My Dad’s hand rests on my shoulder and squeezes before releasing it. “Let’s go one more round. I know you have to get ready soon.”
I grab a quick sip of my water, towel off the excess sweat, and redo my bun. “All right then. You heard the man. Prepare to get your asses kicked.”
* * *
The roar of the crowd makes me hurry up and wash my hands.
I knew I should’ve held it.
Rushing from the bathroom, I hurry over to the glass of the skybox just in time to see Liam throw a pass down the field to Rowan.
“Go…go…goooo,” I shout, jumping up and down and motioning as if I can literally push Rowan into the end zone.
He darts left and shuffles back, running around two defensive ends before breaking away and running it in for a touchdown right as the refs signal for halftime.
“Girl, take it down five octaves. You’re going to make us all go deaf,” Shay teases.
I turn away from the glass to face her. “Hey, you’re the one who said I had to come to the game. So now you have to bear the repercussions of your actions,” I snark back.
“Whatever.” She grabs my wrist. “Come on, we need to get to the field before they start the ceremony.”
I follow behind her as she practically drags me down the stairs toward the field. She doesn’t stop or speak until we’re at the entrance to the field.
“Wait, stop,” I demand, pulling my hand out of her grasp. “Why are you trying to pull me out there?”
She points to Liam’s jersey and then back to the field where parents and team members’ partners are all making their way over to the Jumbotron.
My gaze snaps to her. “Why the hell are they all going over there? What don’t I know?”
A mischievous smile crests her face. “Oh, you know, all the seniors give their jersey to a person they care about, and then that person joins the player on stage.”
I try to massage away the growing headache. “I thought senior nights were just decorations, well wishes, and family and friends on the sidelines cheering you on,” I huff, crossing my arms while I look for the nearest exit.
I didn’t sign up for this shit.
“You’ve been here long enough to know Calloway doesn’t do anything by halves. This is about to be a big spectacle, especially since the heirs are all seniors.”
I groan, covering my face with my forearm. “Why didn’t they tell me that before they asked me to wear Liam’s jersey,” I grumble. Then I remember the look on her face in the classroom. “You knew all this and didn’t say anything!” I shriek.
Shay bursts into hysterical laughter, grabbing at her sides. “You should see your face right now. Freaking priceless.” The traitorous ho cackles.
I hip-check her, and she nearly falls, stumbling until she rights herself. “What happened to the girl code? You know sisters before misters? Pussies before wussies?” I joke.
“I am looking out for you. It’s time you stop standing on the sideline. They all care for you. Even the broody asshole, as Jamie calls him, and the reluctant scorned counselor.”
She can’t mean Sebastian?
Every time we interact, he’s so aloof. Not exactly cold, but definitely distant.
“
All of them,” Shay declares emphatically, staring me down. “I see that look on your face. You don’t believe me.” She holds up two fingers. “August and Karl, especially August, were the least afraid to admit it. If I were a betting woman, I’d say August’s been stalking you before you even knew who he was.” A third and fourth finger joins the first two. She’s about to list all the reasons. “Liam and Rowan both looked like kicked puppies, eager for their owner’s forgiveness, and by the looks of you wearing Liam’s jersey, you forgave him at least. I suggest you make Rowan grovel on his hands and knees for a bit longer.” Shay shakes her hand once her thumb is raised. “And let’s not forget the reluctant guidance counselor.”
“Stop it. Don’t say that. He’s a teacher. There’s no way he’s interested in me,” I interject, but she waves me off with the same annoying hand.
“Girl, shut up. Sebastian Grant is only twenty-three. If he didn’t skip like two grades, he wouldn’t even be a counselor here.” She rolls her eyes, pausing momentarily. “He’s going to be the most stubborn. That bitch Miss Taylor did a number on him when she cheated on him with his father and then married his ex-best friend, but he’ll come around all the same. Shit, my money is on him falling hard and fast once he does.”
Holy shit. How does she just drop that bomb on me? I knew Miss Taylor had a hard on for Sebastian, but I didn’t know what she did. “Why didn’t you tell me this tea before?”
“It’s almost like you’ve been here but not paying attention to any of the gossip passing through the halls of Calloway Academy,” she quips before turning me to the field. “You can give me hell later. Get your ass out there. They’re waiting on you.”
I turn and see Liam standing just far enough away that he couldn’t hear what we were talking about. I glance back to Shay, glaring at her one last time before sighing and pulling my shoulders back as I make my way onto the field. He takes my hand once I’m within reaching distance. “You guys could’ve warned me,” I mutter.
“Where’s the fun in that?” He smirks, leading me up the stairs to the platform. “Thank you,” he murmurs, kissing my cheek and going to stand with the guys.
I try not to drool when I take them all in. Men in football uniforms?
Yes, please.
I work even harder not to stare at their jocks. It was hard enough not to drop my mouth open as I watched Liam’s very toned ass walk away.
Each senior’s name is called one by one, and they’re given this elaborate plaque. Their loved ones cheer them on and hug them once they walk across the stage. I watch as each heir’s parents wait for them. I step up next to Liam’s mom and dad.
“Emma, dear, so lovely to see you again so soon,” Mrs. Washington greets.
“It’s great to see you again, too,” I reply with a slight wave.
A hand shoots out. “I agree with my wife. It’s great to see you again,” Liam’s dad says. I haven’t had very much interaction with him outside of Selection stuff.
I nod, shaking his hand and returning his greeting just as Liam’s name is called. We all step up, cheering him on. His dad does one of those finger whistles that I’ve always been envious of.
“You know there are talks about him being a starting quarterback next year at LWU,” Mr. Washington boasts, pride evident in every one of his features.
I knew Liam was an amazing player, but I didn’t realize he was that skilled. “That’s amazing,” I profess right as Liam makes his way to us.
Liam hands his dad his award and scoops me into a hug, squeezing my middle and lifting me off my feet. “This is the best award,” he whispers in my ear, planting a chaste kiss on my jaw.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.