Page 56 of Calling the Shots

I’m excited and nervous about it at the same time.

Of course, Sloane already knows everything. From the first kiss to the embarrassing spaghetti supper with my mom, she’s been in the loop every step of the way. She told Cam, too, so at least I won’t have to backtrack and fill in all the details.

But other than Sloane, Cam, and my mom, I’m not sure anyone else really knows about the two of us. We’ve stayed home most nights, preferring sexy time over dinner dates.

That all changes tonight.

For the first time, Mack and I will be together. In public. Legitimately, not in an impromptu fake dating scenario to save face.

I hope I don’t throw up, I’m so nervous.

Spritzing anti-frizz spray on my hair, I run my fingers through the curls and pray it doesn’t so much as mist tonight. Even though we’re deep into fall, it’s still Georgia. Humidity’s high here practically year-round.

Satisfied with my efforts, I apply blush to the apples of my cheeks, then contour and highlighter. I swipe a taupe shadow over my eyelids and add a smoky effect with a slightly darker shade. Shaking my hand to dispel the nerves, I pencil on black eyeliner. Two swipes of waterproof mascara, a coat of pink lip gloss, and I’m good to go.

I smile at myself in the mirror, happy with the reflection. Hair and makeup are on point, and I don’t have to worry about my outfit tonight. I’m wearing my Thunder Creek T-shirt and my favorite pair of jeans with sneakers, just like everyone else.

Knock, knock, knock.

Hurrying to the door, I swing it wide open and there’s Sloane. She’s absolutely radiant, her face lightly tanned from the Florida sun. Her long brown hair cascades over her shoulders in loose waves and I’ve never seen her look happier.

“Eek!” I scream, jumping up and down and hugging my bestie with everything I’ve got. “Sloane! I’m so happy to see you! You too, Cam.” I pop my head around to acknowledge the handsome hulking football star of a fiancé standing beside her. He’s equally tan, every inch of him fit and muscular. They’re a picture-perfect couple, right down to the matching Thunder Creek T-shirts.

“Same, Gracelyn.” Cam shoves a hand in his pocket and waits patiently for the two of us to get all our hugs out. The man’s perfect, I swear.

“You ready to go?” Sloane asks when we finally stop squeezing each other.

“Yep. Let’s go.” I grab the keys and lock the door, then we all clamber into Cam’s Range Rover and head toward the high school.

“So, how’s Florida?” I lean forward, popping my head over the center console.

“Hot,” Cam says, rolling his window down. “But you can’t beat the beach.”

“Do you like the new team, Cam?”

He nods. “I do. The coaches are great and the guys are solid. So far, so good.”

“That’s awesome.”

Sloane swivels to face me. “Enough about us—what’s going on here?”

A blush creeps up my neck and I’m glad it’s dark outside. “Not too much.”

“Not too much?” Sloane squeals. “Except you’re dating my dad’s best friend!”

“Yeah, I didn’t have that one on my bingo card,” Cam says, sliding into the parking lot. “Mack’s a cool guy, though. Helluva a baller, back in the day. And he’s a great coach.”

I forgot that Cam worked with him this past summer. Mainly he trained with Coach Carter, but Cam practiced with the entire high school team before he got the offer from Fort Lauderdale.

“The team’s having a great season so far.” My heart rate picks up as we weave our way through the nearly full parking lot.

A few people spot Cam and we’re instantly surrounded by a throng of people fawning over him, asking questions about the new team.

I lean close to Sloane. “Does this happen everywhere you go?”

“Mm-hmm. We don’t go out that much, to be honest, unless we’re with the team. It’s easier to stay home than deal with fans.”

“Ohhh, fans,” I tease and she giggles.

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