Top of Her Game, page 4
Sutton laughed. She squeezed Chiara’s shoulder. “I’m no more nervous than I usually am right before games. I’m more excited than anything.”
Chiara nodded, her long braid following her every move. “I’m happy to be back.”
“So am I.”
Brett signaled for them to line up and get ready to go on the field. She pulled on her thin gloves and a headband to keep her ears warm. Everyone was a little more bundled up than usual, except their goalkeeper, Lacey, who was lucky enough to have thick gloves on at all times. She zipped up her team jacket and started for the locker room door.
Sutton always loved the moment when they stepped out of the locker room, but on cold days like this she worried there wouldn’t be anyone in the stands. “What’s it like out there?” she said to Brett.
“It’s not sold out, but you know how loyal our fans are.” He patted Sutton on the back and opened the door for them.
Sutton marched out with her head high, her chest filled with pride for the nineteen women walking behind her. The captain’s armband she wore on her left bicep felt tight suddenly, reminding her of her new role.
Game introductions passed in a blur and before Sutton knew what was happening, she was shaking her opponent’s hand. In her peripheral vision, she saw Rhea stretching her hamstrings. For the next ninety minutes, they were opponents. She ran up and gathered her team in a huddle.
“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. Let’s start this season on a high note, okay?” Everyone nodded. “We are the team to beat this season because we have the goods and the heart. Each and every one of you is the greatest in my eyes—now let’s show everyone else what we got. We’re starting with a three-four-three. Push forward.” She put her hand in the center of the circle. “Hurricanes on three.”
“One, two, three, Hurricanes!” The team shouted and dispersed on the field. Sutton looked up and said a silent thank-you to the higher power that granted her this opportunity.
She took her place on the field and listened to Lacey as she barked out orders to her defensive line. Once the whistle blew, any outside thought would leave Sutton’s mind. Her relationship faded into the background. She’d be focused on the ball and the way her own players were moving.
Portland’s offense went to work quickly and kept possession of the ball for the first ten minutes. Sutton ran a steady pace for the entire time, chasing their number one striker to keep her from getting too close to the goal. She went down for a few hard tackles but managed to strip the ball from the player’s feet every time. The grass bit her cold thighs when she slid across it. She knew she’d be sore later, but for now she was numb. She noticed a shift in the Chargers’ offense.
“Cover the left side,” she called out to Meredith, one of her other starting defenders. “All the way to the line.”
Sutton read the other team’s play easily and was able to prevent their forward from sneaking past Meredith. The Chargers had come close several times, but Sutton could communicate quickly using very few words. As the clock neared halftime, Sutton saw a small commotion on the sideline. The Chargers were already subbing out one of their players, an odd move early in the game, but Sutton knew who it was and why. Trish Braka was known for her lethal strike and her compatibility with Rhea. Together, they’d assisted each other more than any two players combined. Even though Trish could only play so many minutes thanks to multiple surgeries through the years, Sutton would still have her work cut out for her if she wanted the game to remain scoreless.
Sutton ran harder and faster than she ever had, her thighs burning from exertion. She chased Trish, careful not to foul her but staying close enough to make her teammates think twice before passing to her. When the halftime whistle blew, Sutton wanted to collapse on the grass.
“You’re all doing great,” Brett said the moment the whole team was in the locker room. Sutton fell into her seat and took a few long pulls from a water bottle. “We just need to push a little harder, closer to the box. You’re up, Shaw,” Brett said loudly to Kenzie. “Anita, you’re out for the second half. How’s your ankle?”
Anita gave him a thumbs-up.
“Sutton, keep the back line as tight as it has been. If we press aggressively with our front line, I think we’ll have our first win of the season. Just make sure we keep an eye on Braka.”
“I’ll take care of her,” Sutton said. She readjusted her shin guards and got to her feet. “Let’s do this.”
The Hurricanes took the field with a renewed fire. Sutton took possession from Trish every time she had the ball and ran her ragged until the minute she was taken out of the game. Sutton collided with a Chargers player, feeling the impact in her chest as she looked behind and saw the other player still on the ground holding her elbow. Sutton took the opportunity for a small huddle.
