Maybe it was selfish, but I wanted her to be there for every part of my life, including my games. Pantsy had assured me she could cover Nadia’s shift, and I planned to start negotiations when I picked her up after she finished work today.

Practice seemed to last longer than usual, but I almost made it through without letting my distraction get the better of me. Almost.

With my mind on Nadia, I spotted Soren deep near the end zone. I followed the play and threw the ball, but as soon as I released, I knew the pass was fucked. The ball sailed out of his reach, and Coach blew his whistle.

Soren subtly shook his head at me as he jogged back to the huddle around Coach. Frustration tightened my shoulders. Everyone had off days, but that had been an easy play and I’d screwed it up. It wasn’t the first time. I half expected to get reamed, but Coach didn’t mention me in his wrap up.

Sweat trickled down my back as we broke up. The others took off to get out of the heat, but I trailed behind. I wasn’t in the mood for the shit talking that always happened after practice. Soren slowed to join me. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t have to.

We walked side by side, a unit like we’d been since we met freshman year. Before we went into the locker room, I grabbed his arm to stop him. In all the drama with Nadia, I’d forgotten that Soren wouldn’t be joining me in the draft since he’d redshirted. He’d be playing another year with a new quarterback.

Soren tilted his head at me, a question in his eyes.

I glanced around to make sure we were alone before speaking. “If you ever need to talk, about the draft or women or anything, I’m always here for you.”

He nodded, the curiosity replaced with his usual irreverence. “I’ll let you know if I need you to braid my hair.”

I shoved him sideways and pulled the door open. “You’d love that. Viking braids are the only thing missing from your look. Women would be throwing themselves at your feet.”

Soren rubbed his chin as he followed me inside. “I don’t need a new hairstyle for that.”

Mac shouted an insult at him as we passed, but Soren didn’t engage. He followed me to my locker and paused.

“Thanks, D. Don’t let Coach fuck things up for you.”