Ticket Out

I managed to secure a VIP seat for my favorite idol's concert. Just as I followed the staff to my seat and was about to sit down, a woman walked up from behind and plopped herself right into my spot. "This view is the best. I'm taking this seat." I looked at her and felt speechless. "Miss, that's my seat. Please move!" To my surprise, she pulled out a stack of cash from her bag and tossed it at me. "If you're broke, don't try to act like a fan. I'm buying this spot from you. Take the money and get lost!" When I didn't move, she sneered, "I'm the secretary to Mark Lawrence, CEO of Lawrence Group. In Jericha City, everyone knows the Lawrence family. Don't push your luck!" Mark? Wasn't he the man my dad engaged me to? I immediately retrieved my phone and called him. "Your secretary is out here throwing her weight around. She stole my concert seat. You owe me an explanation for this!"

'Since when did so much hate become affection, no, NEED' Callum Reyes has spent his entire life earning his place. A scholarship wide receiver at Crestfield University — one of the most elite football programs in the country — he knows exactly what he is to the people here: a charity case with fast legs and a GPA they didn't expect. He keeps his head down, his grades up, and his heart locked behind something no one has ever bothered to pick. Then there's Jaxon Whitfield. Quarterback. Team captain. Golden boy of Crestfield's football dynasty. Jaxon is everything Callum isn't — legacy money, a famous last name, and a jaw that could cut glass. He's also, by every measurable standard, the most infuriating human being Callum has ever been forced to share oxygen with. From the first day Callum stepped onto that field, Jaxon decided he was a problem. Too fast. Too good. Too'there.' He rides Callum harder than any other player, gets under his skin in ways that shouldn't be possible, and looks at him with those dark green eyes like Callum is something he can't figure out — and hates himself for trying. But when a career-threatening injury, a locker room secret, a rivalry that's starting to feel like something else entirely, and one night neither of them planned for collide — Callum and Jaxon have to reckon with something they were never supposed to feel. 'Offside' is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers MM sports romance about two young men learning that the person who makes your blood boil might just be the person setting you on fire. It's about class and legacy, found family and loneliness, the weight of expectation, and what happens when the one person you want to hate is the only one who actually'sees' you.

On the day of my daughter’s graduation trip, I ended up late because of work. When I rushed to the airport, I was stopped at the counter. “Sir, we don’t have your ticket details in the system.” I stood stunned for two seconds. I called my wife Sue Jenkins a dozen times before she finally picked up. “Did you buy a ticket for me?” It sounded very noisy on her end and her voice kept being cut off. “I accidentally filled in Clement’s name instead of yours, so I thought I’d just bring him along on the trip. I was so busy boarding the plane just now, I forgot to tell you. If you want to join us, take the next flight in…” My daughter’s voice suddenly sounded through the phone. “Dad, just do your work in peace. It’s good enough to have Mom and Clement with me on my graduation trip.” The call got cut off. The airport was bustling with people, but I stood rooted to the ground for a long time with my luggage case behind me. Sorrow filled my heart. When I was young, my mom was always biased toward my brother. She would always tell me that the elder brother should always give in to his younger brother. After growing up and having my own family, my wife took a liking for my younger brother. Even my daughter liked pestering him on a daily basis. I looked at the itinerary I spent many nights preparing. Exhaustion filled me. I picked up my phone and sent the resignation email I had typed out long ago to my company. Then, I booked a one-way flight ticket scheduled seven days later. Since I was always excluded, I decided to take the initiative to leave.

Before entering the SAT venue, I suddenly realize that I can't find my admission ticket at all. That's when my rival, Sara Foster, texts me. "You're still dreaming of taking the exam, huh? Why don't you take a good look at what this is?" I see ripped pieces of my admission ticket floating on the water in the photo. I start trembling violently at the sight. Just as I'm about to ask Sara why she ruined my ticket, I see another text message from my childhood friend, Josh Hooper. "Remember when I told you to get into Calder College just so you could keep me company there? It's all a prank. I've given up on my guaranteed admission spot so that I can attend Westbrook University with Sara. "I was also the one who took your admission ticket away. I was worried that you might ruin my relationship with Sara by badgering us, so I've decided to make you repeat your senior year." That's when the exam bell rings. I can no longer hold myself together, so I slump to the ground in a fit of despair. The moment my vision blurs with tears, a live comment appears out of nowhere. "What are you crying for? Remember the guaranteed admission slot that Josh has given up on? According to the rules, it has been passed to the one ranked second, which is you!"

An ordinary girl who can be defined by one word; adventurous...and well, maybe a little bit of rebellious. It's one thing that can set her soul free from everything. A boy who is known for three words; the sheriff's son. In other words—well-behaved. What happens when these two people collide? Have you ever painted a graffiti on a wall? Ever destroyed a Lamborghini? Or even try to outrun drug dealers? Well, he's about to experience that with her as The Three A.M Getaway begins.

At the supermarket checkout, I pulled up my e-wallet. The system froze. While I waited, I shoved the bottled water into a bag. "Miss!" the cashier yelled. "You didn't pay. Trying to steal?" Every head turned. Before I could say a word, my phone rang. "Dr. Andersen, a family of three got hit by a truck. Metal debris went through their chests. You're the only one who can operate!" Owen sounded freaked. I hung up and slapped a ten on the counter. "I'm sorry, but I have an emergency operation waiting. I need to go. Can I pay cash?" "No." She tossed the bill aside and gave me a once-over. "You? A doctor? Yeah, right. "You're not going anywhere until the system's back up." My phone kept buzzing in my pocket. "I don't want it anymore." I dropped the bottled water on the counter and turned to leave. Click. The cashier locked the exit gate. Then she faced the crowd. "She broke the checkout system, and now she's trying to run! Don't let her get away! "Everyone, stay calm. Security and the technician will be here any second." Whispers broke out around me. The smug look in her eyes made my blood boil.