Off-Limits: Rixon High, #1

By L. A. Cotton

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author L A Cotton, comes an opposites-attract sports romance. Angst... drama... friendship... and football. Will you survive senior year?

 

 

Lily Ford has always been a wallflower.

 

But it's senior year, and she wants nothing more than to try and push her boundaries and embrace the last year of high school.

 

Kaiden Thatcher has always been the star on the football field.

 

But now he finds himself in enemy territory forced to prove himself to his new coach and teammates.

 

It starts with a dare. Seven minutes of heaven in a boat shed. But it quickly turns into something neither of them saw coming.

 

He's everything she should resist.

She's everything he shouldn't want.

But neither of them are willing to walk away because together, their demons seem that little bit easier to silence.

 

There's just one problem ... Lily is the coach's daughter.

 

And one hundred percent off-limits.

 

* Off-Limits is a 100,000-word standalone romance in the Rixon High series. It deals with some sensitive issues that some readers may find distressing, This book is recommended for readers 17+

• Language: English
• Publisher: Delesty Books
• Release date: Mar 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393359449

L. A. Cotton

Addictive Romance Author of mature young adult and new adult novels, L A is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns. Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find L A immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Lily

Everything is going to be fine.

I chanted the words like a prayer in my head as I stared at myself in the mirror.

It was the first day of senior year. A day for feeling excited and eager and cautiously optimistic. A day to make bucket lists and plans for the future.

A day to smile.

But my smile was fake, and my bucket list contained only one item: survive.

Let’s go, Lilster. My sister Poppy poked her head around the door, smiling. Ooh, cute outfit. She gave me the once over.

Anyone would think it was her first day of senior year, but no, my sister was a junior. A confident, bubbly, popular junior.

And I was… a wallflower.

Shy, meek, Lily Ford.

I’m coming, I said, checking my reflection for the last time.

You’ve got this.

With a weak smile, I grabbed my backpack and followed Poppy downstairs.

Good morning, my two favorite girls.

Morning, Mom. Something smells good.

I made blueberry pancakes.

Hmm, my favorite, Poppy said. Where’s Peyton? she asked, but seconds later, my best friend burst through the kitchen door.

Good morning, she sang.

Good morning, Peyton. You’re looking very… Mom’s brows furrowed as she sipped her coffee. Is that school appropriate?

No. No it isn’t. Dad waltzed into the room and gave Peyton a disapproving glance. I know it’s senior year, but that, he wagged a finger at her outfit, is not happening on my watch.

Mr. Ford, she said, around a puppy-dog pout, it’s my lucky blouse.

Lucky blouse or unlucky blouse, go change.

Ugh, fine. She stomped off out of the kitchen.

Do you think we’re being too hard on her? Mom asked no one in particular.

She needs boundaries, Fee. And while she’s staying under our roof… He trailed off, running a hand over his jaw.

You’re right. I thought we had our hands full with these two, but add Peyton into the mix and whew, I’m not sure I’m cut out for three teenage girls.

Try being the only male in a house full of estrogen.

Dad! Poppy cringed.

What? He shrugged. It’s true. His eyes flicked to mine, a hundred questions glittering there. I gave him a small smile and nodded.

I was fine.

Everything was going to be fine.

Okay, better? Peyton appeared in the doorway. She’d slipped a black tank on under her blouse, so half her midriff was no longer showing, but I had no doubt she’d take it off the second we left the house.

Much, Dad grunted. Now get in here and eat something.

So what do you think they’ll be like? Poppy said the moment she sat down.

They’re just kids, Pops, not some alien life form from another planet.

Yeah, but Rixon East hates us.

Well, we’re going to all need to put that aside and welcome them into school with a friendly smile. Mom wasn’t looking at us, she was staring at Dad who looked murderous. Jason, she added.

Yeah, I know. I just… fuck, did it have to be him?

Jase! She scolded, flicking her eyes to us.

What exactly happened with you and Mr. Thatcher anyway? Peyton asked.

It’s ancient history, Mom replied. And we can’t judge a young man’s worth by the sins of his father. She gave Dad another hard look.

I heard Kaiden Thatcher is one of the best quarterbacks in state. Peyton had that look in her eyes, the same look she got whenever a cute guy was around.

