AGAINST the ODDS

Chapter 21: Under the Spotlight

(Jaxon's POV – The media catches wind of their closeness, sparking rumors.)

⸻

I should have known it wouldn't stay quiet for long.

One dinner. That's all it was.

One damn dinner, and now my name is splashed across every sports site, not because of my rehab progress, but because of her.

Jaxon Monroe Spotted Dining with Team Doctor—Something More Than Rehab?

Inside the Recovery and Romance of Jaxon Monroe—Is He Mixing Business with Pleasure?

Jaxon Monroe's Road to Recovery: A Love Story in the Making?

I groan, throwing my phone onto the couch in frustration. I shouldn't be surprised. The media loves a good scandal, and right now, my busted knee isn't enough to keep me in the headlines.

But Lillian?

A story about the reckless, hotheaded quarterback falling for his doctor?

That's gold for them.

The problem is, I don't think Lillian is going to take this well.

And I don't want to find out how much damage this is about to cause.

⸻

Damage Control

I pull on a hoodie and joggers, grabbing my keys before heading out the door. The second I step outside, the flashes start.

"Jaxon! Any comments on Dr. Lillian Carter?"

"Is she your girlfriend?"

"Are you two dating, or is she just helping with your recovery?"

I grit my teeth, pushing past the swarm of reporters who somehow figured out where I live.

I don't answer.

I never answer.

Giving them a reaction only fuels the fire.

I jump into my car and speed off, heading straight to the training facility, hoping Lillian hasn't seen the headlines yet.

Hoping I can warn her before this blows up in her face.

⸻

Too Late

When I walk into the rehab center, I immediately know I'm too late.

Lillian is standing by the treatment table, arms crossed, her phone clenched tightly in one hand.

She looks up the second I enter, her expression unreadable.

I stop a few feet away, rubbing the back of my neck. "I'm guessing you saw the headlines."

Her lips press into a tight line. "I saw them."

I exhale sharply. "Look, I had no idea they'd run with this. I didn't say anything to anyone."

She shakes her head, setting her phone down on the table. "It doesn't matter if you didn't. They already think there's something going on."

There is something going on, but I don't say that. Not now.

"I'll get my PR team to shut it down," I offer. "Have them deny everything, make it clear that this is nothing."

Her eyes flicker slightly, something unreadable passing through them. "And is that what you want?"

I frown. "What?"

"For this to be nothing?"

I study her carefully. "Lillian..."

She shakes her head, exhaling. "Never mind. It doesn't matter. What matters is that this could affect my job, Jaxon. I told you this was dangerous."

I step closer, lowering my voice. "And I told you I don't care about the rules."

She swallows hard but holds my gaze. "I do."

⸻

The Fallout Begins

I don't get a chance to argue before the door swings open and one of the team's senior staff members steps inside.

Coach Reynolds.

Damn it.

His gaze moves between us, his expression unreadable. "Carter, a word."

Lillian tenses beside me. "Of course."

I watch as she follows him out of the room, my jaw tightening.

I already know what's about to happen.

And I have a feeling I'm not going to like it.