Cocoa lingered along the sidelines, assisting Lucy while she took photos,memorializing Louisville’s epic ass whooping.
I couldn’t keep my eyes off her, earning me a severe tongue lashing from the coach more than once. Eventually, I got my shit together. Playing football has always been an escape for me. It provides nourishment for my emaciated soul. On the field, I’m in my element and the fucked-up particulars of my life don’t exist.
I live for the adrenaline rush.
The deafening roar of the crowd.
Pushing my body to the absolute max.
During a timeout, I saw Cocoa waving at Jake and my focus slipped again.
She knew I was watching her and did it to fuck with me.
He and I exchanged words, which quickly escalated into a shoving match.
“And you, my man”—Dee points at me and winks—“are the GOAT.”
I grunt in response.
“Why the hell are you so somber?” Nix asks. “You broke the record for the most touchdowns scored during a game in Montgomery Academy history.”
“Yeah, dude, axe the gloomy attitude,” Dee says in exasperation. “Eighteen touchdowns are a big fucking deal.”
“Let’s celebrate at Duke’s,” Nix says.
“Nah, I’d rather go home. Anyway, he’s probably still pissed about my last visit.”
We step out into the moonlit night. A cold breeze ruffles my hair, still wet from my recent shower.
“I know what has Mav cranky,” Dee states, lips tilting upwards in a teasing smile. “Do you have the Cocoa blues?”
“Shut your goddamn piehole,” I growl.
“I’m surprised you haven’t been swimming in that thing yet.” Dee dramatically thrusts his hips forward, and Nix chuckles. “You like that baby,” he coos, smacking the invisible ass in front of him.
“Keep yapping and I’m—”
I stop mid-sentence, spotting Jake and Cocoa across the mostly empty parking lot, sitting on the hood of her car. I zoom in on the fucker’s hand caressing her thigh, and burning fury consumes me. She giggles at something the asshole says and threads her fingers through his hair.
“He’s fucking dead,” I snarl, taking off at a dead run.
“Ah shit, here we go again,” Dee groans.
They’re too busy flirting to notice me until it’s too late. I crack Jake across the temple, and he falls to the pavement. It’s a cheap shot, but I’m too infuriated to give a fuck.
“I warned you to stay the fuck away from her!” I rage, kicking him in the stomach repeatedly.
“Maverick, stop!” Cocoa screams, jumping on my back.
I easily fling her to the ground and continue my assault on Jake.
“He’s had enough!” Dee shouts, trying to pull me back.
I swing around, fist raised.
“You’re going to hit me?” he booms. “Really?”
My breathing is rapid, puffs of chilled air billow from my mouth and evaporate on the cool breeze. Jake is on his hands and knees, coughing up blood.
