Chapter 61

“But he—”

“Twelve.”

Thompson sighs. “Coach—”

“Keeping talking,” the coach warns. “You’re up to fifteen.”

Throwing Sean a hateful look, Thompson jogs to the edge of the pitch. Sean grins but his victory is short-lived. “What are you two waiting for?” the coach asks. “A golden ticket? I want eight from both of you. Now.”

With a sigh, Kidman starts, “Coach, my asthma…”

At the stern look Barrett throws his way, Kidman trails off. Jogging after Thompson, he mutters, “I’m going to die out here.”

“If you’re lucky,” the coach shoots back. “You too, Mason. Start hoofing it.”

Sean glances around, trying to find…there. That hot black guy’s just skirted the goal and now follows the rest of the team along the stretch of field heading for the centerline. Sean starts to jog, gauging the distance separating them, and picks up speed the last few feet to break through the ranks and fall into step beside the guy. Matching his strides, Sean flashes him a wide smile. “You’re new here. I’m Sean.”