Page 13 of The First Play

“You guys just saw that, right?” I practically squeal.

“Sure did.” Becky smirks. “Looks like the eye sex might be coming to an end.”

I give her a confused frown.

Emily wiggles her eyebrows again. “Time for the real sex to begin.”

My lips part. “But I’m not… I don’t want… I mean, I’m not ready for that.”

The girls crack up laughing, and Olivia runs down to wrap her arm around my shoulders. “Don’t worry. We’re only teasing. Zander’s not just into you for the sex. I can tell he really likes you.”

“You think so?” My stomach churns.

“Of course. He never asks girls out. He’s all about football, you know? But he’s making an exception for you.” She gives me a heartfelt smile. “That’s special, Sen.”

I nod, my insides twirling as I imagine what awaits me after the game.

CHAPTER 6

ZANDER

We won!

We fucking won!

And damn it feels good.

“Bears! Bears! Bears!” the crowd chants as we finally leave the field. Mom leans down from the stands, and like the good boy I am, I walk over to let her hug me. She wraps her arms around my neck so tight I think I’m going to choke, and Dad is right behind her, patting my back and telling me that I did great, but there’s still room for improvement.

The guy does not know how to just enjoy the win.

I shake them off me and head to the locker room, hoping they’ll leave by the time I get out. I normally take my sweet time, giving them plenty of chances to go, but I’m in a hurry tonight, blitzing through a shower and throwing on fresh clothes while the coaches continue to congratulate each other and the guys throw triumphant comments and hassles back and forth.

I tune them all out, towel-drying my hair and fighting a grin…

Because a bright-eyed girl with the best smile is waiting for me.

Holy shit, I can’t believe I just yelled that up to her, but she was looking at me in that way she always does, and I couldn’t resist. She came to the game! And I know she only did that because of me. I’ve asked around, found out what I could. She’s not a football girl. Apparently she’s been trying to learn the game, and Emily told Noah that she’s only doing it because she has the biggest crush on me.

I’ve been wanting to ask her out ever since the party, but between practice, studying, managing two parents, and making it to work on time, I haven’t wanted to ask Sienna out only to have to bail on her.

But it’s my monthly weekend off work, and I want to make the most of it.

Shit, I should have asked her out with more time to spare. What if she’s not free tomorrow?

My gut twists as I finish drying my hair and rush to pull my jacket on.

“Where’s the fire?” The assistant coach laughs at me.

“He’s got himself a pretty girl waiting in the parking lot, Coach.” Noah rats me out, and the entire locker room starts hassling me.

I glare at my friend, shouldering my bag and running out before someone tells me I shouldn’t be trying to fit a girl into my life as well.

This isn’t just any girl. Exceptions need to be made.

I’ve been watching her for two weeks, trying to talk to her between classes, smiling back whenever she catches my eye. And tonight’s my chance to finally do something about all this damn pining.

“Zander.” Dad’s voice catches my attention the second I hit the asphalt. Dammit.

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