Page 106 of Catching Feelings

“Earth to Row-row.” Jackson waves his hand in front of my face. “Zoning out at all the fine pieces of ass out there? Can’t say I blame you, even if I have the best ass in town.” He slaps Taylor on the butt with a chuckle.

“No frisky business in the stands,” Walker calls from below, then hops up to the railing to give Riley his ritual pregame kiss.

“Right back at ya, brother. You two can fuck like the bunnies you are after the game. Now go run your balls off.”

While Jackson knew nothing about football a few years ago, since he’s reconnected with his brother, he’s learned the ins and outs of the game. Does he still say ridiculous things to annoy Walker? Sure, but that’s what’s so adorable between the brothers.

If only my siblings and I could reconcile like Walker and Jackson did. But they both wanted to mend their relationship, while Natalie and Cameron couldn’t care less about having a relationship with me.

“Bankes. Get your ass back on the field,” the coach yells, as he typically does every time Walker pulls this stunt.

“See you after the game.” Walker gives Riley one more kiss and waves to us before hopping down.

I watch as he jogs back to his teammates. Miles says something to him then glances up at us with a wave, then returns his attention to his team. My heart sinks at the dismissal, but then his head snaps up again and we make eye contact.

Even with his helmet on, and from however many yards away, I can see his eyes widen. His smile follows suit and stretches from ear to ear. My insides warm and I curl my bottom lip between my teeth to tamp back my matching grin. Hell. Why am I hiding my smile?

I release my lip and grin back, offering him a quick wave. He taps his fingers to the front of his helmet then points them at me.

There’s commotion on the field and the captains herd the players back through the tunnel. Miles is one of the last to leave, his head continuously swiveling to the stands. When the field is clear and the cheerleaders begin their performance, I settle into my seat.

Thankfully, no one noticed the few minutes I was under Miles Buckingham’s trance. They were laughing, dancing to the music, and taking pictures of their men.

The game is intense. The Revs clinched a playoff berth, but a win will move them up in the standings, and Tampa Bay needs a win to make the wild card spot. The media have hyped today’s game up to be a battle of wills, and with the Revs not playing their best ball in November and December, they’re not favored to win, even though their ranking is higher.

Miles makes an amazing hail Mary catch at the end of the first half, and the stands go wild. We’re up by ten when the players go to the locker room.

“Drinks are on me, ladies. I think our boys are gonna pull this one off. What do you all want?” Jackson asks.

Kendall and Riley ask for water and order me another seltzer. “Fine. But this is my last one.”

“You’ve had two, cupcake. And I’m sure you’ve shivered and cheered the alcohol out of your bloodstream already.”

“Probably.”

“I could go for some chicken fingers,” Kendall calls to his retreating back.

“And popcorn,” Riley adds.

“I’ll go help him. Text me if you think of anything else.” Taylor follows Jackson up the steps.

The third quarter starts as they return, and I’m so nervous, I guzzle the seltzer. My eyes have been so focused on number eighty-six all afternoon, I hardly notice the cold. Miles turns around and winks at me—or at least in this direction—before shoving his helmet back on his head.

He’s light on his feet for such a big guy, and he’s fun to watch. Miles is on his A-game, and after every catch, the cameramen zoom in on him and his face fills the jumbotron. Pride fills my chest every time I see his smile.

The Miles I know and love—because I think I may be in love with him—is back.

We win the game by seventeen points and it’s nothing but loud cheers and celebrations as we slowly make our way to the friends and family waiting area.

Nerves hit me when the players start filtering out thirty minutes later. Brock and Darius come out together, and when Darius goes to his wife, Brock comes over to our small circle.

“There’s a beautiful face I haven’t seen in a long time.” He gives me a hug and keeps his arm draped over my shoulders as more players come out.

Declan joins us and pushes Brock away.

“There you are, gorgeous. Been way too fucking long since we’ve seen you around these parts.”

It’s nice to know I’ve been missed. I’ve gone longer than six weeks without seeing my family and they’ve never treated me so warmly.

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