Claiming Carter (Waverly Wildcats Book 1)

long pause as if Jackson’s thinking over his answer. My heart thrums in my chest, an unwelcome reminder of the situation I need to fix.
“Carter’s got a good leg,” he finally says.
“But?” Collins asks.
“No but. First time kicking a field goal and she hit four out of five from forty.” Jackson pauses. “Her accuracy’s good and the soccer coach says she takes direction well. I can work with that, assuming she can handle the pressure.”
I grin, my spirits finally lifting.
“Only one way to answer that question,” Collins says. “You want to offer her Spellman’s spot on the roster, it’s your call.”
Jackson doesn’t respond immediately and my palms begin to itch. “There is one other matter we need to discuss. Carter is looking for a scholarship.”
Coach grunts and slaps something down on the desk. “Out of the question. She’s unproven and we’ve got men on this team who’ve been playing three and four years, hoping for a shot at scholarship money.”
Fuck. I let my head drop back and it thunks against the wall. I should’ve seen this coming. Collins might be a hard ass, but he takes care of his guys.
“Quit hovering and get your ass in here, Reid.”
Busted. But maybe I can make it work to my advantage. I straighten my spine and stroll into the office like I was just waiting for an invitation. “Coach.”
Neither of the men says anything, but Jackson studies me, head tilted and brows furrowed, like I’m a puzzle he can’t solve. Good luck, bro. I haven’t figured my shit out either. I don’t know Jackson well since he works with Special Teams, but I’ve heard good things about him from Spellman. And hey, if he wants to give Carter a scholarship, that makes him good stuff in my book.
After a beat, Collins clears his throat. “What the hell are you doing listening at my door, Reid? I know your mama taught you better than that.”
It’s all I can do not to flinch. As soon as the reprimand is out of his mouth, it’s clear he regrets it. After all, my mom’s dead.
That shit hurts, my chest tightening at the loss like it was yesterday. Or maybe it’s the prospect of disappointing her that burns white-hot. I take a deep breath and embrace the pain. It’s up to me to make this thing with Carter happen. A lot of people are counting on me. Coach. The team. My dad. The fans. It’s a lot of fucking pressure, and I can already picture the headlines if the team stumbles.
Nope. Not gonna happen.
“Austin—”
“Sir,” I say, cutting off what will no doubt be an awkward apology. Hard pass. Got enough of those to last a lifetime when the cancer took my mom. “I understand there are guys on the team who would appreciate scholarship money, but I think I speak for everyone when I say we want a national title more.” Collins nods. He wants it too. I can see it in his eyes. “The guys voted me captain because I’m a leader, so I could be the voice of the team. The way I see it, we can’t expect to win a national title without a kicker. James”—fuck, I hope I got the new kid’s name right—“will be good eventually, but we need Carter now.”
Jackson shifts in his chair, but says nothing.
“You realize this is highly unorthodox?” Coach asks, rubbing the gray stubble on his jaw.
“Sir, I’m a sucker for a good underdog story. I’d throw my lot in with Carter all day long. She needs the scholarship and we need her leg. We can make this work.” I pause, meeting his eye and hoping like hell he can see the determination that’s burning in my gut. “I can make this work.”
Coach narrows his eyes, but when he throws his hands up, I know I’ve convinced him. “You’re the captain, Reid. It’ll be on you to explain it to the rest of the team. And I don’t want any damn funny business in the locker room. You feel me?”
I snort. No danger of that happening. Carter’s made it clear she doesn’t exactly hold football players in high regard.
Coach grunts and I realize he’s waiting for an answer. “No funny business. Got it.”
“A woman on the football roster,” Coach says, shaking his head. “I never thought I’d see the day.” He turns to Jackson. “It’s up to you to work out the logistics. And make sure she understands I won’t tolerate distractions of any kind. First sign of trouble, I’ll yank that scholarship so fast her head will spin, same as the men.”
“I’ll get the paperwork started.” Jackson climbs to his feet, looking pleased at this turn of events. “Then we can make the call.”
Coach shakes his head and scrubs a hand over his face. “This girl really wants to play college ball?”
“Yes, sir.” Assuming Carter hasn’t changed her mind again.
After all, her record is 0-1.
 
Kennedy
“Hey, Mom.” I do my best to sound cheery despite my roiling stomach. Unfortunately, the greeting comes out more like the croak of a dying frog.
Good one, Kennedy.
“Hi, sweetie.” Her melodic voice is a balm to my frazzled nerves. “Just calling to check in. I thought you had your first practice with the football team today?”
“I’m on my way there now.” I glance out the bus window as we leave the ivy-covered brick buildings of campus behind and take University Drive out to the football building. I’ve never been inside the modern stone and glass behemoth, but I’ve heard it’s a state-of-the-art facility on par with pro athletic teams.
Go Wildcats!
“Nervous?” she asks. It’s been just the two of us for as long as I can remember and it doesn’t take her long to suss out my moods.
“Of course I’m nervous.” No point lying when she already knows the answer. I was shocked when Jackson called to say he wanted to work with me. Apparently he was impressed by my raw talent (because sixteen years of soccer and strength training don’t count