I already have a quarterback, that’s the problem. Dad drained his coffee. I don’t know how the school board expects me to assimilate two teams into one roster. It’s an impossible task. Not to mention, the rumors that he’s a bit of a loose cannon like his father.

Mom went over to him and squeezed his shoulders. You’ll figure it out. You’re Jason freaking Ford. She leaned down and kissed his cheek.

Dad was stressed. Had been ever since we found out that Rixon East, the school across the river, had almost burned down over the summer. Almost a third of its kids were transferring to Rixon High this year. Including the majority of its senior football players. Which would have been fine, if it wasn’t for the huge rivalry between their school and ours.

It was a whole thing.

As coach for the Rixon Raiders, my dad had his hands full this semester, trying to deal with the assimilation.

Girls, do you want a ride to school?

Actually, Mr. Ford, Ashleigh is giving us a ride, Peyton rushed out a little too hastily.

She is?

Yeah, Dad, she wants to show off her new shiny Mazda. It was an early birthday present from her parents.

Well, you girls drive safe. He tipped his face up to Mom. Maybe I should call Cam.

You don’t need to call Cam. Ashleigh is a sensible driver.

Seriously, Dad. Lilster is a senior now. If she had her own car then—

Poppy. I kicked her under the table. We’d discussed this. I didn’t want a car, not yet. Poppy and Peyton would only want me to chauffeur them around and Rixon was small enough to navigate on foot or by bus.

Besides, I wasn’t ready.

You feeling okay, Lil? Peyton asked.

Yeah, I’m fine.

You haven’t eaten much. Mom frowned at my plate of barely touched pancakes.

I’m not hungry.

Lily, you have to—

Fee. Dad shook his head. It’s senior year jitters, that’s all. Happens to the best of us. He winked at me and some of the tension inside me ebbed away.

You have nothing to worry about. Peyton smirked. Senior year is going to be epic.

Yeah. I managed a weak smile.

Epic.

I wanted to share her enthusiasm. I wanted to be excited about what the year would bring.

But the truth was, the only thing I wanted was to get through each day.

I can’t believe she’s—yep, she got in Sean’s car.

Ashleigh, Poppy, and I watched as his car drove off with Peyton inside. Mom and Dad would freak if they saw her going with him. Sean Farrow wasn’t exactly a star student. But that was Peyton, always falling for the diamonds in the rough. She craved attention. I didn’t blame her though, she’d had a tough life.

People often didn’t understand why we were friends. The wild child and the wallflower. Peyton Myers was everything I wasn’t. Beautiful, confident, and strong-willed. But she was also damaged. Damaged in a way only other damaged people could understand.

I understood.

We were different in all the ways society deemed important, but our souls were the same.

She didn’t judge me or my issues just as I didn’t judge hers.

God, I wish I was as brave as her. Poppy let out a soft sigh.

Oh yeah, Pops, Ashleigh teased, and which guy’s car would you be climbing into?

No one’s, she rushed out a little too quickly.

Wait a second. My brows furrowed. Do you like a boy? I teased.

No, that’s not what I—oh, shut up. Both of you. She poked her tongue out, scrunching her nose up in annoyance.

So what do you think it’ll be like… you know, with half of Rixon East starting school?

It isn’t half, Leigh. Dad said it’s more like a third.

Half, third, it doesn’t matter. It’s still a whole lot of new kids. She shrugged as she made the turn for our school. It’s going to be interesting for sure.

That was one way of putting it.

Did your dad say anything else about it?

He’s worried about the team. If he’s got to give the East players a fair shot it will cause issues, Poppy said.

I already heard Jenson and his guys are refusing to play if Coach gives any of their positions to East players.

I’m sure it will figure itself out, I said, staring out of the window, watching the world roll by.

Hey, you good? Ashleigh asked me.

I nodded. Just first day jitters.

Her brows pinched as I met her eyes. It’s going to be okay, Lil. We’re seniors now. It’s our time to shine.

That was just it though. I didn’t want to shine. I wanted to stay in my safe little bubble where I knew what to expect.

Have you given any more thought to college? she asked.

I’m still not sure.

Well, you have time.

Time.

