He purses his lips. “Ha funny, no.”
“I think I am.” Tyler laughs.
“I think I’m in love,” Ford says, rubbing his hand along my leg.
“How do you know all that?” Jack asks.
“I did a little light reading over the summer.” I shrug like it’s no big deal. ReadingFootball for Dummieswas very eye-opening. I always thought football was a dumb sport that wasn’t very hard to play. After reading it, I realized a lot of work and effort goes into playing the game and even more effort into being an excellent skilled player. “It gave me a new appreciation for football, and funny enough, made the game tonight more enjoyable to watch.”
“What book did you read?” June asks.
“Football for Dummies.” I laugh.
“You learned all that from a book?”
I point to myself. “Smart.”
Jack rolls his eyes.
“Fine. That and the Xbox,” I admit.
“And you just woke up one day and thought, I want to be more informed about American football?” Jack isn’t giving up.
“Well, no,” I huff. “Ford made me read it.”
Jack tips his head back, laughing. “Now that makes perfect sense.”
“Whatever, I’m still smart.” My phone beeps with a text. I shoved it in my bra earlier when I went into the store because I don’t have any pockets in my cheer uniform. I pull it out, and Ford groans. I glance at him, and he runs a hand down his face. I just laugh.
It’s a text from Leah.Where are you? I thought you were coming to the party at the bluffs.
Ford reads the text from over my shoulder. “I turned off my phone for that reason.”
“That was probably smart.” I put mine on silent. I’ll talk to Leah later.
Tyler pulls out his phone. “Dude, I have eight missed calls and 20 text messages.” He puts his phone back in his pocket. “Stupid people,” he mutters.
“Sorry, I guess this isn’t as cool as a party on the bluffs.” I shrug.
“After the last one, this one is perfect,” Jack says, grabbing another cookie.
The doorbell rings. “Oh shit,” Tyler whispers.
“You don’t think…” I trail off, not finishing my thought.
“It’s probably Beckett, Cameron, and Dave.” Jack stands, heading for the stairs. I hope he’s right. I don’t want to deal with any silly girls tonight.
I go to put my feet down, but Ford grabs my legs. He gives me a single shake of his head. His eyes are pleading. “Okay,” I whisper. He runs a hand along my leg, sending tingles up it. There are voices on the stairs, and we all look back as Beckett, Cameron, Dave, and three other guys from the football team walk into the theater room.
Tyler stands up, and they all greet each other.
“What’s up, Cross?” Dave pats his shoulder.
“Livin’ the good life.” Ford holds out his fist, and Dave pounds it.
The rest of the guys say hi to Ford. A couple sit in the empty seats, and the rest of the guys sit on the floor. “Do you guys want a cookie or some trail mix? I ask.
“Did your mom make these?” Cameron asks.
