9. Chapter 9

" L et's roll!" JP yells from the kitchen.

I stumbled into my bedroom around three in the morning and fell blissfully asleep until my alarm went off at six. We need to be at the football facility by eight to catch the buses to the airport for our ten o'clock flight.

Even though I was going with the team, there was no way I was missing out on my morning routine. It's the first time the guys and I have had to navigate the apartment together in the morning. Typically, someone sleeps in on the weekends or is off doing their own thing.

While doing my morning meditation this morning, I was surprised to have Tyler join me. He does his form of meditation before games and wanted to do a class together, so I welcomed him.

Crew and I spoke a few words. He's mostly been avoiding me without making it obvious he's avoiding me. It's a weird vibe and not something I wanted to happen.

God, last night was incredible. I hate how much I'm drawn to this man when I promised myself I would not get involved with anyone. But no matter how often I tell myself to stay away from Crew Riggsby, his alluring personality draws me closer. And at the end of the day, I know he's not like he-who-shall-not-be-named.

In fact, I've slowly started to forget about he-who-shall-not-be-named as I adjust to life at CTU. I'll never fully let my guard down because that's when bad things happen, but slowly, I'm learning that having some fun is okay.

Speaking of fun, all of us are dying to know what the big surprise the coaching staff is keeping from the football team is. Whatever it is has to be big because my parents refuse to even tell Grant or me.

A knock sounds on my open doorway. "Baby girl, let's get a move on. If we are late, you can explain it to your dad."

"Baby girl? Really, JP?"

He shrugs.

Out of all the guys, JP is the one who never seems to be home. Between classes, practices, and the part-time job he picked up, JP seems to always be passing us as we are coming home for the night. I hope everything is okay with him. Tyler told me JP has younger siblings he helps support. I think it's admirable, but I hope he isn't burning himself out.

"Need help with your bags?"

"Nope, I've got it." Slinging the duffel bag over my shoulder, I check out my appearance one last time.

The team is required to wear its team-issued sweat suits, which are CTU powder blue with a team football tee underneath. The joggers hug all their athletic legs tightly, and I can't help but admire JP's physique. As a defensive end, JP is tall at six feet five inches and two hundred fifty-plus pounds. And while he's big, it's all muscle. The man takes up most of my doorway.

Not wanting to stand out against the team, I opted for a pair of black leggings and a CTU T-shirt I cropped. My long hair is left down in loose beachy curls, and my makeup is done minimally, much like always.

"Uh, Bret," JP muses as I'm grabbing my phone off my dresser.

"What's up? "

"You choosing the hippie life and going barefoot?"

Glancing down, my white-socked feet stare up at me. Chuckling, I drop my duffel, and JP groans at the delay. Digging through my closet, I'm on the hunt for the red, white, and blue Nike Dunks I purchased for football games. I had them on when I first arrived at the apartment, and I've been meaning to organize my closet since I have an overwhelming amount of sneakers, but my shoe rack broke, and I haven't ordered a new one.

A shadow falls over me followed by a low whistle. "Damn, girl. I thought Q and I had an excessive number of sneakers. You might have us beat."

"What can I say? I'm a girl who loves a good sneaker." The sound of a photo being taken has me glancing over my shoulder. "Did you just take a picture? And who has their sound on, Boomer?"

His booming laugh has me laughing. "Fuck, Boomer , now that's some good shit. But yeah, I took a picture. Sending it in the group chat."

It's not long before two more people are piling into my room to check out my massive shoe collection. "Holy shit, it's like Foot Locker threw up in your closet."

"Oh my gosh, you guys are ridiculous." My eyes snag on something red and blue, and I sigh in relief—my other shoe. Slipping the sneakers on my feet, I start lacing them while the guys discuss different athletes' shoes.

While guys care about the brand, the designer, and the drop, I care about the color and how good I'll look in them. A lot of times, I'll aimlessly wander the shoe wall until a pair calls my name. My collection is not that deep.

Sliding past the three guys, I grab my duffel and walk toward my door. "You guys coming or what? "

"Shit," JP mutters. "Bret, you got me all distracted."

Moving through the living room, the guys grab their gear while I pass out bottles of sports drinks to their waiting hands. "Everyone have everything?"

"Yes, Mom," the boys say in unison. Glaring at them, I double-check all the lights in the apartment are off before following the three behemoth men out the door. Tyler locks up as the rest of us head down the stairs.

"Shotgun," Tyler yells as he jogs up behind us. We're all tossing our bags in the bed of JP's pickup.

JP turns his attention to Tyler with his hands on his hips. "Listen, I know you're our quarterback and everything, but we have a female among the group."

"Yeah, so?" Tyler stares at me as I place my hands on my hips, eyeing him back.

"Harris, I thought your mama taught you better."

"Don't bring my mother into this."

"Whatever. We don't have time for this. Bret gets shotgun, so get over it, QB," JP interrupts our childish squabbles.

