Austin gives the crowd a smile and a wave when he makes it to the bench, earning him a round of applause. His stare lingers on me and, before I can catch myself, I stupidly give him a wave back. He gives me that sexy smirk and my heart flutters.

“He cares about you.” Devin’s voice breaks me out of my reverie.

You wouldn’t say that if you knew I was paying him to be with me.

A dismissive laugh dies in my throat when I see the honesty in Devin’s eyes.

“It’s not… We’re not…” I swallow hard, unable to find the words.

Devin doesn’t wait for my explanation. “Be careful.”

“Careful?” Oh, great. What did I do wrong now?

“Austin’s going to let you get close, then he’s going to pull some bullshit.” Devin’s eyes are on the field, on Austin.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s what he does. When someone gets too close, he fucks it up. It’s a test, pushing you away to see when you’ll break. So, when you leave, he can say he was right. There’s no such thing as love and everyone’s an asshole.” Those few sentences are more words than Devin’s said to me the entire rest of the night combined. I’m trying to take them in, to really understand them. Austin pushes people away because he’s scared. I know that feeling.

“He’s going to make it hard, but don’t give up on him too fast.”

Give up on Austin?

Not possible.

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

Austin

My body aches and I’ll have some nasty bruises in the morning, but seeing Elizabeth waiting for me after the game makes me forget the pain and smile like a fucking idiot. She’s standing across the field wearing a sweet smile and my jersey. I haven’t touched her in a day and a half and my body is screaming that it’s been too long.

When I’m about fifteen feet away, I charge at her. She squeals when I pick her up, wrapping her arms around my neck. I set her down but don’t let her go. First, I lean down and kiss her, slipping my tongue into her open mouth. My little Goose missed me too. I pull back and take a moment to appreciate the flush on her cheeks.

“Austin,” she admonishes me, glancing over at Devin with embarrassment. I was so focused on Elizabeth, I didn’t even see him. He’s missing out on some much-needed work hours to be here. It means a lot to me, it really does. But right now, all I can think about is Elizabeth.