The Quarterback (The Seattle Steelheads)

Zoey:

My life is anything but perfect—but I’ve gotten really good at pretending it is.

My ballet career busted before it even began, all because my body changed. And my love life? That’s been doomed from the start, too. Why? Because I’ve been in love with one guy since I was a kid. And that’s exactly how he sees me.

Gary Robinson, quarterback of the Seattle Steelheads, I’ve known him since I was twelve and in love with him since I was thirteen!

He’s never said anything, thank God. I don’t even think he’s realized it. Maybe when I was little, but now he definitely has no clue. But regardless, he’s been a constant in my life—those piercing blue eyes, that easy charm. His goofy sense of humor!

He’s everything I want but can’t have… Loving him isn’t the hard part—hiding it is.

But then he walks in on me while I’m FaceTiming with my sister, being completely ridiculous while sunbathing by the pool—instead of laughing it off, he gets…angry.

And suddenly, pretending gets a whole lot harder.

Gary:

Being a professional quarterback for the Seattle Steelheads? That was always the dream.

But Zoey? I never saw her coming.

Not only is she the coach’s daughter, but he’s also my friend. His wife is my cousin!
She’s always been there—cute, talented, sweet as hell. She’s never been anything more than the cute kid that had a crush on me once.

When did she grow up?

I’ve never been in a serious relationship before, even a not serious relationship. But now, after seeing her at the pool…I can’t unsee what I saw. And—well, I don’t want to.