Page 30 of Before I Loved You

“And for your second co-captain, Greyson Black!”

My smile immediately falls as Greyson walks out on the court, appearing smug and cocky as he pounds his chest and yells at the crowd, riling everyone up even more. A shiver runs through me as I cross my arms over my chest and sit back, trying not to stick out like a sore thumb to this man. But unfortunately, as he gets closer to Paul, his eyes move in my direction, landing right on me.

I feel like the canary, which is about to be eaten alive by the cat.

Greyson appears like a giant fucking Siberian tiger, eyeing me like I’m tonight’s dinner, making my skin crawl and a flash of sweat form on the back of my neck.

I look away, pretending to be distracted by something on my phone, scrolling aimlessly.

Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for the rest of the team to be brought out and for the game to start.

Throughout the night, my eyes remain glued to Paul as he dribbles down the court, owning the game. I may not know his position or any of the rules, but I know with confidence that Paul is the best player on his team.

The evidence that he’ll be playing in the NBA next year is right in front of my eyes. It’s like watching art as he moves across the floor with the ball in his fingers. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

God, he looks so happy out there in his element.

And it makes me feel overjoyed to know that he’ll be living his life, doing something that gives him that much satisfaction…

Guilt hits me like a ton of damn bricks.

Maybe telling Paul I’m pregnant isn’t a good idea…

I don’t want to be the reason he doesn’t follow his dream.

Don’t go down that road, Sarah. You have nothing to feel guilty about. It takes two to tango. Besides, you’re giving him a choice.

I internally shake my head, gripping the edge of my seat. I know. I know.

It doesn’t take long for me to notice that when Paul is on the court playing, Greyson isn’t, and vice versa. And as much as l love watching Paul play, I prefer when he’s on the bench because that means Greyson isn’t staring at me like he has been every time he’s been benched. It has me considering leaving early, but because of where I’m sitting, Paul would notice if I left, and I don’t want to be rude, so I ride out the inevitable glares from Greyson, keeping my focus solely on Paul.

Right before halftime, the cheerleaders stand by my section, preparing to perform their routine.

“Have you seen Paul tonight?”

My ears perk up at the mention of his name, and I glance slightly to my side to see a petite little blonde girl with way too much glitter on her body talking to a brunette with boobs that put mine to shame.

And I’m pretty proud of my perky C’s.

“How could I miss him? That man is delicious. I just want to lick him from head to toe,” the brunette declares.

“God, you’re bad. Have you slept with him yet? I wonder what he’s packing under those shorts.” The blonde girl tilts her head as though she’s envisioning Paul’s cock, and I’m this close to getting up and poking her eyes out.

“Not yet. But I’m sure it will be any day now.” The brunette flips her hair and raises her skirt, which is already showing too much of her ass. “That man can slam dunk in me anytime he wants.”

“Oh my God. You’re so bad.”

They both cackle like drunk hyenas, sending my blood pressure into overdrive as my hands tighten into fists on my lap.

Who does this little whore think—

No. He’s not mine. Why am I getting territorial all of a sudden? I don’t do that.

As halftime begins, the players march to their locker rooms while the cheerleaders run out to the center of the court with their short skirts and pom poms, performing some upbeat, scandalous dance. After watching them for what feels like an eternity, the buzzer sounds, and the players walk out from their locker rooms as the cheerleaders return to the sidelines. When I look over at the bench, Paul stops in his tracks and winks at me before sitting lax on the bench with his legs parted, squirting water in his mouth.

Fuck me.

The sight alone makes me tighten my thighs together, anticipation building between my legs.

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