She called over Taylor and Chiara. “Listen, I’m going to pass to either of you every time I get the ball. No one else. We have twenty-two minutes to make something happen. I’m not going to waste time passing with a defender. So, wherever you are, know the ball is coming for you if I have it.”
Taylor slapped her shoulder. “I got it.”
The whistle blew. Sutton dribbled the ball up to the midfield line and passed it off to Taylor who immediately sent it to Chiara, positioned in the far corner of the field. Sutton hung back a bit and watched the play unfold.
Chiara used her right foot and launched the ball into scoring position. Sutton kept her eye on the Chargers’ goalkeeper as she bounced from foot to foot in preparation for an attempt at goal. Chiara’s placement was precise and perfect, and Kenzie received the ball smoothly. A flock of Chargers surrounded her.
Kenzie shifted the ball from the right to the left before slotting between Rhea’s legs and right to Chiara. Chiara pulled back and sent the ball flying directly to the upper right corner of the goal. The net made a beautiful swooshing sound as the ball made contact.
The crowd jumped to their feet and screamed. Even with the group’s small size, the cheers echoed in the stadium. Sutton rushed to celebrate with her teammates. Chiara ran in circles with her arms spread out before hugging Kenzie tight. Everyone jumped on them, creating a pile of players. Sutton fought her way through, held Chiara’s face in her hands, and kissed her forehead. She then wrapped her arms around Kenzie and lifted her off the ground. Kenzie wrapped her legs around Sutton, and she spun them a few times before putting her down. She gripped Kenzie’s shoulders and shook her.
“Welcome to the team, Chicken.” She wanted to remember Kenzie’s brilliant smile forever.
The whistle blew, signaling for game play to resume. The rest of the game flew by in a flurry of one team chasing the other. Sutton was determined to hold on to the win, and she did. She was a very proud captain as she stood in the locker room and watched her team cheer for themselves. She couldn’t wait to go out and celebrate.
Chapter Six
Nothing felt as great as celebrating a win. Sutton bopped to the music filling the bar and nursed her Jack and Coke. She felt amazing, and positive about the road ahead. The way her team had come together on the field showed great potential, and that was all a captain could ask for after only one game. She heard Taylor laugh at something Meredith had said, and she leaned in to hear more.
“I think Sutton scared the referee when she challenged the foul.”
“It was a bullshit call,” Sutton said. She had to speak up to be heard over the noise filling the bar. “Unless there’s a new rule where players can be called for being tripped.”
“You were practically foaming at the mouth.”
“I’m the captain now. I have to stand up for my team.” Sutton held up her glass to propose a toast. “You all are the absolute best, and I can’t wait to win the championship this season.”
“To us.” Meredith touched her glass to Sutton’s.
“Hey, Shaw!” Sutton shouted down the bar to catch Kenzie’s attention and beckoned her over. Kenzie approached slowly and Sutton took the opportunity to look her up and down. Kenzie wore tight jeans and a sweater that looked incredibly warm and soft. The light blue complemented her skin tone perfectly. She tapped Kenzie’s glass. “What are you having? I’d like to buy you a drink to celebrate your first game.”
“Brett beat you to it. He insisted my first cap should be recognized by the coach.” Kenzie held up her empty glass.
“Then let me buy you another. It’s only right for the coach and captain to treat you.”
Kenzie licked her lips. Her eyes were a little heavy lidded, but they were clear and bright. “Rain check? I don’t like to drink much during the season.” Kenzie cringed. “Not that I drink a lot anyway, but the dehydration messes with me when I train, and I don’t feel good.”
Sutton could feel herself going soft for Kenzie the same way she always did for charming pretty girls. “Why do I have a feeling you’ll be one of Captain’s favorite players?” She shifted to the side and invited Kenzie to lean against the bar with her.
Kenzie spun the ice in her glass around with a straw. “I’m just trying to be responsible.”