It already felt like it was running away from me. Mrs. Bennet, the guidance counsellor, would want to know my plans. She would expect me to have some idea of where I wanted to apply, and when I told her my small list of in-state schools, she would encourage me to think further afield.

But the truth was, I wasn’t sure I was ready.

School was a hive of activity when we arrived. Everyone was watching, waiting for the Rixon East kids to make their grand entrance.

I empathized a lot. When I’d started Rixon High, I’d been terrified. Middle school wasn’t easy for me. It should have been a blessing, being the daughter of one of Rixon’s most famous residents. But it was my curse. I loved my dad; I loved him something fierce. It wasn’t easy sometimes though, being Lily Ford, daughter of NFL legend Jason Ford.

Lil? Ashleigh said, pulling me back into the moment.

Yeah, coming. I gave her a weak smile and she laced her arm through mine. Poppy gave us a small wave and skipped off to find her best friend Sofia.

Peyton and Sean look cozy. Ashleigh motioned over to where he had our friend pinned up against the side of his car. His hand was buried in her hair as he leaned in, whispering something to her. Peyton giggled, her hands running up his chest.

A pang of jealousy zipped through me. She was so good at that, at being with guys. Flirting and having fun with them. She never let herself get close, that wasn’t Peyton’s MO, but she soaked up their attention like warm rays of sunshine. I envied her. Guys at school treated me like a social leper. I was Coach Ford’s daughter. The apple of his eye. The shy, meek girl who hung out in the shadows. Even if they were interested, and they weren’t, nobody was brave enough to ask out the coach’s daughter.

I watched Sean brush his lips over Peyton’s, once, twice… Most girls would have begged for more, batting their eyelashes and smiling seductively. But not Peyton. She gave him a saucy wink before slipping out from between him and his car and made her way over to us.

You and Sean looked cozy? Ashleigh said.

He’s a cutie but I’m not sure he’s the guy for me. She flicked her long platinum blonde hair off her shoulder.

Are they ever the guy for you? I asked.

High school guys are fun but they’re too… eager. Peyton let out a soft sigh, something flashing in her eyes. Sometimes, I wondered if it was all a front. Her confidence and bravado. Her don’t care attitude. But there were some things not even best friends told each other.

We made our way into school, and I focused on my breathing. In and out. In and out. Steady inhales and long exhales, until my racing heart started to calm.

Okay? Peyton squeezed my hand, and I nodded.

Oh hey, Peyton, Ashleigh… Lily. Lindsey Filmer and her cheerleader friends approached us. Have you seen any of the East kids yet?

Nope. Peyton pretended to pick her nails. I was too busy making out with Sean.

Lindsey’s eyes narrowed to slits. You and Sean Farrow?

Well, yeah… I mean, you did break up with him before summer, right? So I figured he’s fair game. She shrugged.

Yeah, but I didn’t think he’d…

What? Choose the trailer trash over Cheer Barbie?

That’s not what I meant.

Oh, I know exactly what you meant, Linds. Peyton flashed her a saccharine smile. Happy first day back.

Ashleigh snorted, but I rolled my eyes. Peyton, I said.

It’s okay, babe. Lindsey was just leaving, weren’t you?

Yeah, whatever. Come on, she said to her friends and they turned and sauntered off.

Do you have to poke the bear? I hissed.

Oh, come on, Lil. She deserved it. Lindsey is a grade A bitch, who, might I add, is only going to get worse now it’s senior year.

I wish you wouldn’t encourage her.

Peyton’s right, Ashleigh nodded, she deserves everything she gets.

The hall ushered into silence as a group of guys entered the building. Not just any guys.

Rixon East Eagles.

They all wore their red and white jerseys, moving as one. A ripple went through the air as the whispers started, rising like a wave hurtling toward the shore.

Holy shit, they have balls, Peyton whispered as we stood and watched the scene unfold.

They passed us and the air seemed to thin, but then our players entered the building, and Jenson Monroe, the captain of the football team, called out, Yo, Eagles. You seem to have forgotten this isn’t your school.

The new guys turned, and one pushed to the front, coming face-to-face with Jenson.

Anticipation crackled around us as the two teams went head-to-head in the hall. Ashleigh laced her arm through mine and pulled me close.

You’re not welcome here, Jenson said.

