Page 92 of Tiger Lilies and Tight Ends

“I have never loved anything or anyone the way I love you. Nor will I ever,” I tell her, running my thumb down the column of her neck and admiring the freckles that dot her skin. I need her to know that she is it for me.

“That’s good because it’s always been you for me. You’re the only one,” she says, contracting her inner muscles to squeeze me and allowing her gaze to roam over my face. She palms my cheek and gently brushes her fingers over the five o'clock shadow. It gives me chills, and my forehead falls to hers.

Needing her mouth on mine, I tangle my hands in her hair and bring her to me. She lazily moves her hips, rocking back and forth, as I damn near swallow her whole. I want to consume this girl, brand her, and make it known to everyone that she is mine.

“I love you,” she says, as she takes my lip between hers and bites down.

“I love you, too,” I tell her, as I flip us over and put her on her back. Pushing all the way in, I hold still as I stare down at her, and she stares back at me. “You and me?” I ask, already knowing the answer, but I just need to hear it one more time.

“Always,” she answers, with nothing but unadulterated devotion in her eyes.

Chapter 41

Team Chat

Sully: Someone explain to me why I just saw Rookie’s face on the side of a city bus.

Titan:

Rico: Where have you been? Those pictures of that fool are all over town: buses, billboards, social media, the side of the stadium.

Sully: Rookie, explain yourself.

Ryder: Groans . . .

Dylan: The cheerleader is hot.

Ryder: (Deep sigh) Can we just not.

Dylan: All I’m saying is that photo session with her looks like it could have been a good time.

Ryder: It wasn’t. It was awkward, and I would have rather chewed my hand off than sit there next to her.

Sully: You said you read the handbook. You know there’s a strong no-fraternization policy with the cheerleaders.

Ryder: This wasn’t my doing! Talk to marketing if you don’t like it. I can assure you I didn’t.

Sully: Quite frankly, I’m offended. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want a seasoned captain to be the face of the team.

Rico: Because your ugly mug would offend everyone else.

Titan:

Jonah: Sorry, Sully. But no.

Sully: What’s wrong with my face?

Rico: You want a list?

Sully: Fuck off, Rico. I don’t see them using you either. I may not be the most handsome on the team, but you represent us with a blow-up doll.

Rico: Tammy gets the job done . . . two words: Hover. Lane.

Camden: Market research shows that people are more likely to engage and follow accounts who are aesthetically pleasing. They picked Ryder and the girl because they look good together and have history.

Rico: Bro, you have history with this girl?

Ryder: Please make it stop.