Page 17 of Teasing the Winger

“Get out there,” Evangeline encourages me, and I quickly listen, cartwheeling and front-handspringing my way to the team.

I high-five the players when I reach them and throw up a few of their arms, waving them toward the crowd, who are all on their feet, still cheering.

“We did it, boys!” BooBoo screams.

Pure adrenaline races through my veins as I celebrate the win with the team. I can only imagine how the players feel at this moment, to have accomplished what they set out to do tonight. I know this is just one game of many more to come, but a win is a win in my books. As the team continues to cheer and show their joy, my gaze lands on Rio, who’s smiling so big it damn near takes up his whole face. His jersey is clinging to his body from how sweaty he is, and his light brown hair is a mess, but he’s still hot as fuck.

Fuck. What I wouldn’t do for a chance to form a deeper connection with him.

Eventually, the coaching team escorts us off the field, and I find Evangeline waiting for me in the change area that was set up for me and the cheerleaders while the guys change in a different locker room.

“You killed it tonight,” Evangeline tells me as she helps me take off the koala head.

I beam at her when I’m free and grab a towel to wipe the sweat off my forehead.

“I don’t think I’ve had this much fun at a job in a long time,” I tell her as she helps me out of the costume. “And I really loved teaching dance.”

“I really hope you don’t ever lose that joy for this position,” she says, then hands me a bottle of water.

I gulp down the blissful coldness, relishing in how good it feels sliding down my throat.

“I’ll admit there are downsides to this job,” I tell my boss, who frowns a little until I finish my thought. “But the positives far outweigh the negatives. The energy of the crowd the past few games has been intoxicating.”

“Wait until we lose a game,” Hailey mumbles over her shoulder as she changes out of her skimpy cheerleading outfit.

“It’s like the exact opposite feeling in the stadium,” Rebecca adds.

“How likely is it that I won’t ever have to experience that?” I check before dashing behind a curtain to change out of my sweaty clothes.

“An undefeated season is the dream of every college athletics team, but it’s one very few have ever done,” Evangeline tells me. “And since you’ll be cheering for multiple teams, not just this soccer team, it’s even more likely that you’ll witness at least one loss.”

I nod as I come out of the changing area and stuff my gross clothes into my bag. “I guess that makes sense,” I murmur, already hating the idea of a loss.

“Losing sucks, but it makes the next win even better,” Rebecca states, which helps turn the corners of my lips upward.

“As long as I have you two beauties by my side, it won’t matter if we win or lose.”

Hailey giggles and then throws a towel at me. “How is a man so sweet as you still single?”

“You think a wild stallion like me is easy to break?” I question with a raised brow. “I like having fun, and I’m not looking to settle down anytime soon.”

What I don’t admit is actually wanting to date one guy in particular, but I'm pretty sure he isn’t into me at all.

“Oh, it’s going to be so fun watching you fall in love,” she replies.

I roll my eyes in response. “Love is for the weak.”

“You’re just tempting the love gods to hit you with their arrows,” Rebecca voices.

“Yup, those that protest too much about love are always the ones that fall the hardest,” Hailey adds.

“I’ve done love once; I won’t be doing it again,” I tell them. “But if you know any single queer guys who are up for a night of fun, send them my way.” I wink, then grab my backpack, throwing it over my shoulder. “Are we ready to go, or do I have to sit here and listen to you gossip about my love life some more?”

“We’re ready,” Hailey says. “But don’t think we won’t continue this conversation on the bus.” The smile that she offers me when she walks by is sweet and deadly at the same time.

Note to self: do not get on that girl’s bad side.

CHAPTER TEN

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