“ALPHA. Thirty-two, thirty-two, HUT,” Xander shouts, and then throws a rocket directly into my hands. I run as fast as I can to the far outside and catch the ball for thirty yards. I don’t even need blocking, because no one can keep up with me.
The crowd cheers, I guess? I’m not sure, because I’m staring at the stands. Usually, I’m laser focused during games, actively engaged in play, even on the sideline. Not today.
Today, I’m actively engaged in staring at Gracie and Ben.
We play great throughout both halves. The guys celebrate as soon as the whistle blows, clapping me on the back and bumping my helmet.
I find it difficult to breathe, let alone celebrate. This game was one of my most average in receiving yards, which doesn’t surprise me. It’s hard to run your best routes when your focus is elsewhere.
My eyes snag on Gracie as she walks toward the parking lot with Ben. Sweaty and tired, I make a split second decision to run off the field and catch her.
“Hey, do you mind waiting for me?” I ask when I reach her, out of breath.
I hate that she defers to Ben before she answers me.
He nudges her shoulder. “Go ahead, I’ve got to get going anyway. Are you okay for a ride back, Grace?”
I glance at Mom, who silently mouths ‘Grace?’WOW, at me, while waggling her eyebrows. I glare at her in response, vowing to have words later.
“She’s good with me, Ben. I’ll take her back.”
Ben smirks at me like he knows something I don’t. Why does he look so happy with his girlfriend going home with me?Shit. He’s probably that confident in their relationship. If that’s the case, I’m doomed.
“Sounds good. Thanks for coming with me, Ben.” She leans in for a hug before turning back to face me. I try not to notice his fingers grazing the bottom of her curls.
Mom cheerfully faces our little trio. “Okay, kiddos. Tessa and I are going to head out. Ben, it was so lovely to meet you. I hope I see you again soon.” She winks at me as she walks toward her car. I shoot daggers at my mother, hopefully conveyingwhose side are you on?
I’m still internally stewing when Gracie asks, “Where should I wait for you, Danny?”
I lift an eyebrow like it’s weird she’s even asking. “Where you always wait for me. Outside the locker room?”
Her forehead wrinkles, confusion written all over her face. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted me there or by the parking lot.”
“Why would I want you all the way by the parking lot?”
Gracie shifts on her feet. “I just figured Tori would be meeting you outside the locker room.”
Rubbing the back of my neck, I say, “Um, no. We, uh, broke up.”
Her jaw drops slightly. “You were together at lunch. When did you break up?”
Up close and personal with Gracie for the first time since before summer, I’m captivated by her mesmerizing eyes and forget to filter my words.
“Right after I saw you,” I blurt. “I mean, after I saw you at lunch.”
She pauses before replying in a bright tone. “Ah, got it! So, that’s why you need me to wait. Did she usually bring you a post-game snack or something? I don’t mind grabbing it before we head out.”
I allow myself to be horrified for a brief moment. If Gracie thinks I want her to wait for me outside the locker room for a fucking snack, there’s some major issues we need to work through.
“No, I don’t need anything. I just wanted to talk and ride home with you. We haven’t hung out in a while.”
The surprise on her face absolutely devastates me. “Oh. Sounds good, Danny.”
“See you soon, Gracie girl.” My eyes crinkle up at the ends, easily slipping into my comfortable nickname for her, but hers widen.
Absolutely disgusted with myself, I walk into the locker room and try to get ready quickly. But Kyle, our backup quarterback, intercepts me. He’s already changed into a preppy outfit and put gel in his hair. Kyle is a pretty good QB and generous with the ball during practices. We’ll be in good hands with him once Xander graduates.
“Hey. Great game, man.”