Climbing into the passenger seat, I shoot Tyler a wink, and he smirks. Crew has already climbed into the back seat behind JP. Fastening my seat belt, I pull out my phone and find no new notifications, which isn't surprising, especially since I deleted social media.

"Mind if the Passenger Princess controls the music?"

"As long as it isn't country." JP taps the screen as he reverses out of the parking spot. He starts driving us out of the parking lot as I connect to his Bluetooth. Thumbing through my playlist, I find the perfect song. "Party on Fifth Ave" by Mac Miller starts playing through the speakers, and I reach over and turn the dial making the music louder .

"What's your obsession with Mac?"

Lolling my head to the side, I watch JP as he drives. "What's not to love? His music is universal. It's open to anyone to interpret the meanings behind his songs, which I love. Whether it was through his beat or lyrics, he just wanted to spread positivity through his lyrics. And no matter what mood you are in, Mac's songs are perfect for the moment."

"Damn." JP flicks his signal as he pulls us out onto the main road on which will take us a few minutes to get to the football facility. "I dig your music taste. It's unique."

"I'm glad I've got your approval, JP." He flashes me his megawatt smile.

Once we're parked in the lot, the four of us climb out of the cab. Crew reaches inside the bed and begins pulling bags out for us. Everything about our movements feels so natural, like we've been doing this for years when in fact this is our first time.

Three large charter buses wait outside the facility to take us to the airport. Each bus is emblazoned with the team's logo and glistens in the Texas sun. An additional truck and trailer are parked behind the buses, and the equipment team scurries around to make sure the team has everything it needs.

A sea of blue spreads before me as the team members who are traveling with us wait outside the facility to board the buses. It's quite a sight to witness. So much talent in one space. This is all my dad's doing. A warm, fuzzy feeling spreads through my veins as happiness for my dad consumes me.

Crew bumps my shoulder drawing my attention. "Ready for this, Rebel ?

"So ready." A bright smile spreads across my lips, and I watch him watch my lips. Hunger and desire flash through his mocha eyes, no doubt he's remembering images of last night like I am.

Tyler's arms drape over both of our shoulders as he interrupts our moment. "Let's go."

And go is what we do.

Four hours later, we touched down in Ohio. The flight was smooth, and I took full advantage of the inflight movie playing on the commercial plane the university chartered. Mom kept me company as she sat next to me and read one of her latest Christian romance novels.

We chatted for a while, but both of us were looking forward to the uninterrupted time on the flight. She's been busy being a dutiful college coach's wife by attending events and planning fundraisers. Mom handles the pressure to be the perfect wife for the media well. But my favorite time is when she is her true self at home.

Once we landed in Ohio, we were on to another set of charter buses. This time they would be driving us to our hotel on Western Ohio's campus. They're a large university in the middle of nowhere, Ohio. The nearest airport is two hours away, which is why I find myself crammed between my brother and another player.

Grant bumps my shoulder, and I pull out my headphones, giving him a questioning look. "Are we going to have that talk yet?"

"Sure, let's have a deep conversation on a bus surrounded by dozens of ears who would love to learn more about the mysterious coach's daughter."

"Do you have to be such a smart-ass about it? "

"Yeah, I do. Last I checked, my problems were mine." Reaching up, I start to slip my headphones back in, but Grant's large hand stops me.

"Chill, I'm just letting you know you're not alone."

"And I've told you I appreciate it, but you've got to let me breathe, G."

With a tight-lipped smile, he leans the side of his head against mine as he squeezes my knee. "I'm trying, Addy. Call it brotherly intuition, but I'm worried."

"I love you, big bro."

"Love you too, sis."

We've been traveling on this two-lane highway for over an hour with nothing but farms, cornfields, and small towns to look at. The bus is stopped at a light with only a Dollar General and Tractor Supply Store in the middle of the country. As the driver begins to accelerate, movement on the bus has everyone rustling in their seats.

Grant nudges my shoulder and points out the window to a makeshift billboard up ahead. Hanging off a lift are the words, "Welcome Home, Crew."

My head whips toward the back of the bus as I find a slack-mouthed Crew staring out the window.

Following the winding road, we come across a wetland where one of the guys points out eagles in the tree. As we near another town, more billboards and signs welcome us. The signs say everything from "Congrats Eagles," "Welcome CTU," and "We Missed You, Eighty-Eight."

Moisture gathers on my lids as I flip my head to the back of the bus to watch Crew and read more signs. But it's the green corporation limit sign that catches my eye.

Silo Bay .

We're driving through Crew's hometown. Emotion clogs my throat as an overwhelming feeling washes over me. Is this what Dad's big surprise was?

The bus rounds a curve as we continue driving into Silo Bay. Coral, yellow, turquoise, mint, and white buildings capture my attention as we drive into town. The beautiful townhomes have me feeling like I'm driving through a Florida beach town and not an Ohio lake town.

