Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 103104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
I finally stand. “I think I’ll finish the game with my friends, Mr. Grayson.”
His eyes are damp. “I’m sorry if I said things that hurt you.”
“You’re just…taking care of your sons,” I say grudgingly.
He looks back out to the field, and I realize we’ve missed most of the second quarter.
I take the first step on the bleacher then he calls my name, follows me, and presses a card in my hand. “Here’s my cell. If you change your mind or just want to talk, call me.”
I flinch as a thought enters my head. Is Knox on board with this idea of me leaving Camden? I glance back out on the field and see he’s on the bench, watching us.
Walking away, I stick the card in my pocket and start to head toward Piper and Wyatt, but then I detour and head to the bottom of the bleachers, over to the gate where I can see the players.
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to just start over, without all the events of last year hanging over you, to meet new people, to move on?
No, Knox would never want that. Right?
Later, I’m next to the fence with Camilla, our eyes on the field as the minutes tick down on the clock. We’re three points behind and the home crowd cheers loudly.
Knox takes the field and lines up, his jersey covered in green and brown stains from being tackled on a couple of big runs, and he has a slight limp, but I smile at his focus.
“Hike!” comes from the field and he takes the snap then runs a quarterback sneak to the left side, straight into the end zone, putting us ahead.
Our entire sideline jumps up and down as the band plays our fight song over and over.
The other team gets the ball, but our defense stops them on three quick plays as everyone watches the clock tick to zero. Students, cheerleaders, and band members run onto the field. Nothing like beating your number one rival.
I stand still, knowing I wouldn’t feel comfortable out there, but my eyes search the crowd for Knox.
He emerges out of the throng, holding his helmet and looking up into the stands until he’s engulfed by people giving him hugs and smacks on the back. He shakes them off after a bit and steps away, scanning the stadium. For me, I think.
I wave and call his name, and his eyes find mine. He pushes his way over to me, ignoring the press of cheerleaders and students.
I walk down the edge of the field as he approaches. With his helmet off, his hair is wet with sweat, and he runs his hand through it. He has black face paint under his eyes, and combined with that scar, it’s intimidating and sexy as hell.
“Nice game, Cold and Evil.” My words are light.
He stretches a hand across the fence and weaves his fingers into mine. “I didn’t think you’d come. I’m glad you did.” He reaches across with his other hand and pulls the back of my head toward his. The kiss is salty and I can feel the heat radiating from his skin as his body tries to cool him down after his exertion on the field. Our mouths part and I lean my forehead against his.
“You kicked ass.”
He grins. “I saw you with my dad. What did he say?”
“Not much. I left him to get a closer look.”
“Did you like him?” I hear uncertainty in his voice, and relief flows through me. Knox can’t possibly know about the things his dad said to me, because he didn’t even know I’d come tonight.
“He’s your dad and a lot like you—what do you think?” I didn’t dislike him, though I wasn’t a fan of his message. Besides what he had to say, I thought he was a nice guy.
He’s about to speak when another voice breaks in.
“My house, out at the barn. Keg. Ten o’clock. See you there,” Liam calls out as he runs over to Knox. His expression cools when he sees me and he shoots Knox an assessing, hard look. “You coming, QB1? We have a lot to celebrate. Some of the Morganville cheerleaders are stopping by.”
Knox looks at Liam, and I can’t see Knox’s face, but I sense the tension coming off him in waves. Even so, his words are smooth as silk. “Yeah. Dane and Chance are with me. See you there.”
Liam gives him a broad smile. “That’s what I’m talking about. See you there.”
“You’re going?” I say when Liam walks off, my voice incredulous. I mean, we didn’t make any plans today, but the keg party? Seriously?
He rubs his face, smearing the paint. “Don’t freak out. Monday I can explain everything.”
Confusion hits. Monday? “What’s happening then—”
“Give me tonight, Tulip. I’m not going because I want to, but because I need things to look normal. I’ll text you, okay?”