page108 (2/2)

I look to him

“Go”

My feet carry me to herThe second number 24’s feet hit the turf, the crowd flips out

When Carley, Krista, and Macy’s screah the tears that are forlance around

I keepNico, slides up behind me, his eyes locked on mine and far more intense than ever before

My body aches to lean into his, but there’s no tiht now, so I slideinto him

His lips press into a fir his dark eyes, the second ainst his, and all I want to do is wash it away

I will soon

“Walk me to my spot?” I whisper

“Where?” he rasps

“Center”

He steps out and around like he would have in the performance

We take two strides forward, everyone else sliding with us but staying a space back and the announcer begins to run off the tea their starts and a their partner’s hand as their na across the field Nico is the last on the field, and coo and walk away, but slowly he does

The last name mentioned is Trent’s, who turns to wave up at the stands then falls back in line with the younger players on the sidelines

Now it’s our turn

Miranda cues the music

We run through our routine, and ht a smirk when the end rolls around and we let the jackets slide fro the numbers that were positioned inside the jackets to Velcro over the backs of our shirts, each representing our partners A large 24 now plastered across mine

Just as quick as it’s over, we’re hustled off the field as the captains take it for the coin toss The whistle is blown, and the first quarter begins, Nico and the rest of the starters getting into position

Miranda wastes no tiht rowls

I chuckle, taking the towel and water Carley bringsher any of my attention “What are you worried about? It all looked like part of the plan Star player gets a little extra, hypes the crowd e”

“You don’t get to change my routines”

“I createdto fuck your way into all the guys’ good graces”

Miranda’s eyes widen and she looks to Carley then back to me

“I changed my mind,” I tell her “Quit, Miranda If you don’t, well you knohat’ll follow”