Page 39 of Waiting for Friday Night

His smile returned. “I’m going to need it. I told you I’m not athletically inclined.”

“Then why did you agree to play?”

“Why do you think? I did it for you.”

“Why me?”

“Because I like you, Halle. I like your family. Maybe one day, I’ll be considered a part of your family.”

Her heart squished and she remembered why she’d chosen him in the first place. He was nice. He said sweet things. He was the guy she wanted, and she wouldn’t get distracted.

“You’ve got this.”

He leaned in and kissed her quickly again before running back to his team. She hated the urge to look back at Quinton. To see if he’d watched and wonder what he was thinking. She ignored the urge and sat back down. Thankfully, Quinton blew his whistle to get everyone’s attention. He went over the rules and the game started.

The competition was all in good fun, and everyone had a good time watching the teams compete. Shania’s team had the lead and with each score on their part and fumble on Gregory’s part, Halle noticed that Gregory got more agitated. He didn’t like Quinton’s calls. Claimed everything was a foul against him, and grew increasingly upset as the game ended. Shania scored the final game-winning touchdown. Gregory’s smile was tight and drawn as the two teams slapped hands afterward.

Shania ran over to Quinton. “Did you see the way I blocked the pass before last?”

Quinton gave her a high five. A grin creased his face. A rare sight but she’d been right; he was cute when he smiled. More than cute. The guy was fine.

“You did a good job with that.”

“You think it’ll work in a regular game?”

Quinton shook his head. “The block worked because we were in flag, but you’ll have to go for the tackle in a regular game.”

“Wasn’t I in position for that?”

“Nah, you were reaching. That’s a way to get hurt.”

“Shania,” Gregory called, his voice sharp.

Shania and Quinton both looked up. Halle blinked and her mouth fell open as the rest of the family hushed.

Gregory cleared his throat and softened his tone. “You played well. Why don’t we pack up and then me, you and your mom can go celebrate with ice cream.”

Shania’s brows drew together. “Um... I’m going to spend the night with my cousins.”

Halle walked closer to the three. “We can do ice cream another day.”

“Oh, that’s fine,” Gregory said, sounding disappointed.

“Yeah, another day.” Shania looked back at Quinton. “What are you doing tomorrow? Can you come by and show me some passes?”

“I’m sure your coach has other things to do,” Gregory cut in. “He can’t just come by the house and practice with you.”

“He’s not just my coach,” Shania said.

Gregory frowned. “He’s not your friend either. He’s a teacher and an adult.” He looked at Halle. “Isn’t that right, Halle?”

Halle opened her mouth, but the words stuck in her throat. She didn’t want to admit to everything here in front of her family on cousins’ day.

“He is her coach...and...”

Gregory’s brows drew together. “And what?”

Kayla leaned forward and eyed Halle. “Yeah...and what?”

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