Page 96 of Fear of Falling

Just like his big brother, Mateo put it all out there on the field. I could see the same competitiveness in him that I saw in Wyatt when he played. It was clear as day that Mateo was Wyatt’s brother, that's for sure.

“That was a great game,” I said as the four of us stood to the left of the stadium in the parking lot, waiting for Mateo to come out of the locker room. “Wasn’t expecting a high school football game to be so exciting.” I beamed up at Wyatt.

“Think you’ll become a football fan now?”

“Maybe I’ll ditch hockey for football.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, hockey is so old news.”

Wyatt reached for my waist, tickling me as I squirmed, laughing.

As I noticed Evelyn watching the two of us, I felt a little embarrassed. But then she smiled at me, a little twinkle in her eye, and I felt at ease. Though it was short-lived as Landon stepped forward, engaging Wyatt in a stare off, like they were having a silent conversation.

Thankfully, at that moment, Evelyn caught sight of Mateo, and called out to him. She wasted no time in rushing over to greet him.

“Oh baby, you did so great!” Evelyn pulled him into a tight hug.

I held back a laugh at the helpless look he sent Wyatt and Landon. Pulling back Evelyn planted kisses on his face. This time I couldn’t help myself as I laughed into my hand at the disgusted look on his face, his nose scrunched up.

“Ew, mom.” Mateo pulled out of her hold and wiped at his face, but I saw the look of love in his eyes when he smiled at his mom.

“Good job, punk.” Landon stepped forward and ruffled his hair, the harshness he’d held in his expression now gone.

“Knew you’d kill it.” Wyatt pulled his little brother into a tight hug. A look of pride washed over Mateo’s face at his brother's praises. It was clear their opinions meant a lot to him.

When Wyatt finally let him go and stepped back, Mateo’s eyes landed on mine.

“You!” he exclaimed. “You’re the girl who took pictures of the team a few weeks ago.”

“I did,” I nodded, giving him a small smile.

“So you are…” He looked between Wyatt and I before a mischievous smile took over his face. “You’re the girl who has Wyatt all tongue tied.”

Could have sworn the tips of Wyatt’s ears turned pink at his brother's words.

“Don’t listen to him.”

“Wait. So that means I met your girl first.” Mateo teased.

“Don’t even think about finishing that sentence,” Wyatt threatened, eyes narrowing at his little brother. I bit my lower lip to keep from laughing, sensing from Mateo’s mischievous expression that he was eager to antagonize his brother.

“Isn’t it the first person who sees her, gets her?” Mateo winked at me, and I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “Feel free to ditch my brother and hook up with me instead.”

“In your dreams,” Wyatt scoffed.

“You mean inherdreams.” Mateo retorted, wiggling his eyebrows up and down at me. It was plain to see that he was the typical baby of the family that loved messing with his older brothers. I already loved him. Especially when he shot me another wink, and Wyatt took a cautionary step towards him.

“Joking, joking.” Mateo raised his hands taking a step backwards. “Unless Josie wants a real man.” Just like that, Mateo dropped his bag and took off, Wyatt right on his heels.

“Wow, you’re getting as slow as Landon,” Mateo shot over his shoulder as he ran past.

“What did you just say?” Landon took a step forward.

“Nothing…grandpa.” Mateo got the exact reaction that he wanted, as Landon took his turn to chase after his brother. I watched as the three of them ran around the parking lot. Two grown men and a teenager, running around like kids.

It showed me a whole new side to Wyatt. It was like the moment he was around his family, the mask completely fell away, revealing a loving, funny, goofy guy. Watching him chase Mateo around the parking lot, exchanging jibes with both his brothers, you’d never know he was one of the world’s most sought-after hockey players.

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