You think I give a shit what you think, Monroe? I’m here to play ball and graduate, that’s all.

The Eagles’ mouthpiece was as tall as Jenson, with the same broad shoulders and muscular arms. His hair was mousey brown streaked through with dark blond, falling in his face a little, but it was his menacing eyes that stood out.

Okay, okay. Dad appeared, instantly cooling the situation. "Football players, locker room, now. His hard gaze moved past Jenson to the Eagles’ players. All of you. Everyone else, get to class."

Everything okay here? he asked, his eyes lingering on mine, and I nodded.

Good. I’m going to deal with this. He stalked off down the hall, but that’s when I noticed a couple of the players hadn’t moved.

Problem? Peyton snapped.

No problem. The guy said coolly, and he turned to follow his teammates.

But Peyton stepped forward. Hey, new guy, what’s your name? she called after him.

He looked back, but his eyes slid straight past my best friend to me. Kaiden, he said. Kaiden Thatcher.

CHAPTER TWO

Kaiden

My guys waited for me, and I led them into the locker room. None of us wanted to be here, in a different school, with a different team. Our rival team, no less. The whole thing was a fucking shitshow, but the damage to Rixon East was too substantial for it to reopen in time for the semester. Which meant playing for another team or watching senior year go up in flames too.

The Raiders were bunched up on one side of the room, making it clear they had no intention of welcoming us with open arms.

Take a seat, gentlemen. Coach Ford met my hard gaze and tipped his chin. It wasn’t the first time I’d met him. But it was the first time he’d addressed me directly.

I knew all about Jason Ford, NFL legend and Rixon royalty. But where most people recognized him for his successful career with the Philadelphia Eagles, I knew him for other reasons.

He and my dad went back, way back. Back to when they were in high school. I’d heard the stories. The rival’s week pranks and mayhem. There was no love lost between my old man and my new coach.

None at all.

In fact, my father had petitioned for me to attend one of the other local high schools instead, but I didn’t want to be anywhere else. I wanted Rixon High. Coach Ford was the best, and if I had any hopes of getting a full ride to the college of my choice, I needed to play with the best.

My guys hesitated behind me, unsure of what the fuck they should do.

I don’t have all day, ladies, Coach added, and I gave my team a small nod.

They fell into step beside me as we got ourselves situated on the available benches.

Okay, listen up. Coach Ford yanked off his ball cap and ran a hand through his dark hair. "This isn’t how I saw the season going, just like how I’m sure it isn’t how you saw the season going, but here we are.

The reality is, I have too many players and not enough spots. Which means things are going to have to change.

That’s bullshit, Coach, Jenson Monroe shot up, and you know it.

"What I know, son, is that this team has a championship to defend. So unless you want to see it slip through our fingers this season, I suggest you sit your ass down and get with the program.

This is how it’s going to go. You show up to practice, you work hard, you follow my lead, and I’ll make sure you get time on the field.

The room exploded with chatter. Monroe’s guys were arguing amongst themselves, outraged that we were coming in trying to steal their positions, while my guys were moaning about being forced to play with a team they hated. But not me and Monroe. We sat quiet, glaring at the other. He was their quarterback. The team’s leader. He was good too. But he wasn’t as good as me. And from the flicker of fear in his eyes, he knew it.

Okay, okay, Coach boomed. Quit bitchin’. I want you changed and out on the field in ten. If you won’t listen to me in here, perhaps you’ll listen to me out there. He stalked off, his anger rippling through the air.

What do we do, Thatch? Bryan asked me.

You want to play football, Bry?

Shit, yeah, but they don’t fucking want us here anymore than we want to be here.

Suck it up, buttercup. I slammed a hand to his chest and patted. If you want Michigan to come knocking, you’re going to need to show them what you’ve got.

I don’t know, Thatch… It’s their territory. His eyes flicked over to where Monroe and his guys were changing into their uniforms.

Look. Forget about them and focus on the game.

Yeah, I guess.

We got changed, reluctantly pulling on the white and blue jerseys one of the assistant coaches gave us. It felt wrong to be in their colors, but I guess we weren’t Eagles anymore.

We were Raiders.

And fuck if that didn’t feel like some kind of treachery.

