Total pages in book: 215
Estimated words: 199344 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 997(@200wpm)___ 797(@250wpm)___ 664(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 199344 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 997(@200wpm)___ 797(@250wpm)___ 664(@300wpm)
It’s an away game, but I’m not surprised that my whole family has come out to cheer him on. Aunt Maya sits between Mom and Hazel, and I swear, she’ll no longer possess a voice box after this game.
It’s a close game, and we’re well into the final minutes of the game. Noah told me on the way here that their opposition is known for playing dirty when they’ve got their backs up against the wall, and right now, they couldn’t possibly be more cornered.
The Mambas push themselves to their limit, giving it their all. They’ve never won a championship before, but with Noah on the team this season, they’ve pushed themselves during every training session, determined to make something of this, and they’re so close. Their hard work is finally going to pay off.
There are two minutes left in the game, and every last person is on their feet in anticipation. Principal Daniels and Coach Martin look as though they’re about to throw themselves onto the field and join in. The cheerleaders can’t seem to remember their routine because they’re all glued to the game.
It’s insane.
I’ve been to a few of Noah’s championship games when we were younger, but they were nothing like this. The stakes are higher, and a lot of these players have college riding on their performance, something they might not have been able to reach if it weren’t for the extra push they’ve received from Noah.
The Mambas have the ball, pushing through the other team’s defense, and I hold my breath, certain they’re about to get one more touchdown in for the night. The fans go insane, and the stands vibrate under the intense weight of the anxious crowd.
My ears ache from the constant screaming, but I don’t dare stop, both Hazel and I are about ready to lose our minds. Cameron Landry has the ball and I watch with wild anticipation as he breaks through and makes a run for it, cradling the ball like it’s the most precious cargo in the world.
He sprints toward the end zone and the whole crowd seems to hold their breath in unison as the other team quickly gains on him. “GO. GO. GO,” Hazel roars beside me, sounding possessed.
The Mambas run after Cameron, trying to help him, but he’s too far out, so he’s on his own. Three guys are there, and he manages to dodge one, but the other two aren’t having it. He’s so close to the end zone. He only has to hold on a little while longer, push a little harder, but they fly at him with the force of a freight train. With so little time left on the clock, the other team is determined to keep the Mambas from scoring.
They finally reach him and Cameron goes down hard under their weight. The whole crowd gasps at the impact, and when both players get off him, Cameron is left motionless on the ground. There’s a horrified silence that settles over both sides of the stadium as we wait for him to recover, and then just like that, he’s back on his feet.
“Holy crap,” Aunt Maya says. “I thought he was in trouble there.”
“This is terrifying,” my mom says to Aunt Maya. “I don’t know how you deal with this. If my girls were getting taken down like that, I’d be a wreck.”
“Tequila,” Aunt Maya says with a smirk. “A lot of tequila.”
The crowd roars and my heart has never raced faster.
Okay, that’s not true. The very first day when I saw Noah in the student office and he walked right into me, that overwhelming delicious scent wrapping around me, that’s the fastest my heart has ever pounded. This is a close second though.
Noah shouts orders as the Mambas line up for another play, and despite already having the upper hand, I can guarantee that Noah wants another touchdown. The ball is snapped and delivered right into Noah’s waiting hands as the other team forge ahead, determined to get the ball back in their possession.
Noah side steps, hesitating for just a moment when I realize his receivers are blocked and in a flash of breathtaking awe, Noah dodges and weaves the opposition before taking off at a deadly sprint.
“Holy shit,” I breathe, realizing he’s taking the run.
He runs for all he’s worth as I scream so loud I taste blood in the back of my throat. My gaze flicks between Noah and the clock. Only a few seconds left. He can make it. I know he can. He’s too good.
He pushes himself out in front of the other team’s defenses with ease as my voice box permanently fades out of existence. “GO NOAH!” I scream, jumping up and down, clutching Hazel’s hand in a death grip, probably yanking her arm right out of its socket in the process.