Page 76 of Fear of Love
He moved like he was meant to be on the football field. Just like how Wyatt, Trevor, and Bryton moved on the ice. Like they belonged.
Minutes passed as Mateo’s team slowly moved down the field to get in position to score. I knew in my bones that Mateo’s team would win. The way they commanded the field, the way his players seemed in sync with him as he threw the ball, each making sure he wasn’t hit by an opposing player.
As the team neared the end zone, I reached out and gripped Landon’s arm. He didn’t even flinch as I squeezed. All nine of us sat there, eyes glued to the field as Mateo hiked the ball. He darted backward, arm cocked as he tried to find an opening.
When a big guy from the other team came barreling toward him, I dug my nails into Landon’s arm. The guy was huge. Just when I thought Mateo would be smashed to the ground, he pivoted on his heel. With the ball tucked against his side like a baby, Mateo took off down the field.
He darted and weaved, his own teammates doing a good job at holding back players trying to hit him.
“Go!” Landon yelled. Everyone else echoed that same one word.
With only steps between him and the end zone, a player came out of nowhere. The guy lunged to tackle him. Mateo jumped. Right over the player that dove at him.
It was like Mateo froze mid-air for half a second before he landed back on the grass. Right. In. The. End zone.
Touchdown.
I jumped to my feet along with everyone else, screaming like a lunatic. Josie and I turned to each other, shouting in each other’s faces, totally unhinged and not caring one bit.
Then I looked over at Landon. My face stretched in the biggest grin, and he matched it. That smile of his hit me like a wave. He didn’t smile often, but when he did…it felt like the whole world tilted.
“Told you he got this,” I shouted over the noise.
“He’s got this,” Landon repeated.
“We are the champions!”Mateo yelled, the giant trophy they just won held over his head.
The whole team echoed it, my ears ringing at the sound. I really was going to be deaf between this and hockey games. I couldn’t bring myself to care as I stood off to the side as Mateo celebrated with his team.
For the first time in thirty years, the Toronto University football team won a championship game. While it was a team effort, there was no mistaking Mateo’s role in helping them get there.
He was a beast on the field today. He showed why he was starting quarterback as a sophomore, and why scouts were already looking at him to play professionally.
The stands around us slowly emptied as we stood on the field with the team. By the time the nine of us made it ontothe field, it was packed with students and other family members celebrating.
I stayed back as Evelyn, Wyatt, and Landon made their way to Mateo. My chest ached watching him engulf his mom into a tight hug, lifting her off the ground. From here, I could see his shoulders shaking as he held onto her.
When he went to hug Wyatt and then Landon, I had to look away. Watching them support each other and be a family had me mourning the loss of something I never got to have. Letting them have a moment as a family, I stuck back with the others.
“You played amazingly.” Josie was the first to launch herself at Mateo when he made his way over to us. Josie wrapped her arms tight around him, not even caring that he was still in his uniform. Mateo’s hair was stuck to his forehead with sweat, but his eyes were shining, a grin glued to his face.
One by one, everyone pulled Mateo into a hug, congratulating him. When it was my turn, I smiled up at the kid who was a perfect mix of Wyatt and Landon.
“Am I finally going to get that kiss?” he asked. I laughed, not expecting that to be the first thing out of his mouth. He looked down at me with a playful expression.
“After that performance, yes.” I didn’t bother messing with him this time. Going up onto my toes, I grabbed the sides of his face and placed a small peck on Mateo’s lips. I wouldn’t have classified it as a kiss, but by the dazed look on Mateo’s face, you’d think I did something more.
“I always knew you had a thing for me.” His smile widened as he looked down at me before he looked over my head. “I’m stealing your girl, Lan.”
I prayed my cheeks didn’t turn red. I forced myself not to look over my shoulder at Landon to see his reaction. Needing to change the topic, I patted Mateo’s chest. “Good job, babe.”
“Babe, huh?” Mateo raised an eyebrow and smirked.
“Figured we were serious after that kiss,” I retorted.
“I’ll take you out on that date soon.” He winked, making me grin.
“Going to go out and celebrate with the team?” Wyatt asked as I stepped back.
