Page 41 of End Game

“Nah, that won’t happen. You barely weigh anything.” He eventually sets me on my feet, and I’m laughing, a little breathless, when suddenly I can feel someone staring at me.

At us.

I glance to my right to see Nico approaching us with his usual buddies and teammates flanking either side of him. His expression is somber, his lips pulled into a grim line, and I wonder why he looks angry when everyone else is grinning. Rightfully happy after their amazing win.

“Valente, why you so pissed off? We just won!” This comes from Frank.

Nico barely looks at him, his attention all for me. I stand as still as a statue as he heads straight for me, all the air lodged in my throat as I wait for him to say something.

Anything.

“I thought she asked you to back off,” Nico says to Frank through tight lips, stopping directly in front of us.

Frank’s frowning. “Are you talking about ... Everleigh?” He sends me a look, but all I can do is just stand there, gaping like a fish. I’m sure I look like an idiot with my smeared face paint and my braids coming undone, little flyaway hairs everywhere.

“Yeah, I’m talking about Ever.” Nico looks in my direction, his dark eyes flashing with an unrecognizable emotion. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I reassure him, my voice faint. “Frank’s just glad I offered to help him stretch his shoulder.”

“Yeah, bro. Relax.” Coop slaps Nico in the chest, and Nico’s gaze flickers with irritation. “It was nothing. She’s just trying to help the poor guy out.”

“Oh.” Nico visibly relaxes, all the strain that filled his every feature slowly disappearing. “Right.”

“Why such a strong reaction, hmm, Nico?” Sienna’s smile is naughty. There’s no other word to describe it. “You jealous of their friendship?”

“I’m not jealous of anything,” Nico practically spits out.

“Then what is it?” Sienna is goading him into having a reaction, and I send her a look. One that says ...

Knock it off.

Totally curious about his answer, though.

Chapter Fifteen

NICO

How am I supposed to answer Sienna’s question in front of everyone when I don’t even know how to respond? Am I jealous of Frank fucking Dollar?

Absolutely not.

I feel sorry for the guy. His shoulder is still messed up, and he’s missing out on a fantastic season. I’m on an absolute high after that win. I ran in a couple of touchdowns, but I’m not the one who saved this game. We were on track to lose.

Thank God we didn’t.

I let my gaze roam over Everleigh, who’s standing there with a perplexed expression on her face. Most likely confused by my reaction.

Hell,I’mconfused by my reaction.

She’s adorable even with the smeared face paint on her cheeks. I can tell one of the numbers is my own—my chest puffs up with pride like the egotistical jackass I am—and the other number is Coop’s.

Pretty positive Sienna is responsible for painting those numbers on Ever’s face. Equal opportunity, showing her support for both her roommates on the field. Nice touch.

“Hey, let’s get the hell out of here and go to Charley’s.” This suggestion comes from Gavin, and I sag with relief when I hear it.

“Yeah, let’s get out of here,” Coop says in agreement while I just stand there and nod.

The stadium is empty, and there aren’t too many people lingering around. It’s late, and I’d guess most of the student attendees are already at the bars. Or at house parties. Frats.

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