The touch of his hand against mine sends an enjoyable shockwave up my arm, and my fingers tingle as he pulls away. As we head in opposite directions, promise of friendship rather than fire lingers. My steps feel lighter as I head to practice, my mind clearing.
Glancing over my shoulder, I watch Kai return to his entourage, the women surrounding him with coy smiles and flirtatious touches.
A pang of jealousy twists in my gut before I tamp it down. Focus on the game, Dylan. You literally just convinced yourself that he was nothing more than a friend.
As I turn to leave the field, I replay the conversation in my head. Kai's proposition to reset things between us makes sense. Still, the simmering tension pulses just below the surface, like a live wire.
Being near him is playing with fire. But I meant what I said—a clean slate is exactly what we need. As hot as our one night stand was, there can be no repeat. For now, I'll douse the flames. Channel that energy into leading this team, proving my worth.
My steps feel lighter crossing the field. The sun's warmth soothes my skin. Around me, the sounds of sport fill the air—whistles, shouts, and the unmistakable thwacks of bodies colliding.
This is my element. Rugby courses through my veins. And I'll be damned if I let anything jeopardize my shot to finally lead. Kai's charm won't divert me from my goals now.
I'm playing the long game.
As I reach the door to the locker room, resolve settles in my gut. Time to focus on what matters—becoming the assistant captain this team needs. Proving my talent surpasses politics or petty drama, and it most definitely leaves guy problems out of the picture.
I push open the door and enter the locker room, the smell of sweat and rubber greeting me. My teammates' voices echo off the concrete walls as they joke and chat before practice.
But a hush falls over the group when I walk up to the whiteboard, marker in hand. Their eyes follow me, rapt with attention.
"Alright team, gather round," I say, authority ringing through my voice.
The other women gravitate toward me, forming a semicircle. I make eye contact with each one, seeing focus and trust shining back.
"I know tensions have been high lately. There's been uncertainty about leadership." Murmurs ripple through the group.
"But now, we move forward united. No more infighting or politics. We are one team with one goal."
The group nods and murmurs sounds of assent. The mood shifts, an electric current of motivation sparking to life.
"We have what it takes to go all the way this season. All the way to finals. We are strong enough. We are smart enough. And we sure as hell are stubborn enough."
Laughter and cheers erupt. I feel their energy feeding mine, fueling the fire within.
"Now let's get out on that field and show everyone what we're made of!" I shout.
The team whoops and hollers, thundering out of the locker room with purpose. As I follow, confidence surges through me.
This is exactly where I'm meant to be.
Chapter 29
Dylan
Thestadiumiselectric.Cheers and chants echo through the stands as we make our way to our seats, fans decked out in the club colors shaking banners and flags. Nothing like the modest crowds at our women's games. A full band blasts energetic fight songs while cheerleaders down on the field prance and flip, hyping up the crowd.
"Get a load of this madness!" I nudge my teammate Jess as we settle into our seats. "We're lucky to get a smattering of other players and the odd loyal supporter at our matches."
"I know, right?" Jess laughs. "We definitely need to step up our game if we want even a slice of this kind of energy."
The fans around us are amped, their faces painted and voices already growing hoarse from bellowing. If only we could get even a fraction of this love and attention.
I've always felt like I had something to prove on the pitch, but seeing this—the pure passion these fans have—makes me ache to show what I can really do. To feel that roar of the crowd and know it's for me.
Maybe someday our team will get a similar level of recognition. But for now, I'm here as a fan like everyone else, determined to show my support and soak up the electric atmosphere. I'll be taking notes on what it takes to ignite a crowd like this. It’s going to happen for us, too. And I plan to lead the charge.
The whistle blows, and the match kicks off with a flurry of activity. My eyes lock onto Noah, Killian, and Jayden—each unstoppable in their positions. I'm impressed by how in sync they are, executing plays through subtle cues and gestures.