Page 43 of Sneaking Around with the Player
“I’ll take whatever I can get.” He leans forward and slants his mouth over mine. “See you tomorrow.”
The next afternoon, I pull into the parking lot of a middle school and drive back to the football field where Beau said he’d be. I can’t see much of the field from the car, and he isn’t answering his phone, so I get out and walk.
They’re easy to spot once I get close, at least Beau is. He’s surrounded by kids half his age and height. He’s wearing shorts and a T-shirt that stretches over his broad chest and muscular arms. The way he runs down the field, easily catching a bad throw and then zig-zagging through the players makes a smile spread across my face.
I sit on the first row of bleacher seats and watch him. He looks so happy, so in his element that if I didn’t know about the pressure from his family, I’d never believe it was possible his love for the game wasn’t one hundred percent genuine.
After he carries the ball into the end zone, he tosses it to a kid who’s probably around twelve with shaggy brown hair that Beau ruffles as he gets close. The kid sees me first, says something to Beau, and a second later, those green eyes find me. He lifts a hand in a wave and then runs over to me, sweaty and smiling big.
“Hey.” He bends down to swipe his lips over mine. “Are you early or am I late?”
“The latter, but it’s fine. I don’t mind.” I don’t mind one bit.
“Give me five?” he asks.
“Of course.”
“I want to let Scottie run it one more time, then I’m all yours.” He winks as he jogs backward onto the field.
Beau
“That was incredible.” Scottie’s lips split into a huge grin as he wipes his forehead with the bottom of his shirt.
His friends have already left, matching smiles on their faces. Mine too. It was pretty incredible. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun on the football field.
Don’t get me wrong, winning with my team is satisfying in a way I can’t describe. But this, just goofing around, having a good time, it’s been too long since I’ve done it.
I walk with Scottie to the sideline where we left our stuff. He pulls on a hoodie while I drain what’s left of my water.
“Is she your girlfriend?” His gaze is across the field where Stella still sits.
“Yep,” I say, proudly.
“She’s so hot. What’s she doing with you?”
Laughing, I hit the brim of his hat. “I have no idea.”
Together, we walk to her. She stands and smiles when we get close.
“Hey. All done?” she asks.
“Yep. Just had to show Scottie here how it’s done.” I tap a fist on his bicep. “Scottie, this is Stella.”
“Hi,” he says, his voice suddenly going quieter than it’s been all morning.
“It’s nice to meet you, Scottie.” Stella smiles at him. “Nice arm. You have a real poised presence out there too.”
His brows rise, like he can’t believe a girl as hot as her knows anything about the sport. Ah, he has so much to learn.
“Stella’s brother plays QB at Valley U.”
“Your brother is Felix Walters?!”
“Yeah.” She nods, laughing lightly. “You’ve seen him play?”
“Are you kidding? He’s one of the best college quarterbacks in the country.” He shoots a quick glance in my direction. “Dad said you guys have been playing against each other since you were my age.”
“He’s right.”
