Page 49 of Afterglow
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The three of us wander through the stadium, finding our seats five rows up from the bench. The crowd is electric.Although I would deny it if Theo ever asked, I have been following the team’s games this season. So, I know they’ve won all but two of the games they have played.
Willow and I are left alone when Athena goes to find Austin before the game begins, apparently, they have a pre-game ritual that needs to be completed so the team will win. I’m confident it is just an excuse for them to kiss each other senseless.
My eyes take in the stadium: most spectators are dressed in red jerseys with the bright lights illuminating both the field and the Lakewood Devils’ supporters.
Willow is one of the people in a navy opposition jersey. I’ve had to hold in my laughs at some of the death glare she has received since entering the stadium. Willow has either glared straight back or flipped them off.
Typical behaviour from my best friend.
The crowd bursts to life, cheers and screams coming from every corner as the Lakewood players sprint onto the field. From our vantage point, I can make out the names across the player’s backs. Number twenty-nine andKnightcatch my attention.
Theo scans the stands, his helmet tucked under his arm. Eventually, his gaze falls onto me with his mouth curving into a radiant smile. Willow elbows me in the ribs, wiggling her eyebrows. I glare at her, silently telling my best friend to cut it out.
Athena appears again, her hair is messy and jersey has been scrunched up. Willow and I smirk before pointing out her wardrobe malfunction. Athena blushes, pattingthe wild strands of her hair down and straightening the crinkles in her shirt.
Some players move to the bench, others taking the field. Although I may be paying attention to the team's game, I have no clue what is going on. I’m an ice hockey girl, before moving to Arizona I’d never seen a game of football. I ask Athena to explain some of the rules and she does, however, it still leaves me scratching my head.
Suddenly, the game is afoot. My eyes remain on Theo for most of the game. All the players are huddled together towards the end of the field.
I turn to Athena, “What is going on now?”
“We are in scoring position. So, Theo will call the play and try to pass the ball to someone in the end zone. If our player catches it, we get six points.”
I nod my head. The score is tied up, but with the scoreboard counting down, there is limited time to score. “So, if we score a touchdown, Lakewood wins right?”
“Exactly,” Athena replies.
Despite this being the first time I've truly watched a football game, I am on the edge of my seat. Theo catches the ball, scanning the field. The tension in the stadium is palpable, everyone waiting for our quarterback to win the game.
Austin opens up in the end zone—as Athena described it—and Theo immediately passes the ball to him. The ball spirals in the air for what feels like an eternity.
The stadium roars. Lakewood won.Theowon.
I jump up with the crowd, hugging Athena. As the buzzer sounds, Willow throws her head back in defeat.
My roommate drags Willow and I onto the field, Austin and Theo are waiting after shaking hands with the other team. Athena jumps into Austin's arms, who spins her around. I smile at the two of them. I’ve never seen two people so happy and enjoying each other’s company.
Theodore runs his eyes over my outfit. “Whose jersey are you wearing?” His tone is harsh, every wrinkle on his face becoming visible.
“Oh, I just got a random one from Lakewood’s sport shop.”
We have a retail sports shop on campus that sells jerseys, equipment and other sport related things. I didn’t pay attention to the name on the back, until Willow and Athena brought it up at home.
“Why?”
Theodore comes closer to me, his body glistening with sweat, while every muscle seemed to be highlighted by his tight jersey. Theodore leans down, his mouth near my ear. His breath hits my skin, sending goosebumps down my arms and a shiver up my spine.
“Because I don’t like the idea of you wearing anyone’s name butmine,”
The intensity of his voice sets off fireworks in my stomach, my core heating with desire. I swallow and take in a breath. My eyes find his lust filled gaze. I’m so fucked.
“Jealous, Knight?”
“Jealousy doesn’t even begin to cover what I’m feeling right now, Princess.”
My mind is spinning. I am trying to tell my hormones to fuck off, but his jealousy is turning me on. That is a statement I’d never thought I would say.
