Completing the Pass by Jeanette Murray Page A

it,” he added. “It’s annoying.”
    Oh, there he was. The Josh she loved to loathe.
    â€œI’m not beating myself up. And if it’s annoying, then just turn around and walk back home. Don’t say your mom would kill you,” she broke in, shutting that shit down before it began. “I know you know how to take the long way home and count it out until it’s safe to go back in.”
    â€œWe know too much about each other,” he groused. She just tugged on his arm, jerking him off balance a step. He let out a sound in his throat that was akin to a growl.
    Her body tingled at the sound. Why?
    They turned down her street and she let go of his arm. Another thirty seconds brought them to her driveway, and she started up. “Thanks for the walk home.”
    â€œI’m not done yet.”
    She turned to ask what he meant, but realized he wasn’t behind her in the street. He was a few steps ahead of her in the driveway. “Josh, you don’t have to—”
    â€œYes, I do. Because my mother would kill me, even if she’s not here to see. You know Gail has radar.”
    â€œShe does. I think it’s government issued to all mothers in the labor-and-delivery wing.” Following him to the front door, which she could see her mother had left cracked behind the screen, she waited until they got to the covered porch. “Thanks again, even though.”
    â€œYou’re welcome, even though.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Don’t look now, but we’ve got an audience.”
    Carri stiffened. “You can’t be serious.”
    â€œI’ve told you, I’m very popular. You just didn’t believe me.” He grinned. “Adoring fans, paparazzi, that sort of thing.”
    She raised a brow. “It’s my mother, isn’t it?”
    â€œPeeking out the bay window from your parents’ bedroom,” he confirmed.
    It was an image Carri didn’t need to turn around to see in her mind. Many a date from her teen years had ended the same way. “She’s insane.”
    â€œInsanity: also issued in the maternity wing.”
    They both grinned.
    â€œSee ya.”
    â€œYeah, see ya,” she said, waving a little as he headed back down. When he reached the street, she called out, “Josh?”
    â€œYeah?”
    She hesitated, hand on the front door. “Good luck at training camp.”
    He watched her a moment, then nodded once. “Thanks.”
    â€œDon’t fuck it up.”
    That made him shake his head, and he walked away without looking back.

Chapter Seven
    Josh showed up to training camp unsure of what to expect. The team had been briefed that Trey was taking it easy to heal faster, and were asked to keep their mouths shut about it.
    As far as the media knew, it was another season, nothing to talk about. But the moment Trey Owens limped onto the practice field, clearly not ready to play, Josh feared the jig was up.
    â€œHey,” Trey said, slowly walking to where Coach Barnes and Josh stood. “Sorry, took me a bit longer than anticipated to get here.”
    â€œAre you cleared for practice?” Barnes barked, loud enough that Josh jumped a little.
    â€œI’m cleared to be here,” Trey said coolly. The guy was unflappable.
    â€œI mean, are you cleared for practice. Don’t bullshit me, Owens.”
    Coach Barnes had to be one of about five people on the planet who weren’t impressed with Trey Owens.
    â€œI’m not,” Trey admitted. “But I’m allowed to be out here, so I’m here. I can throw a little.”
    Barnes gave him a long, assessing look, then shook his head. “My luck, you’ll step to throw, step on a cone and go down like a sack of potatoes. You stand, or you sit. That’s all. And keep an eye on Leeman.”
    â€œI’m right here,” Josh muttered, taking a step back when the coach turned eyes on him.