This really looks a lot like a rock concert with the fans amassed around the raised stage and a variety of stalls that sell food and merchandise dotted around the entire space.
So far there’s been a lot of cheering for each team that has taken the stage to answer questions by the specialized press.
I have a prime spot backstage, since I’m covering the event for the Cove Angels, and I also agreed to help Ken by taking a few pictures and some footage of the Devils.
The Cove Angels got a very warm reception, but nothing could have prepared me for the frenzy the fans go into when it’s Peyton, Channing, and Jameson’s turn.
“Peyton, look at me!”
I turn toward the same voice that was calling out Peyton’s name just in time to see a girl flash her tits in the second row, then the girl throws something...
“What the actual fuck?” I mutter under my breath when a pink, lacy pair of panties flies in a perfect arc and lands on the table the guys are sitting at on stage.
“Channing, I love you!” another voice yells above the mayhem that the Devils’ entrance has caused.
I don’t know if I should be annoyed or impressed. I mean, fuck, whoever threw those panties has one hell of an arm and should be drafted into the NFL.
“Jameson, you make me so wet! Call me!” A girl in the first row points at her white T-shirt that has a phone number printed on it in bright neon pink.
“Fucking unbelievable,” I murmur, shaking my head when more girls throw underwear and shout out a variety of stuff, offering anything from private lap dances and blow jobs to a gang bang.
“Ah, yeah.” Anna’s voice comes from behind. “You never had the chance to come to a competitive event since the Devils came to town. How do you think they got that reputation as heartbreakers? Girls absolutely love them. That’s why my brother hates them so much. Darrius gets plenty of attention too, especially when he wins, but it’s nothing compared to the Devils. The Wild Horse after-party tomorrow night should be interesting for sure. You’ll see the guys in their element.”
I take a deep breath, forcing myself not to roll my eyes at Darrius’s sister. I know Anna is trying to get a rise out of me, and I won’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me jealous.
“You’ll see why they got so famous.” She smirks. “And I already feel sorry for you, because your room at the hotel is between Channing’s and J’s, and they get loud when they have girls in their rooms after a whole day of jumping. I guess they must need to get rid of all the adrenaline.”
Yup, Anna is definitely trying to piss me off.
I make a noncommittal grumble, reminding myself that it won’t happen this time because of my deal with the Devils.I’m the girl they are going to get rid of all that extra adrenaline with.
“We’ll see,” I say to stop her incessant yapping. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the guys have been on their best behavior lately. Mom said Ken told them that he expects them to concentrate on nationals and hopefully worlds. No distractions and no parties unless they are official events.”
Anna’s chuckle is laced with scorn. “Sure. They can try, but they can’t beat our team. However, I’m going to be there to comfort Jameson when he loses to my brother later tomorrow.”
Dream, bitch, I think, smiling at her instead of saying it out loud. “So you and Jameson? Aren’t you worried that your dad might question your loyalty?” I provoke her because it doesn’t matter if Jameson isn’t interested in Anna. I’m sick of the way she keeps throwing herself at him, and she won’t take a hint when Jameson avoids her like the plague.
Anna’s answer is an arrogant little smile. “I don’t kiss and tell, and Dad knows I’m totally committed to our family legacy.”
“Have fun,” I tell her, turning my attention back to the guys who are about to leave the press conference after answering questions from the press despite the rowdy female audience.
“Peyton, you’re so hot!” someone yells from the audience.
“Channing, I want to have your baby!” Someone in the first row throws a heavily padded bra that lands right in front of Channing, knocking down a can of wild berry flavored Wild Horse Max Channing was drinking, splashing bright red liquid all over his shirt.
The crowd of women goes wild, and some of the security guards are called to calm down the superfans.
More lacy garments are thrown on stage as the guys stand to leave the hot seat to the San Francisco Eagles.
I follow them off the stage with Anna hot on our heels.
“J, wait! Are you going to the Wild Horse meet and greet?” she asks, grabbing his arm.
“I don’t know, Anna,” he answers, sounding as excited as if he were talking about a visit to the dentist. “To be honest, I’m a little tired, and I was thinking about skipping it. I’ll be at the party tomorrow night though.”
“Me too,” Peyton agrees, running a hand through his short blond hair. “I’d rather stay in my room and mentally prepare for tomorrow.” His dark blue eyes are fixed on me, and I work my hardest to appear indifferent to the heat in his gaze, suppressing a shudder at the thought of what could happen if I managed to sneak into his room with him or he slipped into mine—I’m not picky on the location.
“Me three,” Channing says with a yawn, slinging one muscular arm around my shoulders and pulling my head closer in a pretend headlock. “It was a long drive here, and I’m all pooped out.”