Love In the Red Zone (Connecticut Kings Book 1) by Love Belvin Page B

approaching my car. I couldn’t quite make out his face in the shadow of the night, but knew who he was. Even the field’s bright lights couldn’t reveal his features; he wore a hoodie again. He ambled with the posture of a lanky athlete as his big hand rested on a pouting Kyree’s head. Dang … I knew who the giant was and his business, walking my son to me.
    “Shawnie, I gotta go. Ky’s done now,” I dismissed her hurriedly, scrambling for the door handle.
    “Okay, girl. You can drop Kyree off when you need to, you know?” Lashawn had her issues, but she was a supportive cousin.
    “I know. Thanks.”
    I stood from the car, disconnecting the call. Prepared to receive whatever the man was going to tell me about Ky, I rested my arm on the open car door.
    “What is it tonight?” I initiated the complaint.
    Since the guy started talking to me about Kyree, I could tell he didn’t like it. It was as though he had no experience with reporting kids. I didn’t know him; couldn’t recall his presence here last year when Ryshon had me enroll Kyree for the first time. He must have been a new coach. As they neared me, my eyes roamed up his long legs that had a decent virile spacing between. He held a football in his palm, the ball fully nestled in the curve of his long fingers. Tonight, his sweat suit was heather gray with the jacket opened to a black t-shirt. I swept my eyes away from him.
    Kyree’s sullen regard was downcast. I knew that face. It was of guilt.
    What is his problem?
    Kyree was otherwise a good kid, fair mannered, and got along with children his age. This was getting out of control.
    “Let me guess,” I started when they were just feet away. “Tonight wasn’t a good one for him.”
    “It was actually a great night, performance wise.” The guy’s thick chords produced. “I guess you haven’t noticed the other kids left. Kyree had to run extra laps again.”
    “What for now?” I shrieked, asking Kyree who refused to look at me.
    My son wouldn’t answer, further revealing his guilt. I folded my arms over my abdomen, signaling my wait. Ky’s little eyes shifted up to meet mine for just a few seconds before he dropped them to the ground again.
    “Ky! What’s—”
    “I don’t wanna go home,” he whined underneath his breath.
    Shrinking embarrassment enclosed around me. My lips parted as my regard shot up to the man. I couldn’t catch his expression under the shadow of his hood, but I could only imagine what kind of red flags that outburst gave off. He’d finally let the cat out of the bag in front of someone.  
    “Well… I -I don’t either, but it’s a school night and late.” I tripped over my words, my regard bouncing up and down between the two guys in front of me.
    My heart pounded fanatically. Ky tossed me a nasty glare. I knew what he meant.
    “Wanna go get a bite before bedtime?” the giant offered. “I get hungry after practice, too.”
    My son’s head rocketed up and his face exploded in an animated smile instantly. “Yeah!”
    I took to Kyree’s side, my hand moving to his left shoulder, swiping the guy’s hand from his right. “We always eat a sandwich before bed. That’s not necessary at all.” I offered a broad beam, just wanting to leave this awkward—and what could be detrimental—encounter before more could be revealed. “Let’s go, baby.”
    I nudged him just to cue his movements.
    “It wouldn’t be a big deal at all. I’m sure we can get something fast and quick to bring that surge of energy down from the work he just put in out there,” the man’s vocals grew with each word, pleading with me.
    A stupid giggle escaped my throat. “No. Thanks. That PB&J always seems to do the trick.”
    I opened the back door for Kyree to get in and told him to put on his seatbelt as soon as he was seated on his booster. Then I hopped into the front seat and went to cut on the engine. It stalled. Of course, while this man is standing right in front, partially