“A turn-on for team captains, I assure you.”
Kenzie’s eyes seemed dark in the low lighting. She wore her hair up, and her stud earrings sparkled. Sutton wanted a snapshot of the moment.
Sutton started when someone wrapped their arms around her from behind. She turned to find Rhea smiling at her. “Hey, you,” she said stiffly. She bent to give Rhea a peck on the cheek, but Rhea locked their lips in a serious kiss. Sutton fell into the softness immediately. Perhaps she did miss Rhea after all. When she pulled back, Rhea was looking at her with pure adoration.
“I hate that we lost, but I love watching you play.” Rhea ran her hands inside Sutton’s open flannel and caressed her sides over her T-shirt. Rhea was petite for a soccer player, barely breaking five foot three with tiny features to match. She was more cute than beautiful, but an undeniably attractive package. Rhea adjusted her long black ponytail and reached for Sutton’s glass. She finished the drink off in one long swallow. “Gotta catch up.” She showed the empty glass to Kenzie.
“Rhea, this is Kenzie Shaw. One of the Hurricanes’ rookies this season.”
Rhea shook Kenzie’s hand politely. “Nice to meet you, although I think we were already introduced when I stripped the ball from you.”
“Pretty sure our formal introduction was when I nutmegged you just before assisting with our winning goal,” Kenzie said, her eyes never leaving the ice in her glass.
Sutton couldn’t speak, but even if she wanted to say something, this was a lose-lose situation.
Rhea pointed at Kenzie and shook her finger. “I think I really like you.”
Sutton let out a breath. She put her arms around Rhea’s waist and held her close. She had missed the feeling of holding someone. She and Rhea hadn’t been able to see one another before Sutton had to leave for national team camp, and the separation weighed heavily on them. Or maybe it just weighed on Sutton.
Sutton leaned in to kiss Rhea’s temple and whisper in her ear. “I missed you.” Rhea slipped her hands under Sutton’s T-shirt and scratched her lower back. Sutton shivered. Any worry she had about Rhea making a scene over her forgotten phone call had flown out the window.
Out of the corner of her eye, Sutton saw Kenzie walking away. She had the sudden urge to call her back and keep her near, but her brain told her Rhea should be her priority. She framed Rhea’s face and pulled her in to a sweet kiss.
“Get a room, you two,” Taylor said.
Sutton rolled her eyes. “I think that’s a pretty good idea, actually. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a great idea, baby.”
Sutton had to close her eyes and steady herself when Rhea reached into the back of her pants to scratch her bare asscheek. When she opened her eyes, she spotted Kenzie watching them. The pulsing between her legs intensified.
“Good night, everyone. We’re heading out,” Sutton said, avoiding Kenzie while she made her rounds quickly and left with Rhea.
* * *
Kenzie continued chewing on her straw long after Sutton and Rhea were gone. She hadn’t spoken to anyone or moved from the table in the corner. An odd mood had washed over her the moment Rhea walked in and staked her claim on Sutton. She felt smaller, less important, more like the rookie she was.
As she watched Sutton touch and kiss Rhea, Kenzie felt a spark of jealousy. But how could she be jealous? Sutton was her captain and barely qualified as an acquaintance on a personal level. Sure, they’d shared a few moments together that felt a little more than casual, but that didn’t mean anything. Did it?
Kenzie smiled around the straw and laughed at how silly she was being. Her celebrity crush was just macking on her sexy girlfriend, and she was wasting her time trying to figure out why it bothered her. The answer was simple and ridiculous. Kenzie wanted it to be her. She finally let her empty glass go and pulled on her jacket. Time for her to leave.
Chiara stepped in front of Kenzie. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I was just heading out. First game jitters really tire me out.”
“Are you driving?”
“Yeah. I’m fine, really.” Kenzie could feel Chiara’s analytical gaze sweep over her.
“I’d feel better if you stayed a little longer.”
