Page 27 of Fear of Love
I wasn’t used to people doing things for me. Even something as small as getting a drink. It was throwing me off-kilter. I learned a long time ago it was better—safer—to only rely on myself. It didn’t help that it was Landon who was doing it.
Swallowing the sudden ball in my throat, I looked out at the field, sipping the beer Landon got me. I wasn’t about to let one little sweet action turn me into a crying mess. It was just a beer. I knew better than to think it was anything more than that. Justbecause Landon did a few kind things this past week didn’t mean anything changed between us. He still couldn’t stand me.
At least, that was what I was telling myself.
Thankfully, the sound of the crowd getting louder drew me out of my thoughts. Beside me, Mila nudged my arm, her face glowed with anticipation. “It’s time!”
Just like at Wyatt’s hockey game, the excitement in the air grew as movement came from down on the field. Putting my beer down in a holder, I grabbed my sign, along with the girls, ready for when Mateo came out.
Players ran out onto the field, a mix of boos and cheers echoing around us. Based on the gray and green colors on their uniforms, it wasn’t Mateo’s team.
I moved to the edge of my seat as I waited. To think only a few years ago, I could care less about sports events, and here I was, excited for a football game. Just like I was for the hockey game the other day.
Moments later, players clad in red and white ran out onto the field. The crowd around us stood and cheered. I lifted my sign above my head and waved it around, Mila, Tasha, and Josie doing the same.
The sound of blow horns had me wincing, yet the grin on my face didn’t slide off. My eyes searched for the number thirty-five and the last name Boone.
“There he is!” Josie yelled, pointing at a tall figure jogging toward us. It only took Mateo a second to notice us. He had his helmet off, and a huge grin spread across his face. Lifting his arm, he gave us a wave before he joined his team.
As the crowd quieted down, I heard Josie say to Trevor, “You owe me forty bucks,” followed by a curse.
8
LYDIA
“Go, Mateo!” I yelled, my voice already a little hoarse and scratchy.
“You got this!” Mila screamed alongside me.
We were holding our signs as Mateo stood directly in front of us with his team. The blow horns were long gone since the guys thought it would be a good idea to lay on them for a full minute. Which prompted someone to come down and tell them to put them away five minutes later. They lasted longer than I thought they would.
Before running back onto the field, Mateo turned around to face our section. He sent us a little smirk and wink before sliding his helmet on and focusing on the game. Earlier, Josie said Mateo would wave to us, and she wasn’t wrong. Whenever he had a chance, he acknowledged us sitting here. He probably wouldn’t admit it, but I saw him constantly looking in our direction like he wanted to make sure his brothers and mom were still present.
“One day he’s going to get hurt for flirting so damn much,” Landon muttered beside me.
“Wonder where he learned it from,” I said offhandedly. From the corner of my eye, I saw Landon’s head slowly turn in my direction.
“You don’t think he got it from me?” Landon almost looked appalled.
I gave him a flat look. “Being an ass doesn’t count as flirting.”
“I know how to flirt.”
“Okay.” It wasn’t that I didn’t believe him. I was pretty sure Landon could flirt just fine, but it made it hard to believe when he constantly had a glare on his face.
Keeping his gaze locked on mine, Landon bent his head down closer to mine. Those gorgeous hazel eyes seemed to trace my face, lingering on my lips. Being this close, I could smell his cologne. It was almost piney, and I had to stop myself from inhaling it. Why did he have to smell so good?
My own eyes had a mind of their own as I took advantage of how close his face was to mine, taking in his flawless cheekbones and chiseled jaw under the slight stubble that peppered his skin. It was unfair how good he looked.
“Blondie,” Landon’s voice dipped, smooth and deliberate. It wasn’t loud, just low enough that I felt myself leaning an inch closer. Goosebumps prickled along my arms like he had whispered it right against my ear.
He hadn’t said more than just that one word, but there was a subtle shift in his demeanor and in the air that had my pulse stuttering. The faintest smirk pulled at his lips, like he was waiting to see how I’d react.
“You really like calling me that, don’t you?” I asked, trying to play it cool, praying he wouldn’t catch the hitch in my voice.
His eyes dragged over me, slow and unapologetic. “It suits you, and the way you react when I say it…” Landon’s voice dipped again. “Pretty hard to resist.”
My stomach swooped, and my mouth dried as all my thoughts scattered.What the fuck?Where the hell did this Landon come from? With the way his eyes flashed, he knew exactly what he was doing.