Run it again, Coach Ford yelled across the field. He reminded me a lot of Coach Forrester from Rixon East, but he had an air of authority that our coach didn’t. I guess it came with being NFL royalty.

Coach Ford knew what it was like to want football, to live and breathe it. He’d moved through the ranks from high school to college all the way to professional football.

He got it.

Okay, Jenson, switch out with Thatcher.

But, Coach—

I said switch out, let’s go.

I grabbed my helmet and pulled it on, jogging into position. For the last forty minutes we’d been running basic drills. Coach had been working with Monroe, letting him run play after play. I was itching to get in there and show Coach what I could do, but I wasn’t about to be an asshole about it.

Watch it, Monroe slammed his shoulder into mine as he stalked off.

Anger zipped up my spine, but I shut it down. He wanted me to slip up. He wanted me to fail. Reacting would be playing straight into his hands. No matter how much I wanted to put my fist through the guy’s face.

Okay, Thatcher, time to show us what you got, son. Coach’s eyes bore into mine as I got in position to accept the snap.

Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I checked the field. I’d spent the last couple of weeks learning the Raider playbook inside and out, but I hadn’t put any of it into practice with their offense yet.

Their center—a guy called Aaron—moved into position.

Hut, I called, and he snapped the ball to me. Dropping back, I scanned the field for an open player. Our eyes collided and I gave him the signal to run. He took off, pumping his legs and putting up his hand.

I hiked my arm back and then extended it, letting the ball fly. It cut through the air like a rocket, with clear precision and speed. The receiver leaped off the ground and got a hand on the ball, snatching it into his body and landing on two feet.

Good job, Coach yelled.

Not bad, Thatcher, Aaron said. For an Eagle. He smirked from under his helmet.

We ran the play a couple more times. Each time the receiver went deeper and each time I made the perfect pass. At some point, the rest of the players had stopped to watch. Even Monroe. Although when Coach called us into the huddle, his expression looked anything but impressed.

Good job out there everyone. I know it’s going to take a little time to adjust to things, but the important thing here is we all want to play football, don’t we?

Yes, sir. Our collective voices filled the air.

Good. Now hit the showers and get to class. I don’t want any shirking this semester. We play hard and work hard. Monroe, Thatcher, a word. He beckoned us over while the rest of the players jogged off field.

You both looked good out there. Strong. Focused. I know this is a unique situation and I’ll be honest, it’s not one I planned to find myself in. But I’m looking to both of you to keep your guys in line, you hear me?

I flicked my eyes to Monroe, and he glowered at me. Sure, Coach. Contempt dripped from his words.

I mean it, Monroe. I’m looking to you to lead the team during this transition period. Now get out of here. Both of you. He gave me a strange look, but I didn’t ask him what he was thinking. That was a road I didn’t want to go down.

You think you’re going to win Coach over with a few good throws?

What the fuck is your problem? I gritted out.

My problem? My problem is we don’t want you here, nobody wants you here. So stay the fuck out of my way.

You’re just worried I’ll take your spot. I didn’t want to bait him, but the words were out before I could stop them.

Worried? About an asshole like you, Thatcher? Monroe got all up in my face as we reached the locker room doors. Not likely. This is my team, my school, my fucking season… No way am I going to let a guy from across the river fuck it up for me. He shoulder checked me as he slipped into the locker room.

Don’t let him rattle you, man. Aaron appeared out of nowhere. He’s feeling the heat.

Yeah, well, he should. The corner of my mouth tipped.

Touché.

You know we’d rather not be here either.

Yeah, but like Coach said, here we are. And I don’t know about you, but I want to play football.

Yeah. I couldn’t argue there.

He chuckled. We’re not all assholes. So long as you don’t come looking for trouble.

I can’t make any promises. If Monroe kept pushing, eventually I’d snap. But I was hoping to avoid that.

You can do it. Aaron clapped me on the shoulder before moving around me. Come on, he said, and I followed him inside.

It wasn’t like I had much choice.

Well, will you take a look at that. Bryan let out a low whistle. It’s like a fresh pussy buffet.

Dude, I’m eating, I quipped, stuffing another fry into my mouth.

Yeah, and hopefully I will be later. He grinned, sticking his fingers up to his mouth in a V and licking.

