The Quarterback's Secret Novels & Stories

Autumn had never truly believed in keeping secrets, lying, or avoiding reality. She knew she wasn't perfect—she'd told her share of little white lies, hidden things from her aunt, covered up crushes, failed quizzes, even fibbed about where she’d been after curfew back when she used to hang out with Calvin. But this? This was something else entirely. This secret throbbed in her chest like a second heartbeat, heavy and insistent, every time she glanced at the man lying in the spare bedroom. It was the kind of secret that demanded attention, refusing to be buried beneath ordinary worries.

He needs to recognize we’re wasting our time. “Right.” He says. “Laps. I want ten laps of the field now.” I shake my head and walk away. He doesn’t say anything. What’s he really going to do? Not let me play next week. I’m the goddamn fucking quarterback, he needs me. Our replacement isn’t anywhere as good as me, he hardly sees any play time in any case. I’ve the upper hand here right now.

she said, “it isn’t about who won a coin toss. You don’t use it on a headset. You don’t look at me different under lights. And if either of you turns it into a rivalry I throw the bolt and I throw you out into God.” Rowan’s voice dropped. “Understood.” Mateo: “Understood.” She pulled the zipper. The cage light stayed dead. Thunder rolled through the pads. Two coaches, one official, a table meant for ankles, not this. Quinn Ellison, off the clock, let the storm keep the secret.

was wearing thin. I was crossing the quad, moving fast, my shoulder perpetually hunched as if expecting a blow, when I saw him. Marcus. He was leaning against the brick wall of the North Hall, his helmet tucked under his arm, surrounded by a small cluster of admiring freshmen girls. Marcus was my direct competition for the starting quarterback position, and he hated me with a relentless, petty passion that made him dangerous. He never just looked at me; he analyzed me for weakness, hoping to find the crack he could exploit to displace the "Golden Boy."

Everything depended on the next four minutes. "Come on, Noah," I whispered. The teams lined up on the field. Noah took the snap, his first as quarterback all night, and immediately rolled right, scanning downfield. Jake narrated for me because I knew very little about football and needed him to explain what was happening, “Now he’s pump-faking… now he’s freezing the safety… now he’s fired a perfect pass to Marcus for fifteen yards. Oh my God, he’s so skilled, that was beautiful.” He muttered, his mouth full of popcorn.

Nolan is quiet when I finish. The line is silent for a while, “No… you still there?” I ask, concerned about the silence. “Yeah. I’m still here. Your mate is human… are you sure?” He asks, rather hesitantly. “Yes. One hundred percent sure. Why?” “No reason. You said he’s famous. Who is he?” “Joshua Logan. Quarterback for the Packers.” I say and I pull the phone away from my ear, knowing what’s coming.

I yell at Whitney, tweaking Stella's nose as they go back to the line of scrimmage. "We're gonna score this time, I can feel it," Whitney screams loudly. "C'mon, boys! Show them who you are!" Honestly, she scares me, but she's not judging me the way she judged Violet at the high school game, so I'll take it. This time, the quarterback tosses the ball toward Caleb, jumping up his hands connect and he cradles it protectively, breaking a tackle. There's nothing but empty field in front of him. "Run the ball, Cale!" Stella screams from where she's being held in Whitney's arms. Mom and daughter are screaming loudly.

All the way around. "I have a game plan to propose." She lifted one eyebrow. "Oh? Well, give." Another swallow. Jesus, he wasn't this nervous even before a kickoff. "What if we pretend to be a couple? I could be the guy who sweeps you off your feet. Sends you chocolates and flowers." When her eyes flew wide, he hurried on. "Just hear me out. Not to brag or anything, but I am the Warriors' number one backup quarterback. I get my share of publicity. Women tell me I'm not bad looking. I know not to wipe my nose with my hand, and I always wear clean clothes. I've been told I have a high profile in the hot guy department."

Quarterback Quandary Jenifer broke the silence first. “We’ve got to get a quarterback. Fast. I’ve got a list of free agents, but none of them are what we need. Too raw, too slow, too green. We could try to trade, but nobody’s letting a starter go this early.” Jeremy frowned. “I’ve got the same names. I don’t like any of them. The backup from Salina? He’s a turnover machine. That kid from Amarillo? He’s got an arm, but he doesn’t know the playbook and he’s never played indoors.”

I scoffed, calling in the next person. His special ability was his swiftness so we moved from the office to father's security's playground. Secretary Lee shot heavy balls at him and he passed. “What's your name?” “Simon.” “I like your hair,” I said, flashing him a winsome smile. Before he could speak, a ball hit his head. “Next!” I focused on my phone scrolling through endless messages while Secretary Lee did the job. Nothing seemed interesting, and the news of my attack had already died down due to my father's influence.