Page 180 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

The crisp morning breeze carried the thud of the ball, the shouts of teammates and the thrill of friendly rivalry. Fatigue melted away as they threw themselves into the match.

As the game neared its end, they were tied, the next goal wins.

Rain stole the ball from Thomas, spinning around him with a burst of speed. Snow was right behind him, determined to reclaim it. Wren andJay sprinted toward the goal. Sean shouted for his team to cover Wren, leaving Jay open; assuming he was the weaker link.

Rain pretended to shoot toward Wren.

“Jay!” he called, deflecting the ball sharply in his direction.

Jay caught it cleanly.

Thomas and Snow gasped behind Rain.

Jay took aim and shot.

Time seemed to pause for a heartbeat.

Then the ball slammed into the back of the net.

The field erupted.

Rain sprinted toward Jay, scooping him up and lifting him high above his head in a spontaneous celebration. The rest of the team rushed in, piling into a tight, laughing group hug.

The opposing team lingered back, offering pats on the back and grins; acknowledging it had been a damn good game.

Jay clung to Rain’s shoulders, grinning so wide it nearly split his face. Rain lowered him gently, hands lingering for a moment.

“Well done!” Rain said, cupping Jay’s head and planting a quick peck on top.

Jay flushed crimson.

A pang of longing and regret hit Rain like a punch. He stepped back quickly, letting the others swarm Jay with praise.

Rain turned to shake hands with the losing team. Thomas and Sean received hearty pats on the back. Emily flung herself into his arms, squeezing him tight.

Snow leaned in, her breath warm against Rain’s ear, her tone dripping with mischief.

“It looks like Loverboy over there is still pining over you.”

Rain followed her gaze.

Jay stood a short distance away, awkwardly hovering at the edge of the group. Everyone around him chatted animatedly, but Jay’s attention kept drifting toward Rain. The moment their eyes met, Jay jerked his gaze back to Wren, pretending to be deeply invested in whatever she was saying.

Snow hummed knowingly.

“Tell me I’m right,” she whispered. “He’s imagining a very different way he could’ve been celebrating with you right now.”

“Snow!” Rain hissed.

The last thing he needed was mental imagery of Jay pressed against him, flushed with victory, celebrating in ways that had nothing to do with football.

Snow’s grin widened, wicked and triumphant. Emily, still tucked against Rain’s arm, followed their line of sight and perked up with interest.

Jay noticed the attention and immediately busied himself with adjusting his shirt, his cheeks pink as he angled his body away from them.

Snow clicked her tongue. “I knew it. I may not feel energy, but I’m a pro at reading it. Did he ever give you a reason for ending it?”

Rain sighed; a long, weary exhale.