Read Online Headstrong Quarterback: A New Adult Sports Romance by Ava Catori - Free Book Online

those few extra inches my ears were closer to the door would make a big difference. Yes, I knew listening in was wrong, but how could I tune them out? He loved me? My body buzzed with warmth.
    “She’s not good enough, Steel. She’ll hold you back,” Kira lamented.
    “What makes you an expert?” He was growing annoyed with his little sister questioning his choices.
    “She works at some dive bar, Steel. You’re a professional ball player. You deserve more than white trash.”
    The knife in my chest twisted. I could barely swallow.
    Anger slashed out of him. “Holy shit; did you just call Avery trash?”
    Kira back-pedaled. “Come on, I didn’t mean it that way.”
    “I expected more out of you,” he spat out.
    “Steel, that’s not fair. You know I’m just looking out for you. How do you know she’s not a gold digger looking to strike it rich?”
    “You know nothing about her, not where she comes from, not how I found her – and what we have is real.” He was firm, direct, and strong. He wasn’t letting his sister second guess his choices.
    “I’m sorry, okay,” she said, trying to pacify him. “It’s just that I’m watching out for you.”
    “Don’t bother, if you’re going to tear Avery down.”
    “You’re making a mistake,” she shot out, then stomped down the hallway and slammed her door shut.
    I closed my eyes, in case he came into the room. I didn’t want him to know I’d eavesdropped. I draped myself in my new knowledge. A smile slipped over my lips. Only her stupid voice snuck back into my head. A gold digger, white trash… That she classified me in such negative terms horrified me. Apparently, her opinion of me wasn’t painting a pretty picture. I thought we’d found common ground. I was foolish to believe she’d ever be my friend. I was taking too much of Steel.
    After enough time passed, I got up. I padded into the kitchen.
    “Hey,” he greeted. Steel got up from the table and pushed his mug back.
    “Morning.” I snuggled into him, then looked up into his sad eyes. “Are you okay?”
    “Yeah, just a fight with my sister.”
    I pretended not to know. “What happened? Do you want to talk about it?”
    “Not really,” he said, then turned the conversation back to me. “How’s your final paper coming along?”
    I shrugged. “I’m not really feeling it, but it’s almost finished. I’m a little overwhelmed to be honest. I’m not sure what to do with myself. If I graduate, it opens a lot of new possibilities, and yet the simplicity of staying where I am, at Phil’s strikes me, too. There’s not any pressure.”
    “You’re smart; you’ll figure it out,” he said. “I need to go out for a bit today. Do you mind hanging with my sister? When you wrap your classes, maybe we could go away. Once training comes up again, I won’t get much free time. Football season can be pretty intense.”
    My insides tightened. I knew what Kira thought of me, and wasn’t allowed to admit it. “Yeah, sure, I’ll keep her company.”
    Steel wrapped his massive hand around his coffee mug and took a big gulp. “Thanks.”
    I loved his voice. It was deep and solid, sexy and masculine. I loved how it made my insides tingle. I took a chance. I tested him casually, then waited.  “I’m going to grab a shower. Love you.”
    Nothing in return. I wondered if I was out of line. Would he know I heard his earlier conversation? I waited. Still nothing. My gut clenched. I think his sister’s opinion held more weight than I realized. Was he second guessing himself?

Chapter 13
     
    Steel pulled me close. His hot breath filled my ear. My body tingled as he whispered softly. “I’m so proud of you, Avery. I love you, babe.”
    I swallowed hard and looked up at him. “I love you, too.”
    He gave me a small kiss. I controlled the urge to climb on him and do dirty things. This wasn’t the time or place. We stood among masses of people after my graduation, and only after we got back to his truck