Page 78 of Second Down Fake

“Don’t listen to Cici or those sites. Cici is nosey as all hell, and those gossip sites are absolute garbage.” Lena patted my arm.

“But are they right?” Cici pulled up an eyebrow and watched me expectantly.

My cheeks burned. “Yeah. He asked me if I wanted to go to Mississippi and meet his parents. It’s no big deal. He wanted some company, and it’s not like I had anything better to do.”

Cici swooned. “God, don’t I wish I had the flexibility to have handsome football players fly me around the country.”

“Apparently there are some benefits to being a drifter,” I joked.

A wave of cheers sounded around us, and on the field, a mass of players jumped on a loose ball. The referees pulled the players off the pile until only number 90 was on the ground. Rob Grant stood up with the ball cocooned in his arms before holding it up triumphantly.

“Well, that’s game. At least we don’t need to buy another round.” Cici shrugged. “So, are you heading back to the tailgate?”

“Yeah,” I said absently as Diego stood up from the sidelines and put his helmet back on. “I’ll meet you there. I’ve got to…”

“To make out with your boyfriend for the press?” Cici laughed. “Rub it in our face. Although, I guess if Noa wanted to, he could waltz over to the sideline for a peck, too.”

Lena’s cheeks bloomed red. “He’d never do that to me. Not that there’s anything wrong with what you and Diego?—”

“She’s such a prude,” Cici cut in. She ribbed me with her elbow. “Well, enjoy it, hot lips. I’ll grab you a drink. Don’t take too long.”

Lena and Cici meandered out of the stands with the steady stream of fans hoping to escape the stadium before traffic was gridlocked. I eased closer to the tunnel into the locker room, slowing as I reached the edge of the Breakers’ faithful crowding the tunnel entrance in hopes of an autograph or picture.

“Hey, make room for Diego’s girlfriend!” a guy holding a foam hand called. A cadre of reporters on the field swiveled in my direction as I thanked the man and slipped into a newly formed opening.

“Hey, Cassie!” Trent yelled boisterously as he jogged into the tunnel, Frankie at his side. “You come down to see me?”

Frank shook his head. “He’s trying to get shut out of another game. Don’t encourage him, Cassie.”

“Afraid not, Trent.” I frowned theatrically. “It’s nice running into you, though.”

He stopped in front of me with a mischievous grin. “Hey, what are you doing bye week?”

“I’m busy.”

The grin stayed. “Well, maybe you cancel those plans and come out partying with Frankie and me.”

“I have plans with Diego, but thanks.”

He clutched his chest. “Ouch. Well, think about my offer and get back to me. You know I’m more fun than that jerk.”

I stifled a giggle as Trent posed for a picture before disappearing into the tunnel.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Diego’s rich, low voice carried over the excited conversation around us.

My stomach flipped, and a light giddiness invaded my body. “Hey. Good game.”

He raked a hand through his hair, damp with perspiration. I reached out to brush a bit of grass off his chin, letting my fingertips linger just a second longer than necessary. “I had my good luck charm in the stadium. I couldn’t lose.”

“You’ve won plenty of games without me in the stands. And you’ll win a bunch more.”

“Not if I have anything to do about it.” He gripped the handrail, pulling himself up to my level. Wrapping a hand around the back of my head, he pulled me in for a searingly passionate kiss that simultaneously took my breath away and ended way too soon. “You heading back to the tailgate?”

I blinked, head dizzy and chest aflutter. “Unless you want me to wait outside the locker room.”

“Nah,” he grinned as he lowered himself down to the ground. “I’ll meet you for a drink. Have fun.”

He shot me an exaggerated wink before jogging off, leaving me breathless and in way over my head.

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