of the tunnel. Nixon and Cooper both look to the stands and give us a casual wave. Of course, we wave back, but that little stunt will do nothing to keep the reporters from asking about who we are to them. Looks like there will be some more explaining after the win. Yes, the win, because the team is on fire, and I know they’re bringing home another title for Central University.
“Come on, come on, come on,” I say under my breath. I’m on my feet. Hell, the entire stadium is on their feet. It’s the fourth quarter, and CU is up by three. We have the ball with three minutes left on the play clock. A lot can happen in three minutes.
“Gah!” Tessa grabs my arm and pulls me back and forth. “I can’t take the stress.” She’s smiling as she says it. We’ve been on our feet the entire game. I’ve loved every single minute of it. I love the sport, and to know that my friends, not just Cooper, but all the guys that I’ve grown close to are so near to another victory for not only our school but for themselves, it warms my heart. And it makes me nervous for them. Tessa too, apparently.
“We need a touchdown,” I tell her.
“Damn right we do, and your man is the one that’s going to get it for us.” She points to the field where Hank’s just launched the ball to Cooper. It’s as if I’m watching in slow motion as Cooper jumps up, hands in the air, and the ball lands perfectly in his hands. His feet hit the ground, and he runs. Those long ass legs of his carry him to the end zone.
Touchdown Tigers!
“Yes!” Tessa and I scream at the same time. Her arms fly around my shoulders as we jump up and down and shimmy and shake to the blaring music and the cheers of the crowd that fills the stadium.
The next two and a half minutes, the Tigers hold them off and just like that, after a hard-fought game… hell, a hard-fought season, the Central University Tigers are once again the number one college football team.
“I say we stick around until the crowd dies down,” Tessa suggests.
“Good idea. We’re supposed to meet up with mine and Cooper’s parents at The Hideout. You and Nixon want to join us?”
“Yeah, more than likely. His parents couldn’t make the trip, so that will be nice for him to be able to celebrate as well.”
“You know our parents, you’re all their kids.” I laugh as both mine and Tessa’s names are called out. Looking down at the field, I see Cooper and Nixon smiling at us. Waving us to the end of the bleachers.
“Looks like we’re being summoned.” Tessa grabs my hand and pulls me down the five rows of steps until we reach the wall.
“You’re going to get your fine ass down here and celebrate with your man?” Nixon smiles up at Tessa like she hung the moon.
She glances over at me. “Go.” I give her a gentle shove, and she moves to sit on the edge of the wall, Nixon already standing below to catch her.
“What? You too good to come down on the field and celebrate with your best friend?” Cooper taunts.
“I just assumed with all the rumors last year….” I let my voice trail off.
“Fuck the rumors. I want you down here, Reese.”
His brown eyes are lit up like a damn Christmas tree. I’m wavering, not wanting to make this another year of him dodging rumors, of both of us dodging rumors, but when he holds his hand out to me and mouths, “Please,” I crumble. Moving, I sit on the edge of the wall just like Tessa did a few minutes before me and jump into Cooper’s waiting arms.
“We fucking did it, Reese. Another championship.” His deep timbre is in my ear, and my body shudders. I can usually hide my reaction to my best friend. In fact, it’s become a talent of mine, but in this moment, with the happiness and joy radiating from both of us, his deep voice just for me in a stadium full of people who want his attention, well, today is not one of those days.
I wrap my arms around his neck, and my feet lift from the ground as he hugs me so tight I lose my breath.
“Cooper Reeves, Natalie James from The Times. How do you feel after another win?” she asks, shoving the