“That aggression puts all of us at risk, not just you,” says Jayden.
Killian nods, his expression dark. “And you think that stunt will make Dylan choose you? More likely it’ll drive her away, toward Kai or away from all four of us.”
Their words hit me like a sack of bricks. Have I really jeopardized everything—my spot on the team, my friendships, my chance with Dylan?
I drop my head into my hands, elbows on my knees. How could I let my emotions take over like that? I’m supposed to be better than this. Smarter, more disciplined.
But seeing Dylan cheer for Kai just sent me over the edge. I want her to look at me that way, to see the hard work and passion I’m pouring into this sport, into us.
No more excuses. I need to get my act together. I can’t keep letting jealousy dictate my actions.
Tomorrow I’ll apologize to Kai and the whole team. And I’ll find a way to make it up to Dylan, to prove I’m worthy of her faith in me. I can show her my best self again. I have to.
I take a deep breath as I enter the locker room after practice. The chatter and banter that usually fills the space is muted today. Everyone’s still processing what went down on the pitch. A few people glance in my direction, but then immediately look away.
Kai’s at his locker, packing his gear. Now’s the time. I approach slowly, rehearsing the apology I’ve been preparing.
“Kai. Hey.”
He glances up, his expression unreadable. I plow ahead before I lose my nerve.
“I wanted to say I’m really sorry about earlier. That high tackle was way out of line. I let my emotions get the better of me and I shouldn’t have.”
Kai studies me for a moment, then nods. “We all muck things up sometimes when we see red. Just keep it clean next time, yeah?”
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. “Yeah, definitely. It won’t happen again.” This seemed too easy. If I were him, I would be holding a grudge against me, possibly indefinitely. If the head coach had seen what I did, there’s a chance I could have been removed from the team, no questions asked. If Kai wanted to pursue it, he probably could.
With the air somewhat cleared between us, the atmosphere in the locker room lightens up. The usual banter resumes as guys start teasing each other about highlights from practice.
But I’m only half listening. My thoughts keep drifting back to Dylan. The hurt and disappointment on her face after my tackle haunts me.
In letting my emotions get the better of me, I not only jeopardized both my and Kai’s rugby careers, I also risked losing the girl I love. I may have, and if that’s the case, I could never forgive myself.
I meant what I said to Kai. I’m going to be better—as a teammate, and hopefully, as someone worthy of Dylan’s affection. I’ll find a way to make it up to her, to show her my best self again.
I just hope it’s not too late to regain her trust.
Her trust and belief in me is the one thing I can’t bear to lose.
Chapter 49
Dylan
Thelivingroomisa disaster zone, strewn with workout gear, textbooks, and empty takeout containers—the chaotic aftermath of our busy lives. In moving here, I thought I might help them clean things up, but instead it’s almost like I’ve acclimated to their more… relaxed way of living. I sink into the lumpy couch, absently spinning a rugby ball in my hands. The silence hangs heavy, punctuated only by the ticking clock.
My thoughts churn like whitewater rapids, replaying today’s practice over and over. The whistle, Noah’s dirty high tackle. He should have been dragged off the field. My chest tightens. Will I ever escape petty team politics and just play rugby?
But this time, it’s almost worse than before. This isn’t some bureaucratic office drama, this is personal. The men who claim to want nothing more than to be with me, fighting over me and compromising their ability to play rugby at one of the highest levels.
Suddenly, the opening chords of Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” blast through the quiet, making us all jolt. Killian peers out the window, brow furrowed. Jonah joins him, peering out the window with interest at the loud sounds.
“Is that...Noah with a boombox?” His voice drips with disbelief.
I scramble over to join him and sure enough, there’s Noah hoisting a boombox over his head like John Cusack in Say Anything. A grand, ridiculous gesture I can’t help but chuckle at.
“What’s he trying to pull?” Jayden snorts, though his lips quirk into a smile.
The song continues, muffled but unmistakable. As the lyrics wash over me, memories surface—riding with Kai as this song played...understanding dawns.