Chapter 20
Joe's POV.
I jogged onto the practice field, my heart still pounding from last night's chaos. The grass was damp with morning dew, and the floodlights cast long shadows across the turf. Coach Ramirez sauntered to the center, clipboard in hand, barking orders at the rest of the team. But my mind was elsewhere, on Lily.
She'd been right beside me in that meeting room mere minutes ago. I could almost feel her breath against my neck, the ghost of her perfume lingering in the air. If I could snap my fingers and erase every other thought, I'd dive back into that moment last night and finish what we started. But instead, she'd slipped away, leaving me cold and hollow.
The coach's voice cut through my thoughts like a whistle. "Joe, focus. Get your head in the game."
I jerked back to reality and nodded. Training had already started, but my mind was still back in that meeting room, back next to Lily, feeling her presence like a current under my skin. Even after last night and her disappearing act, the scent of her shampoo still clung to my memories.
"Joe, did you hear me?" the coach barked.
"Yeah, coach," I replied, forcing myself to concentrate as I jogged into formation.
He pointed at me and Mark, who was standing nearby. "You two, when you're on the scoreboard, I don't want any stinginess. Pass the damn ball, share the glory. Got it?"
Mark grinned and gave me a thumbs-up. "Got it coach."
The team ran drills for the next hour, my body moving on autopilot while my thoughts stayed tangled up with Lily. Why did she leave last night like that? No one ever walked away from me. Ever. It was like she took all my control and crumpled it up like paper.
"Good job, Wellington," the coach said after a perfect long throw to our wide receiver. "But remember, teamwork. Don't hog the spotlight."
"Understood, Coach," I said, wiping sweat from my brow.
By the time practice ended, I was sweaty and irritable. The coach held me back while the other guys headed off, launching into a speech about my plays and the upcoming game.
"Joe, a word," he said, guiding me to the sideline.
I nodded. "Yes, Coach?"
He fixed me with a stern look. "I don't know if you've got… personal distractions. But if you're going to be the team's star, you need discipline. No diva crap. Got it?"
I swallowed. "Yes. I'll keep my head in the game."
"Good. I don't want to see you daydreaming when we need a win." He tapped my shoulder. "Bring it tomorrow."
"And work together with Mark," he said. "You're a team."
"Got it," I replied, barely listening as my gaze flicked to the empty halls.
When the long-winded lecture was finally over, the locker room was empty like I thought. Except someone was waiting.
"Amber," I said flatly. "What are you doing here?"
She batted her lashes. "I missed you, Wellington." She patted the locker beside her. "Mind if I sit?"
I hesitated. Normally, I'd welcome the chance to… well, you know. But my thoughts raced back to Lily, her soft apology, the heat of her lips. I shook my head. "I'm not… not in the mood."
She stood, stepping closer, the whisper of her cheer skirt brushing my leg. "Come on. You're the hottest guy in school. I have dreams about you."
An awkward laugh escaped me. "That's… flattering."
She slid her hand down my arm. "You always know what I like."
I tried to sidestep. "Actually, I've got to get home."
She grabbed my wrist. "Forget home. Let me show you how much I…"
Before she could finish, I tugged my arm free. "No. Just…drop it, okay?"
But she wasn't done. In one fluid motion she undid the top button of my padded sports shirt, revealing the V of my chest. "Don't be shy," she whispered.
My pulse hammered, a war between guilt and temptation. I could end this quickly…ghost her again…and focus on Lily. But my mind was a whirl of regret; I needed something to shake me free of thoughts of Lily. I closed my eyes.
"Fine," I muttered. "But this ends now."
She smiled victoriously and pounced, pushing me backward until I was crumpled into one of the benches. Her lips pressed to mine,hard and demanding. Her hands roamed over my chest, her body pressing against mine.
My free hand clenched into a fist. I was disgusted, disgusted at myself for letting this happen, disgusted by her boldness. But part of me, dizzy from sleep deprivation and scattered emotions, didn't stop her. I pressed back, halfheartedly returning the kiss, hoping the humiliation would jolt me.
Suddenly, the locker room door swung open with a clang. I froze.
Lily stood there, frozen in the doorway. Our eyes met and the light disappeared from hers. Her lips parted like she was going to say something, but then they snapped shut. My gut twisted as my hands instinctively went to Shantel's hips to push her off, but it was too late.
Amber''s hands flew possessively around my neck, making sure Lily got the full show. "If you're looking for someone, they're not here," she sneered.
Lily swallowed hard. "Sorry," she whispered, voice trembling before turning and disappearing into the hall.
The sound of her footsteps left a hollow ache in my chest. I felt Shantel shift on top of me, kissing my neck again, but my hands stayed limp at my sides.
"Get off," I said.
"What?" Shantel pouted.
"You heard me. Get off."
She rolled her eyes but climbed off with a huff. "Your loss," she snapped as she grabbed her stuff and left, the door slamming behind her.
Alone, I ran a hand through my hair and stared at the ceiling. This wasn't the first time someone had caught me like this. Girls had walked in on me before; it never mattered. But this time, my chest felt heavy and my stomach churned.
I kept seeing Lily's face. It felt like I'd just cheated on someone who wasn't even mine.
And for the first time, I wished things could be different.