The line moves up, and we buy snacks and drinks before heading into the movie. We sit, Torrance, Rowan, Austin, Claire, me, and Vaughn in one row. I lay the flowers in my lap. Claire is fighting a smile. She is going to have so much to say about this later.
The previews are already playing, but Vaughn leans over to whisper, “I’m really sorry I was so late. I had to go to three different florists to find one that was still open.”
“You didn’t have to bring me anything,” I say even though I love that he did.
“Yes, I did.” His eyes are locked onto mine as he speaks. “I like you. I like you a lot, and I don’t want to be the guy who sucks at relationships anymore.”
“You don’t suck at it. Not even a little.”
Without breaking my gaze, he reaches for my hand and intertwines our fingers.
* * *
After the movie, the six of us hang out in the parking lot, sitting on the tailgate of Rowan’s old truck and killing time before we all have to be home. I’m sitting between Vaughn’slegs, and his arms are wrapped around my stomach as I lean back into his chest.
Claire and Austin are sitting side by side, but she has one leg thrown over his and his hands rest on her knee. Torrance hasn’t said much all night. I can’t get a good read on her. She caused major drama for Claire and Austin earlier this semester when she outed their relationship, but Claire says she apologized, and they’ve moved past it. I find I hold a grudge a lot longer when someone does something to hurt my best friend than when they hurt me. I guess that’s why I was so hard on Vaughn when he was with Claire.
Rowan is the center of attention, keeping us all entertained as usual. I’m glad because no one notices when I fall quiet, lost in my thoughts and enjoying the feel of being in Vaughn’s arms.
I’m cozy and happy when Rowan turns his comedy act to us. He waggles a finger at me and Vaughn. “I didn’t see this happening, but it’s cute. Bubbly cheerleader full of team spirit and pep and the broody, serious soccer star with absolutely no team spirit or pep.”
“He has pep,” I say, sticking up for my guy.
My guy? Is Vaughnmyguy?
Vaughn chuckles. The sound rumbles against my back. “It’s okay. I really don’t.”
“You do,” I insist, turning in his arms. “It’s just cleverly disguised under your determination and focus.”
“Very cleverly disguised,” Austin adds dryly and so quietly I nearly miss it.
One side of Vaughn’s mouth pulls up, and he lifts a hand in the air, shaking it like he has a pom-pom. “Go team, go.”
He’s adorable.
“See?” I press my lips to his. “You’re full of team spirit.”
He captures my mouth to keep me from pulling away, and I sink into him. The arm around my waist cinches me closer.
“Get a room!” Someone tosses popcorn at us. I expect Vaughn to be embarrassed at the attention, but he slides one hand through my hair and deepens the kiss until they’re all hooting and catcalling at us.
I’m breathless when he finally pulls back.
Meeting his dark blue gaze, I say, “Yep. You definitely have team spirit.”
He hums against my mouth. “I must have gotten it from you.”
* * *
When it’s finally time to go, Vaughn walks me to my car.
“What are you doing tomorrow?” I ask him.
“We have practice in the morning, then I think some of the team is coming over to watch video of Pacific’s last game. What about you?”
“Skating with Claire.”
“Nice. Crossing another one off the list, huh?”
