* * *
The roarof the crowd makes me hurry up and wash my hands.I knew I should’ve held it.
Rushing from the bathroom, I hurry over to the glass of the skybox just in time to see Lev throw a pass down the field to Wes.
“Go…go…goooo,” I shout, jumping up and down and motioning as if I can literally push Wes into the end zone.
He darts left and shuffles back, running around two defensive ends before breaking away and running it in for a touchdown right as the refs signal for halftime.
“Girl, take it down five octaves. You’re going to make us all go deaf,” Shay teases.
I turn away from the glass to face her. “Hey, you’re the one who said I had to come to the game. So now you have to bear the repercussions of your actions,” I snark back.
“Whatever.” She grabs my wrist. “Come on, we need to get to the field before they start the ceremony.”
I follow behind her as she practically drags me down the stairs toward the field. She doesn’t stop or speak until we’re at the entrance to the field.
“Wait, stop,” I demand, pulling my hand out of her grasp. “Why are you trying to pull me out there?”
She points to Lev’s jersey and then back to the field where parents and team members’ partners are all making their way over to the Jumbotron.
My gaze snaps to her. “Why the hell are they all going over there? What don’t I know?”
A mischievous smile crests her face. “Oh, you know, all the seniors give their jersey to a person they care about, and then that person joins the player on stage.”
I try to massage away the growing headache. “I thought senior nights were just decorations, well wishes, and family and friends on the sidelines cheering you on,” I huff, crossing my arms while I look for the nearest exit.I didn’t sign up for this shit.
“You’ve been here long enough to know Edgewood doesn’t do anything by halves. This is about to be a big spectacle, especially since the heirs are all seniors.”
I groan, covering my face with my forearm. “Why didn’t they tell me that before they asked me to wear Lev’s jersey,” I grumble. Then I remember the look on her face in the classroom. “You knew all this and didn’t say anything!” I shriek.
Shay bursts into hysterical laughter, grabbing at her sides. “You should see your face right now. Freaking priceless.” The traitorous ho cackles.
I hip-check her, and she nearly falls, stumbling until she rights herself. “What happened to the girl code? You know sisters before misters? Pussies before wussies?” I joke.
“I am looking out for you. It’s time you stop standing on the sideline. Theyallcare for you. Even the broody asshole, as Jamie calls him, and the reluctant scorned counselor.”
She can’t mean Sebastian?Every time we interact, he’s so aloof. Not exactly cold, but definitely distant.
“All of them,” Shay declares emphatically, staring me down. “I see that look on your face. You don’t believe me.” She holds up two fingers. “Wyatt and Owen, especially Wyatt, were the least afraid to admit it. If I were a betting woman, I’d say Wyatt’s been stalking you before you even knew who he was.” A third and fourth finger joins the first two. She’s about to list all the reasons. “Lev and Wes both looked like kicked puppies, eager for their owner’s forgiveness, and by the looks of you wearing Lev’s jersey, you forgave him at least. I suggest you make Wes grovel on his hands and knees for a bit longer.” Shay shakes her hand once her thumb is raised. “And let’s not forget the reluctant guidance counselor.”
“Stop it. Don’t say that. He’s a teacher. There’s no way he’s interested in me,” I interject, but she waves me off with the same annoying hand.
“Girl, shut up. Sebastian Grant is only twenty-three. If he didn’t skip like two grades, he wouldn’t even be a counselor here.” She rolls her eyes, pausing momentarily. “He’s going to be the most stubborn. That bitch Miss Taylor did a number on him when she cheated on him with his father and then married his ex-best friend, but he’ll come around all the same. Shit, my money is on him falling hard and fast once he does.”
Holy shit.How does she just drop that bomb on me? I knew Miss Taylor had a hard on for Sebastian, but I didn’t know what she did. “Why didn’t you tell me this tea before?”
“It’s almost like you’ve been here but not paying attention to any of the gossip passing through the halls of Edgewood Academy,” she quips before turning me to the field. “You can give me hell later. Get your ass out there. They’re waiting on you.”
I turn and see Lev standing just far enough away that he couldn’t hear what we were talking about. I glance back to Shay, glaring at her one last time before sighing and pulling my shoulders back as I make my way onto the field. He takes my hand once I’m within reaching distance. “You guys could’ve warned me,” I mutter.
“Where’s the fun in that?” He smirks, leading me up the stairs to the platform. “Thank you,” he murmurs, kissing my cheek and going to stand with the guys.
I try not to drool when I take them all in. Men in football uniforms?Yes, please.I work even harder not to stare at their jocks. It was hard enough not to drop my mouth open as I watched Lev’s very toned ass walk away.
Each senior’s name is called one by one, and they’re given this elaborate plaque. Their loved ones cheer them on and hug them once they walk across the stage. I watch as each heir’s parents wait for them. I step up next to Lev’s mom and dad.
“Ariah, dear, so lovely to see you again so soon,” Mrs. Washington greets.