She liked the way Chiara put things simply. She smiled and nodded. Chiara had always been incredibly sweet to her, even back in college when most young women were trying to figure out who they were and how they fit in on and off the field. “Fine, but only if you play me in foosball.”
“You didn’t learn a thing in college, did you?”
“I learned a lot then, but even more after you graduated.”
“Okay, bring it, Shaw.” Chiara looped her arm through Kenzie’s and led her to the worn foosball table.
Kenzie took some time getting back into her foosball groove, but Chiara started to sweat when she did. They played three games, and Kenzie walked away the champion. She had to admit laughing and joking around for another hour beat sitting at home in her bedroom, overthinking about Sutton Flores.
She walked out of the bar with Chiara, giggling as she headed to her car, Chiara at her side. “This is me.” Kenzie stuffed her hands into her pockets and shivered.
“I’m really glad we’re teammates again, Kenzie. I missed this,” Chiara said with a small poke to Kenzie’s stomach.
Kenzie grew nervous. She kept thinking about what Erin said. “I missed this, too. You know, Erin thought we had a thing back in college.” Kenzie laughed as if it was the funniest concept on earth.
Chiara’s laugh matched Kenzie’s. “If only she knew how badly I wish that was true.”
Kenzie’s laughter died. “Wait. What?”
Chiara looked at her skeptically. “Are you serious?”
“Seriously confused.”
“I had it bad for you back then. You were hot and funny, and we killed it on the field together, but I knew you never felt the same, so I kept it to myself.”
“Chiara, I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. You never seemed interested, and you always had a boyfriend. I’m just glad I wasn’t too obvious. The last thing I’d want is to make you uncomfortable.”
Kenzie was seeing Chiara in a new light, with her inviting dark skin and thick brown hair. She was gorgeous and so exquisitely feminine, but not Kenzie’s type. Maybe if she had been, a few other issues in Kenzie’s life would be easier.
“I’m sorry, because you’re a catch,” Kenzie said.
Chiara dusted off her shoulder. “Your loss now because I’m very much taken.”
“Oh? What’s her name?”
Chiara smiled goofily. “His name is Sam.”
Kenzie could see how happy she was. “I hope to meet him someday soon.”
“He’ll make it to a few games. He always does.”
Kenzie opened her arms and hugged her tightly. “I’m so happy for you.”
“What about you?” Chiara said as she drew back from Kenzie. “Any of those boyfriends stick around?”
“The boyfriends…poor guys.” It felt like a lifetime ago, but it was only a few years in her past. “They were helping me figure a few things out.”
“You’re saying I did have a shot.”
Kenzie laughed. “A better shot than they did, that’s for sure.”
Chiara gave Kenzie another quick hug before breaking out into a dramatic shiver. “Drive safe, and I’ll see you at practice.”
She waved as Chiara went back inside. She got into her car, started it, and blasted the heat. She held herself tightly and bounced to create warmth. She was shocked Chiara once had feelings for her, and she couldn’t get the thought out of her head. She supposed anything was possible. She thought about the look she’d shared with Sutton earlier, and she snorted.
“No way,” she said to herself. She put the car in drive and looked in the rearview mirror. She caught her eye in the reflection. “You’d win the lottery first.” She pulled out of her spot and drove home without another word to herself.
Chapter Seven
Losing at Uno three times in a row was an insult. Sutton threw her cards down and laid her head back against the bus seat. She wanted to accuse Taylor of cheating or Kristy of being an Uno shark, but she hadn’t been paying attention closely enough to win. A thought in the back of her mind wouldn’t leave her alone, but it’d somehow elude her every time she tried to focus on it. How could she work through a problem if she didn’t know what it was? She watched Taylor shuffle the deck of Uno cards, soothed by their blur.
Taylor extended the deck to Sutton. “Want a chance to redeem yourself?”
She held up her hands. “I can only handle so many losses.” She looked over her shoulder to see what the rest of the team was up to. She spotted Kenzie in one of the last rows, sitting by herself with headphones on. Her head was down, and she was closed off to the world. “Has she been sitting alone this whole time?”
