Getting information on Lexi Driver wasn’t difficult. A lot of simple life details were on the Internet. She’s from the Midwest, has a love of horses, and her parents are Christians that take an interest in church activities and charities. I’m sure they are dreaming she will get familiar with Tim Tebow. It’ll crush mommy and daddy to see their little girl get drilled in a locker room.

I look at the clock and realize it’s three in the morning. I’ve been researching Lexi for the past hour and a half. I have early morning practice. This is not good. I must keep myself in prime physical condition, and I can’t do that on less than three hours sleep. I climb upstairs to my room and flop onto my bed.

The next morning, I feel like shit, but as I make a protein shake, I see my phone and I’m reminded of why. Excitement bubbles up inside me at the thought of watching me, Lexi, and her beautiful, vulnerable face again. A nice morning pick-me-up.

“So, did you get an apology from Lexi after the interview?” Coach Dietrick asks as he approaches me on the field.

“No,” I mutter.

“Suppose it doesn’t matter though. The interview went well.”

That was true. Lexi had asked the right questions, and they made me look good, unlike Bethany.

“I’m glad you feel that we support you all the way.” Coach Dietrick pats my back. “You keep playing like you are, who knows, someone might steal you from me.”

I see the uneasy expression in his eyes. “I love this team,” I say to reassure him. “I have no intentions of leaving anytime soon.”

He watches my eyes for a moment, “Well, we’ll keep working with you. You’ve earned this time on the field. Things aren’t looking great for Dion. He may not be able to come back next season.”

I’m excited and nervous as all hell. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a lifetime. Dying for it. But I feel guilty; it’s at the cost of Dion’s career. On the other hand, he has had years in the limelight and only has three good years left in him, tops.

“This is your time now to prove yourself,” Dietrick reminds me. “Make the most of it so you have no regrets. We had a real shot at making it to the Super Bowl this year with Dion at the helm. The team would be disappointed if we don’t, so don’t hold back.”

“Say no more, Coach, I understand.”

“I knew you would.”

As he walks away, I reflect on what he is really saying—I have to gain and keep the respect of my teammates. I’ve had a good start with a great game. But I need them to like me enough that they can set Dion aside in their minds and not make comparisons. The pressure is on.

Now that I have the future of the Blazers on my shoulders, I need to relieve the pressure. There’s only one way I know of to relieve the stress; I learned it through other star athletes. Whenever Dion feels an immense amount of pressure, he goes out, gets drunk, and bangs a few girls. Does it matter that he has a couple of kids and a wife? Not to Dion. Somehow, the game and winning is more important to many athletes. But I’m in no family situation to feel guilty about. The only permanent woman in my life is my mother, and she’s back in Ohio waiting for me to come back to her at the end of the season—no matter what I’ve done. Lexi is available and willing. My mind drifts to her gorgeous blue eyes I saw on the video, glazed with need. I frantically text Hal. He might help me out.