“Son of retired Bronco Owen Maguire. Nephew of Super Bowl legend Drew Callahan. Cousin to the hottest quarterback in the NFL Jake Callahan. Named after your father’s best friend and another superstar on the field, Wade Knox.” Her brows lift. “Need me to go on?”
“Okay, you’ve got me. I’m related to a lot of great players. And I was named after a pretty great one too.” I rest my hands on my hips, just like Cam did. “There are a lot of expectations resting on my shoulders, which I can’t lie—it’s kind of tough.”
“I’m sure it is. Despite all of the pressure, you played a fabulous game today. You’ve been great this season so far. But how is that knee holding up? There’s still some speculation it could hold you back.”
Always got to bring us down a little bit, don’t they? “The knee is fine. I feel stronger than ever.”
“It’s apparent that you are, with how quickly you moved on the field. Good job on today’s game.” She smiles, and so do I.
“Thank you, ma’am. I appreciate it.” I nod at her, noting the little scowl that appeared when I called her ma’am. She’s probably only about three years older than me tops.
Oh well, that’s what she gets for lifting me up and knocking me down all in one sentence.
I’m headed back to the locker room, when I spot something that makes me do a double take.
Derek’s standing in the end zone, talking to a couple of girls, including my sister. But that isn’t what has me seeing red.
It’s the fact that Joanna is there too, laughing at whatever Derek is saying.
Fuck.
FIFTEEN
JOANNA
“You gals should meetup with us later.” Our new friend Derek smiles at us, and while I can’t deny he’s charming, I’m also a little put off by how he calls us gals.
Seriously?
“Oh, we’re down.” Natalie nods enthusiastically, ignoring my glare.
Our other new friend—freaking Knox’s little sister Blair—is also nodding enthusiastically. “That sounds like fun!”
The look Derek gives Blair is one of pure fear. “Your brother won’t kick my ass if he catches us hanging out, will he?”
“Of course not.” Blair pats his shoulder, reassuring the big, intimidating football player still in his gear, which is kind of funny. “I’ll put in a good word for you.”
“If he thinks I’m flirting with you, he’ll kill me.” His gaze lifts, going wide. “Oh shit. There he is.”
Blair and Natalie whip their head in Knox’s direction as he struts by, but I wait a few seconds before I check him out.
He’s scowling in our direction and oh wow, he looks mad.
I assume that’s about his sister. She already told us how overprotective he is of her. Derek is an idiot to talk to her right now. I’m guessing Knox most likely will kick his ass in the locker room if he takes it too far.
“Did you see the look he gave me?” Derek’s voice is shaky.
“You’ll be fine. I promise. I’ll text him right now.” Blair pulls her phone from the back pocket of her jeans and taps out a message, waiting for Knox’s reply. “Might be a minute before I hear from him though.”
“Yeah, we don’t have our phones on us when we’re in uniform.” Derek starts walking backward, a big smile on his face. He is cute, I can’t deny it. Dark hair and eyes. Friendly smile. He aims it straight at Nat. “See you ladies later at Logan’s!”
The moment he’s out of earshot, I’m on Natalie. “I don’t want to go.”
She frowns. “What? Why not? It’ll be so much fun! I’m sure we’ll get free drinks out of those boys.”
“What is up with you and free drinks anyway?”
“I’m a broke college student. You know this. So are you. I’m out to get free drinks whenever I can.” She rolls her eyes. “And come on, Jo. You had fun at the game, right?”