Page 25 of Play It Off

Everleigh and I make small talk before I get up to go grab some popcorn. I’m PMSing big time, and I’ve got the munchies, so I need something to continuously snack on. Plus—and I’d never admit this to anyone—I’m full of nervous energy over this game. I don’t know why. These guys do so well, I shouldn’t be worried.

But I am. It feels like so much is on the line, and I want them to do well. I want the team to succeed and go all the way. Not just for mybrother, though he’s the most important member on that team to me, but I also want it for ...

Gavin.

Stupid Gavin and his charming smiles and broad shoulders and dark hair I want to run my fingers through. Who says the silliest shit I’ve ever heard in my life. Like how we can only be friends, though I know I stunned him when I admitted that I was into our brief encounter we had oh-so long ago.

Men are clueless. I don’t know what else to think.

I’m about to be first in line when a typical clueless man is about to walk right past me and then stops, his gaze zeroed in on me.

“Sienna?” His smile is friendly, and okay, yes. He’s very cute. A little on the small side but still cute.

“Yeah?” I don’t recognize him at all.

“Hey.” He approaches, stopping directly in front of me. Pretty sure I’m taller than him but not by too much. An inch, maybe two. “We went to high school together.”

I frown. “We did?”

“We definitely did. Sienna Cooper. Your brother plays for the Dolphins. He’s a senior. I graduated with him.”

I am racking my brain trying to remember this guy. He’s got darkish-blond hair that’s a little long on top and floppy, but not in a bad way. No, more like in an attractive way. He has a nice face. Friendly. And when he smiles, he goes from cute to handsome in an instant.

“Ryland. Ryland Hartwig.”

Oh.

Oh.

I remember him. He was even shorter back in high school, and heavier too. Much heavier. Back when Coop was on the wrestling team in middle school and then his freshman year in high school, Ryland was too.

“I’ve lost some weight since then,” he says sheepishly, a self-deprecating laugh leaving him as he dips his head. “I understand if you don’t remember me.”

“I totally remember you.” His head lifts, and his eyes sparkle. They’re hazel, a swirl of varying colors. “You were on the wrestling team with Coop in high school.”

“I was, though he left after freshman year. Football took all of his time up, which I get.” He keeps pace with me as the line inches forward, and now I’m next to order. “How is Coop? Looks like he’s doing well.”

“He’s doing great. Have you been here since freshman year?”

“Nah, I took a year off school after I graduated and fucked around.” He snaps his lips shut, seemingly embarrassed. “Eventually got my act together and went to community college. Transferred here this year. I’ll graduate next year.”

“Me too. What’s your major?”

“Environmental science. I want to be a park ranger.” Again he seems a little embarrassed, though I don’t know why. “I like spending time outside and figured I may as well find a job where I can do that all the time.”

“That’s so cool.” I send him an apologetic look when the lady at the concession stand barks at me. “Hold on, okay?”

I go up to the counter to order a large popcorn and pay for it, taking the giant bucket from her before I turn, fully expecting Ryland to have disappeared, but nope. He’s still standing there waiting for me with a hopeful expression on his face.

Hmm. I think my expectations in regard to men are terribly low thanks to the jerks I usually deal with.

“Do you come to all the games?” I ask him.

“Yeah, most of them. I’m here with some friends today. We’re in the student section since tickets are cheap,” he explains. “I assume you go to all of them.”

“Definitely.” I nod, holding the popcorn bucket toward him in offering, but he shakes his head no.

“You’re with friends too? A boyfriend?”

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