Page 103 of The Longshot

I stretch my arms out as the clock torments me with each passing second. I need to be at the stadium and on the bus in thirty minutes. I’ve really let it get down to the wire here…

“I know, I know.” Chelsie rises to her feet, wrapping her arms around my waist after I throw on my hoodie. “I trust you. I do, I just… need you there. That’s all.”

“And there, I will be.” I kiss her lips before pulling back and searching for my joggers. “So, tell me. Are you taking the train up north with Ruby or alone?”

“With Ruby,” she answers, searching for her own articles of clothing. Things always end up a little scattered when we’re alone in a room together. “I thought I’d get there a day early. You know, to help out with some things ahead of tomorrow.”

“It’s a good idea,” I tell her. “Plus, I’m sure your mum and dad will appreciate the extra set of hands.”

“They better,” she rebuts, throwing on a T-shirt. “Because decorating is so not my thing!”

“You did just fine on Delaney’s baby shower cake,” I rebut.

She laughs. “That’s only because I had some fit guy watching over me. I was under pressure.”

A cocky wave of confidence rushes through my chest as I take a proud step towards her. “So you did think I was fit.”

She finds my joggers for me and firmly pushes them into my chest. “Shut up,” she jokes. “And no more flirting. Have you got everything you need?” She gestures towards my suitcase. “Gear, shoes, your suit, tie, socks, dress shirt?—”

I replace her rambling tongue with my own, guiding her back onto the bed and pinning her arms down in the process. This has to be the most vicious cycle known to man. “I’ve got everything but you.”

She playfully rolls her eyes and pulls back. “I said no more flirting.”

I smirk as she sits up and plants a final kiss on my lips. “My mistake.”

“You’ll have me again tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow,” I repeat. “I’ll see you then.”

“You always cut it close, don't you, Wilks?” Coach is the first one to chirp me as the team stands impatiently outside of the motor coach, throwing the last of the bags in.

“Sorry,” I’m out of breath as I join them. “Here. Here’s my bags.” I hand them over to Green, who has taken the liberty to meticulously arrange them—he’s always been a bit of a neat freak.

“We’re only going away for the night. What’s with all the luggage, Wilks?” he asks.

“It’s Chelsie’s Mum and Dad’s vow renewal tomorrow,” I explain. “I’m going straight there after the game. I needed all my shit.”

“Damn, you’re already in with the family, Wilks?” Hart is next to egg me on. “Tell us, was that why you were late this morning? Were you planning your own wedding to Chelsie?”

“Piss off.” I nudge him as the group erupts into laughter, piling onto the coach one by one.

“I mean, it’s true, didn’t you guys hear?” Hart continues. “Wilks is in love, lads. He’s forgotten about the rest of us.”

“That’s not true,” I protest.

“No?” Hart doesn’t let up. “Then tell us, when was the last time you came out with the boys? Or is your girl more important now?”

“Alright, knock it off,” Green defends me, flashing Hart a glare. “Cut him some slack. You know you’d be doing the same exact thing if you had a birdie of your own, Hart.”

“Whatever.” Hart makes his way to the back of the coach as Green takes a seat beside me.

“Just ignore everyone,” he tells me. “They’re just jealous, that’s all.”

“Jealous?” I repeat. “Jealous of what? That I have a girlfriend?”

Green cocks a cheeky brow. “So you two made it official then?”

I can feel the heat rush to my cheeks. Chelsie and I have been official since that unforgettable night, but until this moment, I suppose I hadn’t realized I’d never spoken a word about it out loud.

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