Playing to Win

receivers in the game. I’m new to this team and I’m trying to make a go of it, so for that reason alone I’m giving you a pass. But understand this: You make another personal remark about Savannah and I’ll lay you flat. You got me?”
    Lon raised his hands. “No harm, man. I got you. Sorry. I didn’t know your relationship with her was like that.”
    “It’s not like that at all. She’s a nice woman and she’s out here doing her job. You don’t need to ogle her and you don’t need to talk shit about her. Just keep your mind on your business.”
    “Okay. I’m sorry again. Really.”
    He could tell Lon was sincere this time. Now he had all this anger and no way to vent. Normally, he’d have had a fight by now, or he’d go walk off and do something to get rid of the tension. But heeding Savannah’s advice, he nodded. “Fine. Let’s go see if Bill can run some drills with us. Kenny and I could use some help getting the layout.”
    “Okay. Sure.” Lon grabbed his helmet and he and Jamarcus walked off.
    “Kenny,” Cole said.
    “Yeah?”
    “You’re a little slow on your timing. You need to push off harder and watch your left. Safety’s getting to you every time on the double six play.”
    He could see the lightbulb go off in the kid’s eyes. Kenny gave him a tentative smile. “I didn’t see that. Thanks. I’ll work on it.”
    Okay, so maybe that hadn’t been as bad as he thought it might be.
    Jury was still out on how friendly he’d allow himself to be with these guys.
    But Savannah might have had a point. There was no sense in making enemies when it was to his advantage to make friends.
    At least on the surface.
    ROUND ONE DOWN. SAVANNAH BREATHED A SIGH OF relief.
    She knew working with Cole was going to be tough. He wasn’t a marshmallow, and he wouldn’t take all her suggestions as easily as he’d taken this one. But the offensive line was running plays, Cole was getting the ball, and even the other receivers were blocking for him.
    So far, that meant he hadn’t pissed off anyone. Not bad for day one. Maybe if she stuck close to him she could avoid a disaster. The coach still had reservations about Cole, despite her reassurances that she had it all under control. She’d told him Cole had changed, and it wouldn’t be long before he had an image as shiny as a bright new diamond.
    Coach seemed dubious about that, and he told her actions spoke louder than promises.
    Savannah never failed. If she had to move in with Cole and watch him like a first-time mother hovering over her newborn, that’s what she’d do. Her reputation was on the line.
    Which meant instead of leaving during his practice, she decided to stay for the day. She pulled up a chair near the coaches and watched Cole practice.
    Not a hardship, really. Tight pants, great ass, and a lot of sweat. There was no doubt he worked hard, and even though he was the oldest wide receiver on the team, if she could convince him to keep his head in the game, he could be the best. His reflexes were quick, he was in excellent health. He’d suffered no injuries during his career. Just watching his calves work made her mouth water. It was obvious his legs were still in prime shape.
    So were his hands. He seemed to have an instinct about the ball, as if they were of the same mind. Wherever it was thrown, there he was. He had a light touch and he never dropped it. When he took off into a sprint, even the young defensive players had a difficult time keeping up with him as he dashed toward the end zone.
    She’d underestimated him. Admittedly, she’d thought he was average—a player at the midpoint of his career with the attitude and chip on his shoulder to match. Watching him today she realized he was anything but.
    With his talent, health, and stamina, Cole had a lot of seasons left. He could be an MVP if he concentrated more on the game and positive influences and less on getting in trouble.
    That’s why she had her job. She was going to make sure this was a great season for him and just the beginning of great things.
    She met him outside the locker room after he took his shower.
    “You still here?”
    “I am.” She followed him down the hall. “You had a great practice today. You looked amazing.”
    That got a twitch of a smile from him. “Honey, I am amazing.”
    “Your modesty touches me.”
    He laughed. “I did have a good day today. Thanks for your help.”
    She craned her neck to look up at him. “My help with