Page 15 of The First Play

“So…” She tips onto the edges of her blue-and-white Adidas. “You wanted me to wait for you.”

“I did.” I grin. “I was hoping you’d let me drive you home.”

Sienna’s breath catches, her bright eyes dancing like fairy lights, her voice breathy. “Okay.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes, please.” The most stunning smile takes over her face, and this tingle in my chest—the one I haven’t been able to shake—grows with intensity.

Opening the trunk, I dump my bag in the back, then race around to the passenger door and open it for her.

“Thank you,” she murmurs, another blush flaring over her smooth skin.

At least I think it’s smooth. It looks flawless to me. I want to touch it. I want to brush the back of my finger down her cheek. I want to trace the line of her lips with my thumb, then pinch her chin and bring her in for a kiss.

“You okay?” She blinks up at me, and I let out this awkward laugh that’s just plain embarrassing.

She giggles, her nose wrinkling. Damn, she’s cute. And sweet and…

I clear my throat, closing her door and running around to the driver’s side. I buckle up and grip the wheel, begging myself to stop acting like such a spaced-out moron. It’s not like I can just blurt, “You’re so pretty I can’t think straight.”

I need to pull my shit together or she’ll never let me drive her home again.

Starting the engine, I turn to her with what I hope is a charming smile. “So, navigate me, lady.”

She laughs as I reverse out of my spot before directing me left out of the school.

“Are you warm enough?” I ask, pumping up the heater.

“Oh, yes… I mean, no, so thank you for the heat.” Her laughter is edgy and nervous, turning my insides to putty.

Turning on the stereo, I get some tunes going, and she starts to relax, bobbing her head along to the beat.

I grip the wheel, focusing on the road and getting her home safely. I’ve never cared so much about being a good driver, but tonight I’m on my game.

Glancing right, I steal a look at the blonde beauty beside me. Her eyes dart my way, and we flash each other a grin before quickly looking away again.

Strains of “Honeymoon Fades” by Sabrina Carpenter are filling the car. They’ve been playing that song so much lately. I glance Sienna’s way again, enjoying the curl of her lips. She’s mouthing the lyrics, then brushing her teeth over her bottom lip and making my chest do that weird clutching thing again.

Holy shit. What is this girl doing to me?

My heart hiccups as I stare at the road ahead and try to think of something to say, because we can’t just drive around in silence, right?

Is that too awkward?

Is it?—

“So, did you have fun playing tonight?” She breaks the silence with her sweet voice, and I feel like I take my first full breath since starting the engine.

“Uh… fun?” Football is never referred to as fun in my house. It’s a goal, a commitment, a privilege.

She smiles, tipping her head to study me. “Yeah, like… it should be fun, shouldn’t it? I mean, that’s why you’re so committed to it, right? Because you love it?”

“Yeah.” I bob my head. “I’ve just never really thought of it like fun before. I mean, we’re in it to win it, you know? That part’s fun, I guess.”

She gazes at me for a long beat, and my skin starts to burn. “You looked like you were enjoying it. You’ve got a great throw, and you seem to read the field well.” Her nose wrinkles. “I don’t know if I’m using the right terminology there, but from what I’ve researched, quarterbacks need to be smart and know the playbook really well. So, not only are you very physically amazing, but you’re clever too.”

“Thanks.” I nod, feeling a punch of pride.

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