The following version of the book was used to create this study guide: Armas, Elena. The Long Game. Simon and Schuster, New York, NY, 10020. 2023. Kindle AZW file.

As the novel opens, Adalyn Reyes is in a meeting with her father, Andrew Underwood, who is the owner of the Miami Flames, a professional soccer team. A man named David is also present. David and Adalyn were in a romantic relationship that ended in a cruel way. Adalyn is the public relations director for the Flames, and David is an executive in the franchise. Andrew is demanding an explanation from Adalyn for a video that has gone viral showing Adalyn striking the team mascot, knocking his costume head off. Adalyn will not explain in front of David. Though Adalyn says she does not want special treatment because Andrew is her father, she is aware that their working relationship is the only relationship they have. Andrew decides that Adalyn will go to Green Oak, North Carolina, to work with the Green Warriors soccer team.

Adalyn is in Green Oak before she discovers that the team is made up of girls under age 10. She is shocked to learn they are being coached by Cameron Caldani, a former soccer star who unexpectedly retired a short time earlier. Adalyn and Cameron clash from their first meeting. Adalyn tries to fire Cameron as coach – even though he is a volunteer who is not being paid. When some parents see the video of Adalyn attacking the mascot, she realizes the parents will not trust her alone with their children. Adalyn only wants to do her job as a public relations manager, creating a public success story of the Green Flames as a team sponsored by the Flames. She believes Andrew will welcome her back to Miami if she accomplishes that.

Adalyn soon discovers that Cameron is basically in hiding. As they get to know each other, she reveals the reason she was “exiled” to Green Oak. Cameron reveals that a crazed fan broke into his home in Los Angeles, and the event made him fear being in the spotlight. They soon get past their distrust and fall in love. Meanwhile, Adalyn has befriended a young woman named Josie Moore who is the mayor of Green Oak. She and Cameron were already friends before Cameron's arrival in Green Oak, and she knows why he is keeping his identity secret. Adalyn finds herself drawn to the cheerful and optimistic Josie. Josie tells Adalyn that she never met her father though he has sent her a lot of money. She also reveals that an angel investor has poured money into Green Oak.

Adalyn is also drawn to Maria Vasquez, a girl on the team who lives on a farm with her father and older brother. Maria is precocious and outspoken. When Adalyn learns that Andrew is selling the team, she rushes to Miami to stop the sale. Though Cameron wants to protect Adalyn, he allows her to go alone in order to show he believes she can take care of herself. Maria chastises his decision, saying that people make love more complicated than necessary.

In Miami, Adalyn discovers that Andrew had never intended to let her take control of the team. Andrew sent Adalyn to Green Oak in the hope she would realize that Josie is her half-sister. Adalyn and Andrew clash heatedly. Before Adalyn is out of the athletic facility, Cameron arrives to assure her of his support. A year later, Adalyn and Cameron have begun a youth soccer facility they plan to grow into a professional complex. They remain happily near Green Oak with the support of the community. Adalyn and Josie have grown closer, and Andrew is attempting to build relationships with them.