Penalty Box: A Second Chance Sports Romance (Love in the Arena Book 1)

by Kayla Tirrell

  Miriam blushed and turned to the field just in time to see Silas running by. He turned and winked at her.

  She was going to kill him. They were playing a really good team that night, so there wasn’t any time to make faces at his girlfriend. She smacked her hand against the board. “Keep your eye on the ball, Jenkins!”

  Emmeline giggled beside her. “Just like old times.”

  Miriam smiled as she continued to watch both teams struggle to keep possession of the ball. It wasn’t just like old times.

  Silas and Miriam had spent several hours talking about their relationship the night she’d run into him at City Bar. They’d both made some mistakes, some more grievous than others, but neither one of them was willing to give up on their relationship. They’d both promised they would communicate better and not rush to conclusions. They’d made it through some really trying times, and they were stronger because of it.

  Their relationship wouldn’t be perfect because they weren’t perfect. But that didn’t mean they weren’t perfect for each other.

  “Goal!”

  Emmeline elbowed her. “You were so busy daydreaming that you missed your boy get that shot.”

  “It’s okay. I’ll pull it up online and watch it.” She winked at Emmeline. “Just don’t tell Silas.”

  “Speak of the devil,” Emmeline mumbled.

  Miriam turned just in time to see Silas running over. He quickly kissed her cheek, since Greg would flip his lid with anything more than that, before he joined the rest of the players celebrating together in the middle of the field.

  Emmeline laughed. “Like I said, just like old times.”

  Miriam touched her fingers to her cheek. No, it wasn’t just like old times.

  It was better.

  Thanks for reading!

  Out of Play, the next book in the Love in the Arena series, is available now.

  Want more sports romance?

  If you’re looking for more sports romance, make sure to check out Courtside Crush. It’s been called “Romeo and Juliet…in basketball shorts” and is the first in a YA sports romance series.

  Looking for more sweet adult romance?

  If you’re looking for more sweet adult romance, make sure to check out The Bridesmaid & The Reality Show. It’s the first in a the Wedding Games series and filled with drama and romance!

  Acknowledgments

  God first, always.

  A huge thank you to my husband for being excited about this series with me. Not many guys would say, “Yes, go spend a lot of time with those professional athletes to get a better feel for your characters.”

  To my kids who always ask when they can read my books. (The answer is never so stop asking…)

  J & A, I think I would have stopped writing a long time ago if it weren’t for you. Thank you for pushing me to keep going.

  Elle, you put up with a LOT of crap from me. Like, a lot. Thank you for editing this book!

  Rob Acosta, thank you for helping me with the soccer stuff. I’m sure I made mistakes—and I also had to beef things up because…drama—but your insight was invaluable. Keep walking the talk.

  And, last but never least, to all the readers who have kept this dream alive for three years: thank you for reading my books. All of this would be impossible without you.

  About Kayla

  Kayla has loved to read as long as she can remember. While she started out reading spooky stories that had her hiding under her covers, she now prefers stories with a bit more kissing.

  When she gets a chance to watch TV, she enjoys cheesy sci-fi and superhero shows. Most days, you’ll catch her burning dinner in an attempt to cook while reading just one more chapter.

  Find me online:

  www.tirrellblewrites.com

  Also by Kayla Tirrell

  Varsity Girlfriends:

  Courtside Crush

  Game Plan

  Wedding Games:

  The Bridesmaid & The Reality Show

  The Bridesmaid & The Ex

  The Bridesmaid & Her Surprise Love

  Love in the Arena:

  Penalty Box

  Out of Play

  Shelfbrooke Academy:

  Tessa

  Boys of Summer:

  Beauty and the Beach

  Mountain Creek Drive:

  Chasing Love

  Carnival Wishes

  River Valley Lost & Found:

  All The Things We Lost

  All The Things We Found

  All The Things We Were

  Collection of Sweet Shorts:

  Home For Christmas

  The Art of Taking Chances

  Love Under Lockdown

  Disastrous Dates:

  Disastrous Dates: The Complete Series

  Children’s Chapter Book:

  Help! My Parents Are Zombies!