Page 205 of Ruthless Court

“You know Krista saw that.”

“I know.”

“Still think you don’t belong in this section?”

I settle into my seat.

“I think this section needs better snacks and fewer territorial disputes.”

The third quarter begins with Stanford forcing a turnover.

Kane brings the ball across mid-court and calls the play. He uses the screen, keeps his dribble alive, then waits for the second defender to commit.

Patient.

One more bounce.

He finds Vale cutting along the baseline.

Vale scores through contact.

Kane looks toward me.

I nod once.

His expression changes.

Small.

Satisfied.

Stella leans closer.

“He trusts you.”

“He trusts the correction.”

“Same thing to him.”

On the next possession, Kane pulls up from the wing and scores.

Then steals the inbound pass before the defense can recover.

The crowd erupts.

He turns toward our section, chest rising hard, eyes bright beneath the arena lights.

Then he points at me.

Every woman in the row looks over.

My face heats.

Stella laughs.

“That looks like a successful experiment.”

I sink lower in my seat.