Page 46 of When Nothing Else Matters

“Delilah, it’s nice to meet you,” I say, and I genuinely mean it. “Are you joining us for the rest of the game?”

“Oh no. I was just passing by and saw Joel. It’s been a while so…” she fades off.

“Would you like some alone time?” I ask, realizing too late that I am probably interrupting something.

“No, please stay,” she says, and shifts away from Joel a little with a shy smile.

Despite her insistence that she isn’t joining us, it’s fifteen minutes into the second half before she leaves. Cory is perched on my lap as we both cheer along with the crowd. I learned a lot about the person I’m now calling “the love of Joel’s life” during her visit. Turns out she’s as beautiful on the inside as she is out. I’m dying to know the backstory of these two, because from that brief conversation, it’s obvious they share some pretty strong feelings.

As soon as Delilah exits our row, Cory and I both turn to Joel. “Wow!” is all I can say.

“I know.” He smiles, but it’s not his usual playful grin.

“Why are younottogether?” I ask, not even concerned with how that question might sound. It’s Joel. He’s not one to beat around the bush.

“It’s a long story.” He sighs, and my heart breaks a little for him.

“We have time,” Cory adds, and I can’t help but laugh. She’s already focused back on the game and has once again failed to pick up on the mood.

“Maybe after the game?” I scrunch my nose because he looks so uncomfortable.

“Maybe,” he mumbles with a shrug and turns back to the game.That’s definitely a no.

“She’s lovely, Joel. I hope you work things out,” I say, and I truly mean it.

“Thanks, Summer.” He smiles and this time I’m happy to see it reaches his eyes.

When Nate makes a play, Cory wriggles with excitement on my lap, drawing my attention to the fact that she’s still sitting on me unnecessarily. I toss her onto the seat beside me and turn back to the game as though nothing happened. Cory and Joel both chuckle, and I relax at the sound of Joel’s laughter.

When the game ends, I follow Cory to meet the players. I’m bouncing on my toes, like a giddy fan girl, waiting for Dylan to finish in the locker room.What the hell is wrong with me?As soon as I see him, I can’t stop myself as I leap into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. “You were incredible, Dylan. I knew you were fast, but damn, and God, that one-handed grab…No wonder you’ve got scouts on the lookout. Bet you’re thrilled.” I’m talking a million miles a minute, the high of the game still in full effect. I don’t mention how good helooksout on the field, even though I know he’d get a kick out of it, because I’m completely over that.Mostly.

Instinctively, Dylan grips under my thighs, holding me in place, but then stills at my ambush. Our faces are only inches apart, so I can see every thought and emotion play out on his features. His eyes bounce between mine, as though he’s trying to process that I’m really there. After a second or two, he huffs out a small laugh, shaking his head. “You’re here?” he says, with a look of adoration, completely ignoring everything I’ve said.

The attention makes me blush uncomfortably. I’m about to pull out of his hold when a look of confusion flashes across his face. “Wait, what did you say? How did you know about the scouts?” he asks, sounding almost taut as he lowers me to the ground and takes a step back.

Shit! Did I say the wrong thing?“Joel let it slip during the game. Was it supposed to be a secret?” I ask.

“No, sorry.” He grabs the back of his neck and gives me a stressed look. “Sorry, it’s just…I think I’m still in shock that you came.” He reaches out and prods my face, checking that I’m real.

I laugh and push him away, happy to be back in playful mode. Things got a little tense for a second. “Of course, I did. We’re best friends,” I say, further trying to lighten the mood.

“Well, thank you. I appreciate it,” he says softly, his eyes conveying how true those words are.

I lean in close and look around conspiratorially, before whispering in his ear. “So, any teams watching today? Who’s going to steal you away from us?”

“Um, I don’t think… I—” He cuts himself off and runs a hand through his hair, clearly holding something back.

“Come on, don’t tell me you’re going to pretend to be modest,” I say, keeping things light, though I’m not stupid. Something’s definitely going through his head.

“That’s me, modest,” he jokes, but it’s a little forced. “Are you ready to party?” he adds, changing the subject.

I let it go but make a mental note to ask him about it later. “Sure, as long as there’s dancing,” I say with a wink and then pull him toward the exit.

Chapter Nineteen

Dylan

Summercametomygame. After seeing her sad expression when she told me she’d never attend one, I had given up hope and stopped looking for her. Then she came. Not only did she make the effort to attend, but she looked incredibly adorable with her face paint and team colors. The only thing that could have topped her look was if she was wearing my name on her back.Fuck, would I love to see that.

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