‘I did.’
‘How was it?’
He gives an exaggerated nod. ‘Uh… as I thought. She’s… definitely not my type.’
I giggle. His gaze flits to mine. ‘What did y’all talk about? Was she the reason you got drafted?’
‘Honestly? Hard to tell.’
‘Does it matter? I mean, you could take it as a compliment. You could say she’s got a nose for talent.’
Finally, his shoulders relax. ‘You think so?’
‘If Monday night was anything to go by, you’re the Mutineers’ best hope of reaching the Super Bowl.’
‘Is that what your friend Jewel says?’
I’m laughing again. ‘Not just her. I heard them talking about you on Canyon radio. I pay attention. I may still not understand what’s happening on that field but… I know if you’re the one making the touchdowns, then there’s a reason you were a first-round pick in the draft. And if Lemon told her granddaddy to go after you… I’m just saying. Maybe Lemon is smarter than everybody makes her out to be.’
‘I think you’re right. She is smart. Smart but lonely. I get the impression her family don’t think so highly of her.’
I’ve heard the way her brother talks about his sister, so I know that’s true.
‘Do you like the food?’ he asks.
‘Delicious,’ I say.
‘You really have no idea what’s going on on that field?’
I put down my fork. ‘I mean… I’m learning. Jewel knowsa lot. She comes from a family of football players. But at the end of the day, if the music starts playing, and my squad leader tells me to dance, then I just do as I’m told.’
He’s watching me with a gentle expression. It was the same expression he had on his face the night he asked to kiss me, and it makes my belly flutter. ‘Okay, one day I’m gonna teach you the rules of football,’ he says.
‘I’d like that,’ I say, and I note that his gaze hasn’t left mine.
And then the moment’s gone. ‘I couldn’t believe that idiot Conor McGrath barging into you like that,’ he scoffs. ‘Wearing that dumbass costume.’
‘I looked back, ’cause I was tryna look for you.’
‘Really?’
‘Did you not see me look back?’
‘I thought it was a more general… you know, sweeping look, like a… take in the scene kind of a glance back.’
‘Not really. I wanted to see you.’
We’ve stopped eating. I’m aware that we haven’t talked about it. Our kiss a week ago.
He swallows. ‘I bought us phones.’
‘Phones?’
‘Like cell phones. So we can message one another.’
‘You mean like burner phones? Like in the movies?’
‘Exactly. Dedicated phones so we can communicate. To get round the cheerleaders-can’t-date-players problem. Then you don’t ever have to give me your real phone number.’
