Page 52 of Counter Bet

Emily.

Deafening cheers rise from the bleachers as the final whistle blows.

We’re still on a winning streak!

Jack stalks over to me, rips his helmet off, and plants one on me. He’s sweaty, but fuck it! His lips are soft, and I’m on a high.

“That’s what I’m fucking talking about, baby!” he whoops when he pulls back.

Rick lifts me up on his shoulders, parading me around on the football pitch. “We’re on fire, Em! We’re going all the way this year!”

I laugh and wave to Hailey on Jamie’s shoulders. “You better! I’m not cheering for no losers.”

He chuckles, squeezing my bare thighs. “Do you doubt me, woman?”

“Are you going to let me down anytime soon?” I laugh.

He high-fives a teammate. “I’m on a winning high. Let me enjoy it with my favorite girl on my shoulders.”

I lean down, grinning. “You stink. You realize that, right?”

He lowers me down, wraps his arms around me, and rubs himself on me. “It’s the odor of success!”

I manage to free myself. I’m squealing with laughter as I run and hide behind Jamie. “Save me. Rick is determined to smoke me out with his stink.”

Hailey laughs from her spot on Jamie’s shoulders. She’s still waving her pom-poms. “You’re on your own. I’m taking my sweaty man home for a roll in the sheets.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Gross. Don’t you want him to at least shower first?”

Jamie winks. “She loves being fucked by a sweaty star receiver.”

I pretend to bork. “I’m out of here.”

“Are you not coming to the party tonight?” Hailey asks.

I grab my bag, shaking my head. “Not this time.”

She pokes Jamie in the ear. “Let me down, babe.” Her feet hit the grass. She eyes me as she tugs down her cheer skirt. “You never miss a party. “

I shrug, unscrewing the cap on my bottle of water. “I’m just not up for it this time.”

“Fine, but I’m coming over tomorrow.”

I grin, taking a sip. “It’s a date.”

* * *

Empty popcorn bowls lie discarded on the floor. The movie credits rolled over an hour ago, and Hailey has now made it her personal mission to fill me in on the latest gossip from last night’s party.

She paints my pinky nail, and her perfect brows furrow in concentration. “There. Done. Blow on your nails.” She screws the lid back on.

“My nails look great. Why do I get them professionally done when I have you in my life?”

Hailey hesitates a moment. “Em?”

I look up, still blowing on my nails.

“Amber was all over Rick at the party. They even went upstairs for a while.” She cringes.

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