Gemotions

He stood in the locker room, the sweat beading on his forehead mirroring the dampness between his legs. This was it. The defensive coordinator wanted him, Marcus, a linebacker, to try out at safety. “Your instincts are sharp, Marcus. We need a guy with your vision back there.” Marcus felt a heat bloom in his chest, a flushed intensity that stole his breath.

His fingers fumbled with his equipment. The close proximity of the other players, the scent of liniment and exertion, amplified the feeling. He could feel the blood rushing to his cheeks. He imagined himself intercepting the pass, the clean hit, the pure physicality of the play. It was an irresistible pull.

The coach clapped him on the shoulder, the gesture sending a jolt through him. "Go get 'em, kid." Marcus pulled his helmet on, the strap digging into his jaw, and a slow, hungry smile spread across his face.