Page 57 of Calling the Shots

“I know, it’s weird to say that out loud.”

Sloane and I wait patiently while Cam signs autographs, then Sloane whispers something in his ear and he breaks away. Together, we make our way toward the endless queue in front of the stadium. We’re standing in line when one of the boosters spots us—I don’t know if it’s Sloane as the coach’s daughter or Cam the football star that catches her eye. Maybe both of them, the power couple of Thunder Creek. Either way, the nice booster mom pops over and grabs us out of the line, ushering us through the crowd.

“Nice perk, guys.” I tag along behind them, thrilled to bypass the mile-long queue and be inside the stadium.

“Every once in a while, Cam comes through.” Sloane beams up at him, and I swear the two of them have hearts in their eyes like freaking emojis.

Normally, I’d feel a tiny bit jealous of the two of them and what they have going on between them.

But not tonight.

Because tonight I have a man of my own and I’m sure I’ll have matching heart eyes soon enough.

We wait in yet another line for concessions, buying big bags of popcorn and cold bottles of water before climbing the metal bleachers. After a solid seven minutes of searching, we find a spot. Tonight’s especially tough because everyone in town’s here and the three of us get stopped a million times on the way up. Finally, we take a seat next to Meg, the quarterback’s mom.

“Hi, Meg!” Sloane leans over and gives her a hug.

“Hey! I was hoping y’all would make it. Hi, Cam, Gracelyn.” Meg waves at us. “Langley will be so glad you’re here.”

“Heard he’s having a great season.” Cam smiles over at her and she beams, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“He’s doing good. Coach Carter’s amazing.” Meg’s cheeks flush when she mentions Sloane’s dad, her voice going breathy with admiration.

I swear she also has heart eyes.

Damn, it’s contagious around here.

“He’s a fantastic coach. Best out there.” Cam squeezes Sloane’s thigh and she grins at him.

If I were still single, I’d be gagging at the way the two of them are so head over heels for each other.

“Everyone get to your feet and welcome the Thunder Creek Mustangs to the field!” The announcer booms over the loudspeaker and the bleachers shake as the crowd rises, clapping and cheering. The band plays the opening notes of the fight song and we all sing the familiar tune.

I scan the field for Mack, spotting him at the end of the line of players rushing onto the field. He glances up into the stands and we lock eyes as he walks over to his place on the sideline. I take a chance and shoot him a small wave. He tips his chin up at me, the corner of his mouth lifting.

The man is fine, no two ways about it. The navy-blue Thunder Creek sweatshirt stretches taut across his chest and tonight he’s wearing joggers, showcasing his very firm ass.

An ass I can’t wait to hit later tonight.

“Everyone cheer for the home team!” The announcer’s loud voice cuts into my fantasy as the dance team kicks and gyrates across the field.

And there’s freaking Jamie, flipping her dark red hair and batting her lashes at Mack.

Of course she is.

Anything to get under my skin.

But Mack’s focused on the game now as the team takes the field and he totally ignores her. Lightning Ridge has the ball first, so his sole attention is on coaching the defense. He could care less about Jamie Ware, no matter how much she wiggles her tits in his face.

We’re off to a good start, stopping the other team on every play. They don’t score and now we have possession of the ball.

“Let’s go, Thunder Creek!” Sloane cups her hands and cheers with the crowd. Cam leans forward, elbows on his knees, his brow furrowed. Meg wrings her hands. The ball’s snapped and Langley steps back, reading the field. He throws a perfect spiral to the wide receiver and we gain a ton of yards.

“Woo!” I yell. “Go, Langley!”

Every play’s perfect and before long, Thunder Creek scores. We go for two and now the score’s eight to nothing.

“Great start to the game, Meg.” Sloane clasps her hand and Meg smiles gratefully.

---