”
A loud roar came from the crowd. “I should get back,” Mia said, inclining her head at the bleachers. “I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah,” he murmured, as he watched her turn and walk up the stairs, her golden hair catching the floodlamps. “You will.”