Page 99 of Dangerous Play

“I can’t believe you’re here! I want to kiss you,” I mumbled into his chest, and I felt his laugh vibrate through me.

“I’m not sure you’re supposed to kiss strangers you just met, but maybe after we spend four and a half hours together running and getting to know each other... maybe then we can kiss.”

I looked up. “You will seriously run the marathon with me?”

“I would do anything for you, Blossom. Haven’t you figured that out by now?”

EPILOGUE

MAX

Playingfor the National Team during the World Cup was a completely different feeling. Watching everyone and their mother cheer on our country and fly out to wherever the games took place was incredible. Maybe I was just lucky that after having it held in Qatar in previous years, now it was Mexico, Canada, and the US, so the fans didn’t need to fly that far. But still, the support and the atmosphere were intoxicating. Especially knowing my family and friends were all there cheering me on, together with Ivy. Knowing the girl I loved was up in the VIP box with my family and closest friends, wearing my jersey with my name on it, made it way more special than any game before.

Our team was strong, but we had no chances against the World Cup Champions, Spain, despite the friendly game. We all knew it was probably the last time the US was going to play, and my summer break was about to start.

It was bittersweet, walking into a game knowing we would lose, but after the 8-0 Spain vs. Greece game three days ago, we needed a miracle.

Considering their team was made up of players from FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico, it was no surprise. Hell, even Coach Hitchings and Coach McCarthy had played with those players before. They were in a completely different league.

As for me, it felt like I was playing against myself. Their midfielders were like me—energetic, with sick footwork and passion. The only difference was they were seventeen. It was mind-blowing.

“Soak this in.” Coach Hitchings patted me on the back as halftime was ending, and I put my water bottle down. “Learn from them. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll play with those guys.”

I offered him a soft smile. “I don’t want to play in Europe. I know, shocker—sue me.”

He let out a laugh. “I wasn’t planning to play for FC Barcelona either. Sky was an LA Galaxy kid too. But once you taste the game in Europe, how different it is—the level, the spirits... it’s addictive.”

“I know.” I nodded as I listened to the crowd. “Hell, I can feel it just by playing against them, but I want to make a difference in American soccer. I mean, never say never, but... I think I want to stay here.”

Coach nodded and clamped me on the shoulder. “Well... based on how this looks, our World Cup run is coming to an end. And... you’ve already made American soccer better... we have never made it to the semi-finals since...”

“1930.” I grinned at him, knowing our soccer history. It was great that we got this far, and I could have made up thousands of motivational speeches about not coming this far to only come this far, but the 3-0 on the scoreboard didn’t look great.

“Exactly.” Aiden nodded. “I gave you a shot, and you exceeded my expectations. Everyone on this team has proved themselves, and I couldn’t be happier with all your performances. But you really stood out. Giving several goal passes—I just wish you’d scored a goal. I think that would have really made this experience unforgettable for you.”

I nodded, as I agreed, but I also knew our strikers were top-notch. There was no need for me to score; they could handle it, and it worked. But I would have liked to have at least one goal to my name—especially against Spain.

“We still have forty-five minutes.” I grinned, walking out to the pitch. “I better make the most of it, and who knows... maybe I’ll surprise us all with a goal.”

“I seem to recall you always knew how to leave with a bang.” Coach smirked. “Try and do that again for us.”

I let out a laugh, and with a quick salute, I jogged out to the field. Glancing up to the viewing box, I immediately found Ivy leaning against the railing and waving at me.

I waved back and sent her some kisses, loving how she looked in my blue jersey—three sizes too big on her, and as usual, she tied it around her waist.

With a wink, I pointed at the goal, then back at her, telling her I would score for her.

She laughed and made a heart shape with her hands.

I grinned as my national teammates clapped me on the back, and our captain said something about the strategy. But my eyes still focused on my girl as she turned toward my parents, my mom giving her a hug, before I looked at Nova, Dex, and Maddox—all three of them laughing, wearing my name on their backs.

How did I get so lucky to have all of them in my life?

IVY

I never got tired of watching Max play, especially when he was playing the best I’d ever seen him. His dedication and passion were visible, and he really stood out to me during the entire game.

“Isn’t that a conflict of interest for you?” I turned toward the girl on my right, Natalie Hitchings. She was Coach Hitching’s daughter, sitting there with her boyfriend, Gabriel, and her mother, Hazel. She played for FC Barcelona’s Women’s Team and had lived in Spain for most of her life.

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