Page 68 of The First Play

The coaches at Kelsey U have given him the hard word, set the expectations so freaking high. They see his potential, but only if he’s willing to give them his all. They want to mold him into a pro athlete… and he’s going to let them.

But is that what he really wants?

I honestly can’t tell.

Kelsey U is so freaking far away. It’s still within the state of Idaho, but it’s not like we’ll get to see each other very often.

Zander had no choice but to accept. After he called to tell me, I couldn’t help crying myself to sleep.

I’m gutted but trying not to let it show. I know the reality of long distance. Last night, when we were talking on the phone, I was trying to be happy for him, and I went on about how easy it will be. We can stay in touch on the daily. It’ll be totally fine.

But is that honestly true?

He’s going to get caught up in college life. And I want that for him. I want him to enjoy his time.

“It’s only a year, baby,” Mom tried to comfort me. “You can apply to the same place, and then you’ll be together. In fact, it’s not even a year if you take into account all the school breaks. It’s hardly any time at all.”

That did actually make me feel better… and maybe we can do this.

If we can survive his parents’ restrictions, surely we can survive a year apart. Thanks to a tightened curfew, I’m only getting to see my man for one night on the weekends and the odd lunch hour when he’s not studying in the library or working out.

His parents are still annoyed that we’re sleeping together and have tried everything in their power to make sure we’re never alone or without adult supervision. Thankfully, my parents are a little more relaxed, although it’s not like they’re encouraging us to get a room. I still have to leave my door open when we’re at my place.

They’re not mad about the fact that we’ve had sex, but my parents definitely think we’re too young, so they’re not exactly accommodating a repeat, you know?

Which is why we’re parked up at Harrison Point. It’s become one of our favorite spots, because hardly anyone ever comes here. It’s about the only place on Earth we can get some privacy these days, and this is usually where we end our date nights.

We only have one hour left until Zander’s due home, and we’re making out like crazy, his hands roaming my body as we make the most of our time together.

He leaves for football camp tomorrow.

Zander’s driving away from me tomorrow morning, doing the five-hour trip with his dad to go and train with the college football team.

He really needs to shine at this camp or he’s going to get zero game time. Coach Jones has assured him he’ll get to play a few games… if he performs well during practices, so the pressure is on. If he can show them what he’s got this week, then he’s got a chance to turn everything around for himself.

I really want that for him. I know how much he loves football, and I want him to be happy.

But I hate the thought of him leaving.

He doesn’t really want to go. The camp sounds super strict. They’re not allowed their phones or anything. It’s an intense week of training and bonding… and there’s no room for me.

Dammit. I was so pumped for spring break and all the things we were going to do together, but my best-laid plans were washed away in a heartbeat. Now I’ve only got the next hour before he’s gone. And I don’t know if I want to spend it making love or snuggling or playing silly games or…

His tongue glides against mine and I whimper, holding on to him for dear life.

It’s only a week, Sienna. Stop being so dramatic.

I wish I could explain why I’m feeling so unsettled by all of this. It’s only a week. Logically, I really am making a big deal out of nothing, but I can’t seem to stop myself. My stomach has been in knots for weeks, like I’m waiting for some kind of impending doom. Maybe it’s just the fact that I know Zander’s parents are against our relationship.

Whatever it is, I don’t want to say goodbye to my boyfriend tonight.

“You’re so sexy, baby,” Zander moans between kisses.

I’m straddling his lap in the back seat of his car. My shirt’s open, my bra pulled down so he can do what he likes with my eager nipples. I love how his thumbs brush over them as he nuzzles my neck. I grind against his erection, knowing this is happening and needing that connection more than anything.

“I want you inside me,” I whisper, lightly biting his earlobe.

He hums in his throat, bucking his hips with a soft laugh before I scramble off his knee and unzip him. His dick springs out to greet me and I grin, kneeling on the seat beside him so I can suck his head.

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