Page 94 of A Game as Old as Time

Peyton Weston!

His sister was giggling as she skipped away with her friends.

“Well.” He stood up and straightened his jacket without a wince. “I may not know where most of my steps will go each day, but I sure know the next few that I want to take.”

He bowed and tipped his finger toward the dance floor.

“Can I have this dance?”

Her legs were weak, but she slowly stood. She nodded, following him in step as they made their way out.

“I am assuming this is for practice purposes, possibly to take some notes?”

He laughed but did not answer as the lights began to dim, the song slowly getting louder. Even though the gymnasium was full of other students, it felt as if they had the whole building to themselves.

The music started to play louder as he extended his hand, making her blush even more as she intertwined her fingers with his. She had practiced the movements over and over in her head, but tonight was the first time they were moving in-step together.

He’s been practicing.

Their eyes locked as they began to step slowly around the wooden gymnasium floor. The smile refused to leave her face as they moved faster, his steps leading her. Finally, she felt her body release, and hespun her, never letting go of her hand.

“I hope you don’t mind,” he whispered as he brought them together again. “But I think I’ll only use my good shoulder tonight.”

She couldn’t stifle a schoolgirl giggle, and he gently spun her again, grabbing her hands tight before she brought her head to his chest.

Perfect.

He smelled so pure, like a crisp autumn morning, and as she exhaled, she felt his chin rest on her head.

This is perfect.

She had sung the song over and over in her head while practicing, but not tonight. Tonight, she just let it play over them. The stares all around them were meaningless as they moved slowly together across the floor.

Chapter 17

“Well, Pioneer fans, the whole season comes down to the next twenty seconds. South Mountain has steamrolled through the first two playoff games, but tonight we have watched two evenly matched teams go head-to-head in the district championship. The Pioneers will have the ball on the Eagle Rock High thirty-yard line, with a fourth down and trailing 28-24. Coach Bianchi has relied heavily on Tyquan Carter, who has been spectacular in the playoffs, including two more touchdowns tonight. However, it looks like Gunner Weston will have to make a play or two if this season is going to continue.”

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“Gunner!” He twisted to his coach. “Gunner, what do you think? We have no timeouts and only twenty seconds. I need to know what you’re seeing out on that field, son.”

Deep breath.

He peered around the huddle as his teammates looked on. The glares from the stadium lights stung his eyes.

Focus.

His body was hurting. His shoulder was starting to throb with eachmovement, but most of all, he was frustrated. He knew he had struggled all game to be consistent, as the protective padding under his shoulder pads was throwing off his balance.

“Gunner!” He snapped back to his coach, who was adjusting his visor. “I need to know what you’re seeing out there, son!”

Gunner’s breaths were coming fast and quick, the sweat rolling down his neck causing a chill when it hit the crisp November air.

They know I can’t make the throw.

He shook his head and glanced down.

“Coach.” Ty’s voice cut into his helmet. “They’re bringing pressure every play. They want to hit G, make him throw on the run with his shoulder.”

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