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"Always be aware of your surroundings," Jackson said sternly "You’ve gotta keep your eyes open, kid"

"I know"

"C’mon, let’s practice ball protection This time I’ll sack you for real and we’ll see if you can hold on to the pigskin"

Danny eyed hith?"

He chuckled "Of course not I’ve got five inches and forty pounds on you I’d frickin’ kill you"

They got into position, squatting so Jackson could snap the ball into Danny’s waiting hands The second Danny straightened up and got ready to throw, Jackson assumed the role of defenseman and launched hiround with a loud thud Jackson’s body landed squarely on the kid, and he i hirip on the ball, and his green eyes sparkled as he hopped to his feet

"Nice job," Jackson said proudly

"Thanks Let’s do it again There’s no way I’aer’s eyes sparked Jackson’s admiration Mia’s brother had focus and deterreatly appreciated He suspected that Danny Weldrick would land a scholarship to any school of his choice--the boy was that serious about going pro, and worked his ass off for it

After they ran the same drill a few h the field retrieving the various placeholders they’d laid on the grass Jackson was just picking up the last marker--an empty Gatorade bottle--when Danny approached hi?"

Jackson tucked the bottle under his ar with the teatshirts he’d collected "Sure"

"So next week the tea up to Irvine for the weekend," Danny started "We play a gaa"

"Okay…"

He waited for Mia’s brother to continue, but the kid didn’t say a word He just stood there fidgeting with the sleeve of his white T-shirt

"Whatcha waiting for?" Jackson said with a laugh "Spit it out already"

Danny’s cheeks flushed with e I--"

He stopped talking when a fa lot