In His Defense

"Some games are played on the field. Others are played with the heart."

He's the captain who keeps his distance.

She's the new hire who refuses to be benched.

After a career built on discipline and control, Damien Langford, star quarterback and co-team captain of the Dallas Outlaws, has mastered the art of keeping people at arm's length. The field is where he thrives-off it, he's a fortress no one can breach. Not after what happened in his past.

Enter Reese Vera, the team's new dietitian. She's smart, stubborn, and determined to prove herself in a world where she's constantly underestimated. Her job is to keep the team in peak condition-starting with the captain who avoids her like she's the opposing defense.

But when injuries, late-night strategy sessions, and unexpected moments force them into each other's orbit, Reese begins to see the man behind the mask. And Damien finds himself wanting to trust again-something he swore he'd never do.

The closer they get, the more the lines blur between professional and personal. But trust is earned, not given... and one wrong move could cost them everything.