Page 18 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

I wave my hand, calling her out onto the field. She shakes her head, waving her hands in the air.

“Are you chicken?” I shout, knowing that if she sees it as a challenge, she won’t be able to resist coming.

Hearing that, Ava rolls up her sleeves and begins making her way down. She can’t find her way onto the field, so I help her by pulling her out of the stands and into my arms.

I see her blush as I hold her by the waist, gently placing her on the ground.

“Are you ready for a friendly match?” I ask.

A mischievous smile spreads across Ava’s face as she takes off her heels, her bare feet touching the moist grass beneath her.

“Just so you know, I won’t let you win easily,” she smirks.

“I love a challenge,” I say, not realizing that Ava has already started running with the ball.

“You cheat!” I shout, running after her.

She laughs hysterically as I begin gaining on her.

It isn’t long before I have her in my arms, but she gives one final kick, smacking the ball off the metal post.

“I almost had it,” she fusses.

“You know what almost means, right?” I hold her tight in my arms, feeling her heart race.

“What?” she asks, listening carefully.

“It means you lost.” I laugh.

Ava turns around, fussing, playfully smacking me on my arm.

“I would have scored if it weren’t for you,” she says.

I can’t help but grab her by the waist and pull her close.

There she is, locked in my arms and looking straight into my eyes. I try hard to resist every urge to put my lips on hers. There are no cameras. No audience. No need to put on a show.

But somehow, I can’t help myself.

I lean in and kiss her.

“Let’s just save that for the cameras,” Ava says, stepping away from me.

I immediately regret my decision.

“Um, yeah, sorry.”

“We should probably get out of here,” Ava says, trying to divert her attention elsewhere.

“I know a great fast-food place if you’re up to it,” I offer.

Ava nods.

“Yeah, I could go for something to eat.”

I smile, happy that she accepts my invitation despite her rejection.

“But first,” Ava says, banging on my chest. “You need a shower because you stink!” She laughs.

---