His name on her lips splashed over me like cold water and I took a step back and almost fell over the chair again. “I should probably find Champ.”

Her hand was back on my arm. “Listen, Sutton. I know things were bad between us years ago and I’m to blame for that, but we’re going to be sharing so much space in the future. Can we try to get along? You were always so important to me.” There was warmth in her voice that suggested more than a friendship. How she could stand in front of me with our history swirling in the space between us and flirt was confusing. She was married to one of my players. I was dumbfounded. “For whatever reason, we are back in each other’s lives. I know Grayson thinks so highly of you and your coaching abilities,” she said.

I stared at her. It had been fifteen years. Why was this so hard for me? “I have peace in my life, Parker.”

She waved her hands at me. “And I’m not here to disrupt it. I genuinely miss you in my life. Coffee the other day was great and I’d really like for us to be friends. Do you think we can do that?”

Before I could answer, Brad busted into the room. “Hey, you ready?” His eyes darted between us until they lit up with recognition. “Hey, you’re Grayson Moats’s wife. I’m Brad, you know me as Champ.”

Even though he was sweaty and smelled like wet carpet, Parker shook his hand and gave him the warmest smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Brad. I’m Parker.”

“It’s an honor. I think your husband is great and I’m so glad he’s on the team.”

“I’m glad he’s a Cheetah, too. You look like you love your job,” she said.

I had to agree. Brad didn’t skimp on energy while in the suit.

“Those who can’t either coach or become giant, hairy animals who run around football fields.” He grabbed his bag and looked at me expectantly.

“I guess we’re out of here.” I looked at Parker. “We’ll talk soon.”

“I’ll hold you to that, Sutton.” Her voice was low and laced with promise.

It took everything to not turn around and look back at her. When Ruby stopped me in the doorway of the school to ask me out, I immediately looked for Parker, but she was already gone. Ruby was nice, pretty, into me, and available. Even though my breakup was new, maybe in a few weeks or months, I might be ready to date again. I handed her my phone to add her contact information. She didn’t send herself a text from my phone. She was leaving it in my hands and my respect for her grew.

Chapter Thirteen—First Kiss

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