We were all on our feet, screaming at the top of our lungs as the clock ticked down. This was it. We either scored here, or we lost. I leaned forward, my heart pounding as I watched Parker on the field, intense and focused. Besides the grass stains on his jersey, you’d never be able to tell how rough the game had been. Parker glanced at Jace and barked something.
The ball snapped, and Parker dropped back, scanning the field. Alabama’s defense surged forward, their blitz closing in. Parker sidestepped one linebacker, narrowly avoiding another sack, and kept his eyes downfield.
Just as the pocket started to collapse, Jace broke free from his defender. With a quick flick of his wrist, Parker launched the ball in Jace’s direction, low and fast, cutting through the air straight into Jace’s hands.
Jace caught it effortlessly, barely slowing down before he took off down the field. My heart was in my throat, watching as he dodged one last tackle and crossed into the end zone.
Touchdown.
Tigers win!
I watched as he danced around, soaking in the cheers, a smug look on his face. Then, instead of celebrating with the rest of the team, Jace turned…and headed straight for me.
Or at least it seemed like he was heading my way. I glanced to the left and right of me, but since we were surrounded by Alabama fans, there weren’t a lot of options for Jace to be going.
Jace jogged over, holding the ball out like he was about to crown me queen of the game, a ridiculous, sexy grin on his face. “This one’s for you, sweetheart,” he said, his voice low and teasing, full of laughter.
I blinked at him, not sure what to do. I hesitantly reached out to grab the ball, right as the stadium’s roar grew even louder. I glanced beyond Jace only to see Parker appear out of nowhere, barreling into him and tackling him to the ground.
Right there. In front of the entire stadium. And I was pretty sure everywhere ESPN was being aired.
There was a beat of silence, everyone watching as Parker pinned Jace to the turf.
And then the crowd went nuts.
Was this some kind of stunt? It seemed against how Parker usually behaved in these games, but since I hadn’t exactly been a Tennessee fan before this season—I could be watching a time-honored Tennessee tradition—but I wasn’t confident in that guess.
Jace was laughing like a maniac, barely fighting Parker off.
Parker pushed him back down on the turf and then jumped up, pulling his own jersey over his head and striding over to me.
“Put this on,” he growled, in a feral, crazy sounding voice as he jumped up and stood on the railing in front of me.
I was already wearing a jersey with his name on it, but I let him slide his game jersey over my head. He gripped my chin and kissed me. Hard. His tongue sliding into my mouth, claiming me.
“Mine,” he rasped when he pulled away, staring into my eyes like I needed to get the message.
I nodded, completely in shock as he gave me one more kiss and jumped down, ignoring Jace who was still laughing hysterically nearby.
I lost him in the crowd of players and coaches and media staff.
“Holy fuck,” Nat said, gripping my arm. “Please tell me his dick is just as good as the rest of him. And please tell me he’s just as growly as that in bed.”
I blinked a few times, still staring after where Parker had disappeared in the sea of people.
“It’s all just as good,” I murmured, heat flashing through my insides.
“I’m so fucking happy for you,” Nat responded, beginning to dance around.
A smile slid across my lips.
I was happy for me, too.
PARKER
My teammates kept shooting me glances, like I’d lost my mind.
But I didn’t care.