The squeaking of brakes causes the bus to slow down as it turns right onto a road next to the lake on a bank. A large lighthouse welcomes us as we drive by the blue-green water. The buses stop outside a turquoise and red building with metal sheets and synthetic thatch details.

"I need everyone's attention." Dad's booming voice fills the confines of the bus as everyone's attention snaps to him. "We've been invited by some of the lovely citizens of Silo Bay to enjoy a team dinner. This has been in the works since the schedule came out last spring. Riggsby, welcome home. I believe there's a woman out there who has been working her tail off to make sure you have a great homecoming."

My eyes find Crew's, and I can see that he's fighting his emotions right now. He looks over, and our gazes lock as I flash him a grin.

"Sunset Shore Resort and Grill has prepared a meal for all of us. I expect everyone to behave respectfully. I know this is an unusual dinner, but we should be honored to be invited. No drinking. No disrespect. And no wondering off.

"Past the stage, if you follow the boardwalk you will find a green space of turf. Under the shelter house will be tables of food and coolers of drinks. Feel free to eat wherever you want as long as you are on Sunset Shore property." Dad claps his hands and turns to exit the bus.

Chatter erupts around us, but I don't hear anything. I'm busy watching the man who has torn through the walls I've desperately tried to keep standing. But he's weaseled his way in, and this afternoon I get a glimpse of the town that made Crew.

And to meet his mother.

This resort is incredible. The grill is two stories high with an outdoor balcony on the second floor. The main level is connected to an outdoor patio which leads to a turf-covered surface underneath a large tent with the sides rolled up. A wooden stage is set on the far end with a local band playing music. Behind the tent is a huge wooden deck with a tugboat in the center of it. The boat has been turned into a bar and wood-fired kitchen.

The team spills out all over the property. While a handful are inside, most are scattered around underneath the tent or sitting on the deck. Some are at picnic tables in the green space where the food was set up. Small shacks line one side of the marketplace while a large sand volleyball court sits on part of the open space.

I can see why Crew wants to come back home and help on the family farm. This place is incredible.

While my parents have been visiting with our hosts and Crew has been chatting with his mom and sister, I've had the opportunity to roam and snap pictures. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my phone and send Olivia a picture of Silo Bay.

Me: *image of Lake Drummond looking back toward the front of Sunset Shore Grill with a palm tree in the background*

Me: You never told me Ohio could look this pretty!

Olivia is from Ohio and has been trying to get me to come home with her for the holidays since I've known her. It never worked out, and it feels so weird being in her home state without her. She's told me about Silo Bay, but she didn't grow up here. Her small town is only an hour away.

Within minutes, Olivia is messaging me back as I feel the notification vibrate in my pocket. Leaving the team behind me, I cross the road and climb down the stairs to where the sidewalk meets the lake. The water is a little greener than I expected, but it doesn't take away its beauty. I walk down the gray composite wood docking that bounces with my step as it floats above the water.

Turning down one of the tie-offs, I sit at the edge. Removing my shoes and socks, I place my feet over the ledge. My feet hang and don't quite touch the water, but I had to be cautious not to get my shoes wet.

Once I'm settled, I pull out my phone to read Liv's reply.

Liv: OMG are you in Silo Bay?

Me: Yeah, Dad surprised the team with a pit stop. Crew's hometown organized this huge dinner for us.

Liv: And which one is Crew? Is he the hot quarterback? The hot defensive guy? Or the even hotter tight end, who happens to have a very tight end?

Me: OMG! Stop! But he's the one with the very tight end I got to feel last night.

Liv: Bret Addison Campbell! You hussy!

Me: Learned from the best.

Liv: Yeah, you did! Have fun in Silo Bay! Go, Eagles, or whatever!

Me: Or whatever ??

Staring out past the manmade stone pathway, I can't help but get lost in the serene beauty of the scene before me. Pontoons and jet boats glide through the water, creating their wake and disrupting the glass-like waters. The small town on one side and the wooded area on the other frame the lake like a painting. The sounds of the band mix with the seagulls flying by. Everything about Lake Drummond and Silo Bay offers a sense of seclusion, of tranquility.

Nibbling on my lower lip, I lean back on my hands and try to envision myself living in a town like this. Can I leave behind the city and embrace life in a small town with tractor jams and where everyone knows your business?

The idea of joining this community, with its simplicity and charm, tugs at my heart. After graduation and everything is said and done, do I still want to live in Texas with my family? The thoughts linger as I watch pontoons drift and the trees sway, contemplating a future that feels foreign but alluring.

A future with Crew and Silo Bay.

Wait? What?

Panic starts to build as a future with Crew infiltrates my thoughts. Damn, these small towns and all their charms.

"Penny for your thoughts, Rebel?"

Glancing over my shoulder, I nibble on my lower lip and watch Crew stride across the dock. All of his confidence and swagger oozes out of him. He sidles up next to me before sitting down. Our shoulders brush as he sits and butterflies take flight in my stomach.