“Enough, Ty.” Garrett growled. “We’re done talking about this.”
“Kiss my ass, Donovan. I’m the one with a fucking pack strapped around my shoulder. One stupid mistake and as far as this season is concerned, I’m done. But you’re not. Your career is just getting started and here you are, bound and determined to make a mess of it. Jesus Christ, Garrett. Think about what you’re doing. You’ll lose credibility; your reputation would be shot. You’ll be branded. Or worse.”
Garrett tore his cap off his head and slapped it against his thigh. He shoved his other hand through his hair, ready to spit nails. “You think I don’t know that?”
“I think you aren’t thinking with the right head. You’re letting your dick get in the way of your future.”
What if Jessa is my future?
He pushed back the thought. “I thought you said you were done giving me shit about this.”
“Yeah, well. I lied.”
The fight drained out of him. “So it seems.”
Tyler moved over and Garrett slid onto the exam table next to him.
“Do you love her?”
Surprised by his question, Garrett shook his head. “Of course not. It’s too soon for all that.” He waved his hand, dismissing the idea. “It’s safe to say I like her, though.”
Tyler considered him. “Man, you’ve got it bad.”
Garrett pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yeah, man. I think I do. Which means, either way, I’m fucked.”
“Fucked about what?”
Garrett jumped off the table as Jessa walked into the room.
“Amy came and found me.” She spared him a wary glance before moving closer to Tyler. “You okay?”
Tyler turned on the charm, causing Garrett to grit his teeth. “I’ll live darlin’, but I wouldn’t say no to a little TLC.”
Jessa’s gaze darted his way before she smiled back at Tyler. “I’m sure you’ll have the nurses lining up to take care of you. Don’t worry.” She patted him on the leg. “I’ve talked to the doctor. You’ll be on your way in no time, and you’ll be back next season good as new.”
Garrett stood back, giving Jessa and Tyler time to talk about logistics. The sound of her voice lulled him. Admitting he liked her to Tyler had lifted a weight from his chest. As if those words alone were enough to chart a new course. As if it erased the obstacles that stood between them.
“Garrett? Can I see you outside for a second?”
“Sure, Jess.” He gave Tyler a look that said he had no idea what she wanted and followed her out of the room. He pulled the door closed behind him. “You look good enough to eat,” he teased once they were alone in the hallway.
“Garrett, stop.”
“What? It’s the truth. What I wouldn’t give to pull you into one of the storage closets, pull down those jeans and —”
“No,” she raised her palm to cut him off. “Amy knows, Garrett. If we keep this up, it won’t be long before word gets back to my dad.”
Garrett had a feeling he wouldn’t like what was coming. “What are you saying, princess?”
“I’m saying we can’t do this anymore. It’s over. We have to stop.”
Nope. He didn’t like it one bit.
Chapter Twelve
Three days later, Garrett sat back in the limo, his mood in the toilet.
The coaches were kicking his ass and he couldn’t remember when his body had ever been so sore. Hell, even his hair hurt. He’d never felt more like a rookie in his life. He was determined to keep pace, to not let the seasoned professionals light his ass up like they did the other rookies. So far, he’d more than proved himself on the field. He’d worked hard for it. But his body was paying the price. All he wanted to do was take a shower and fall into bed.