Fucking idiot, Gav said. But he’s not wrong about the pussy. Case in point. He pointed over to a group of girls in the lunch line.

I recognized them from this morning in the hall.

The blonde is hot. Hey, Thatch, isn’t that the girl who called after you this morning?

Dunno, is it? I shrugged. She was a cute thing, sure. In that obvious hot girl kinda way. But it wasn’t her that had caught my eye. It was her dark-haired friend that hid behind her.

Seriously, do you have eyes? Look at her rack. What I wouldn’t give to see what she’s hiding underneath her clothes.

I barely contained the growl vibrating in my chest when Jenson Monroe strolled up to her and slapped her ass. She pressed a hand to his chest, laughing at something he said. They looked over at us and she frowned.

Yeah, Casanova, let me know how that works out for you.

Fuck, he hissed, scrubbing a hand down his face.

Anyone give you any shit in second or third period? I asked them.

Nothing we couldn’t handle.

They’ll get used to us, I said, swallowing my doubts.

I didn’t like it any more than they did, but it was the hand we’d been dealt. The Raiders were the team to beat, one of the most successful high school teams in the state, even the country. If we wanted to impress scouts and showcase ourselves as the best, we had to play with the best.

Ooh burn. Bryan hissed and I looked up to find Blondie giving Monroe a piece of her mind. Maybe my luck is changing. He stood up and cupped his hands around his mouth. Hey, Blondie, there’s room at our table.

Sit down, asshole. I grabbed his t-shirt and yanked. He plopped down in his chair, laughter rumbling in his chest. Bryan was a defensive tackle, and a good one at that. But he was also a fucking idiot, too interested in getting his dick wet than the future.

She smirked in our direction, flicking her long blonde hair over her shoulder.

Fuck, I think I just came in my pants.

Jesus, you need to get laid, Gav chuckled.

She blew him a kiss before grabbing her friend’s hand and tugging her along the lunch line. There was something about her, the dark-haired one. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it though. She looked like a fish out of water standing there while her friend chatted to everyone who came and went. Another girl joined them, and the guys started taking bets on who could bed the blonde first.

If you worked this hard on the field, maybe we would have gotten to the championship last year, I mumbled.

I loved my team, I did, but they were too easily distracted. Girls, parties, the attention and fan worship. They wanted it, sure… they just didn’t want it enough. Not the way I did.

Football was everything to me. Every-fucking-thing. It was my ticket out of Rixon. Away from my family. The pressure. The constant shadow of my father.

It was my shot at freedom.

Hey, you must be Thatcher. A pretty thing perched her ass on the edge of our table. I’m Lindsey, the cheer captain.

What’s up?

Party at my house Friday. You should totally come.

Oh, I don’t know about that, hot stuff. We don’t party with Raiders, Bryan said.

But aren’t you… Raiders, I mean? Her perfectly plucked brow arched. Come. It’ll go a long way to breaking the ice with the team. They’re not all assholes like Jenson.

I wasn’t sure about that, but she had a point. If we wanted to assimilate with the team, we had to at least try to make the effort.

We’ll think about it, I said.

Good. She made a show of licking her lips, her eyes fixed right on mine. I’ll see you around, Thatcher. Guys. Hopping down off the table, she spun on her heel and sauntered away, her itty-bitty cheer skirt riding up the backs of her thighs and giving us a peek of her ass.

Fuck, I’m in heaven. Bryan slammed his hand down on the table. Tell me we’re going to the party?

Maybe. She has a point. We might need to be the ones to try to break the ice.

I don’t like it, Thatch, Gav said. It has setup written all over it. His eyes went to where Monroe was sitting with the rest of the football team. They weren’t paying us any attention, laughing at some joke one of them was telling.

He won’t want us there, he added.

Yeah… I nodded, my lips curving a fraction, but maybe that’s all the more reason to go.

CHAPTER THREE

Lily

So? Mom asked the second I sat at the counter watching her tend to an abandoned kitten. It was a scrawny little thing with matted fur and cloudy eyes, but it was still one of the cutest things I’d ever seen. How was it?

"It was fine,

Reviews for Off-Limits

[Carey Tuhaka · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

it was ok but not enough drama for me. its ok for a quick feel good