Page 40 of The List of Things

Imagine one day the two of us worked professionally on any team… Or even on the same team. The thought warms my chest. I feel like there would be a very big sense of comradery if that were the case. It would feel more like home to know a familiar face on my dream team.

“So I know you really like football. I did think you were only interested though because of your major… I’m seeing now that’s not the case,” He throws the leather ball my way, and it hits my chest as I catch it.

Dear god, is his arm made of steel?I throw a perfect spiral back to him.

“I really like football, not just because of my major,” I say. “My dad was always watching during the season, I know I told you he took me to college games and stuff. When I was old enough to understand the sport I started watching it with him. We would yell at the TV together every game, and we had our own touchdown dance just like the players. The games on the TV were an event. I was home and seated for every single one right by him. When our favorite teams would come into town he would do his best to get tickets even if they were in the back row.”

“So your dad got you into it. But how into it are you really?”

“I mean I loved it so much I chose to go into sports medicine with hopes of working with the NFL. You know I know stats. I know players. This sport is just different than all the others because the fans are different. The excitement at the games and everything that comes along with it. Football has more high stakes and that’s why I love it the most,” I throw another perfect spiral throw toward the quarterback in front of me.

“So potentially we can watch games together this year when the NFL season starts?” His lips form a lazy grin.

His dimple is prominent on his smooth face. We won’t be fake dating next year, but he has obvious hopes we will still be friends enough for that. I can imagine myself watching football with him during the colder months. I’m sure Lawson would be there too. But I have no idea what’s going to happen leading up to the school year. I can’t make promises for that kind of thing. Not now anyway.

“Aren’t you supposed to be working hard, not chit-chatting, and tossing a ball?”

He nods at me, waiting for me to pass it back.

“I just love seeing the way you throw, it’s kind of turning me on.”

I roll my eyes, coming in close to him now, relieving the space we have between us.

“On your back, workout, get your body warm, then we’ll do drills.”

He smirks, dropping the football, and also dropping to his back.

“Fifty, go,” I tell him, and get on the ground with him.

I place my knees on his feet, and he starts his curl ups, coming all the way up, his face incredibly close to mine.

“You come that far up every time, you get something on fifty,” I try to encourage him though I’m almost positive he’s going to come that far up every time even without an incentive.

“You’re underestimating me,” He talks as he works out, not breaking a sweat.

He’s incredibly skilled, and fast despite how far up he’s coming, and before I know it he’s at fifty, and he’s already kissing me as he makes it up from his last curl up. He lays back down, his lips separating from me, and I put my hands on his knees, looking down at him.

“How did you know that was the something I was going to give you?”

“That’s what I was hoping for,” He shrugs and gives a golden smile.

I stand up, not letting myself fold, and show the smile I have loaded behind closed lips. I hold my hands out for him and help him up. He walks me through some of the normal drills he does, and I help him through them, watching as he keeps his stamina up through all of them. He starts to sweat, the sun beating down on both of us, and I watch as he brings the hem of his shirt up to wipe the sweat from his face.

“You can take it off,” I say. He just looks at me, his hands on his hips as he catches his breath. “Your shirt. If you normally don’t work out with one on, then take it off. Don’t change your routine because of me,” I tell him, and to my surprise he actually does.

My eyes catch the tattoo, noticing just how defined his chest, and torso actually are. He was too far away when I was in his bathroom, but right now he’s up close and personal. Talk about perfection. He really does look like one of those sculptures, his body could be fake. If I didn’t know any better I’d reach out just to make sure he was real.

“Ready?” He claps his hands, snapping me out of my unnecessary fantasy.

It’s not normal to want someone this bad, it’s not normal at all.

“Water, then we’ll go,” I bend down and toss his bottle to him, grabbing my own while I’m down here.

“You know you make this a lot more fun, mostly because you’re actually into it... Are you enjoying this?”

I nod, gulping my water.

“I am. The field, football, and helping like I am, it's what I’ve always wanted to do. I love this,” I motion around me. “Enough talk. Let’s go.”

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