out of the air in the endzone, pulling it into his chest.
Touchdown!
Hands shaking, I snap as many pics as I can of Dane’s clean catch, shocked as shit that they just pulled that off.
“What a nail-biter!” The announcer yells. “These boys are a sight to behold. I, for one, cannot wait to see what they bring to the field of NCU next fall.”
The crowd erupts in cheers, celebrating the narrow win that has just marked the end to Cypress Prep’s perfect football season.
Players rush the field from the bench and so does the entire dance squad, jumping all over the boys while small gold squares shoot from confetti cannons on the sideline. The marching band plays loud and proud, because our boys just did it.
I snap a few more photos, but I’m pretty sure I’ve got more than enough for the paper. Besides, the professionals are here—local and national news outlets that swarm the field.
Placing my phone inside my hoodie, I fight the urge to sprint down the stadium steps to West. It wouldn’t be right, though. That well-earned spotlight is shining brightly on him today after that incredible pass, and I’d never stand in the way.
The team fought hard for this and they deserve their moment in the sun.
Instead of interrupting, I slowly ascend toward the exit, knowing I couldn’t be prouder of him than I am right now. Every so often, I glance back over my shoulder to West, as he smiles into the lens of some network’s camera, and I’m content to congratulate him later.
I’ll still be here when the interviews end, when the screams die down, when the confetti settles.
My notifications are going wild, which isn’t a surprise. With the boys’ win, Pandora is gonna be firing off updates all day, I’m betting. I hug myself for warmth and trudge up the stands, but the sound of cleats on the cement steps has me halting and turning around.
Out of breath and drenched in sweat, the star of the game is taking the steps by two to catch me.
I should be scolding him for leaving behind the slew of reporters who were in line to get a few words from him, but I’m too happy he’s standing here.
“West! They’re waiting for you!” I shout at him, imagining how many are staring us down right now. Starting with his Coach, who’s likely going to give him an earful for ditching his team.
“I don’t give a shit,” he says. Then, half a second later, he’s kissing me.
Hard. Deep.
I cradle his jaw with both hands and can’t deny the changes I see in him. Yeah, he was different before our talk last night, but there’s been another shift since then. He’s not capable of being soft, and I wouldn’t want him to be. He has, however, dulled some of those sharp edges. The ones that used to catch me off guard, cut me deep. But having his undivided attention at a time like this, a time I expected to be all about him, I don’t exactly hate it.
From around West’s shoulder, I spot his coach glancing up at us, and he doesn’t look happy.
“Um, I think you might want to get back down to the field.”
He lifts my chin with his finger, then his gaze flashes down to my lips. “I’ll go, but you’re coming with me.”
“West, I—they’ll have my face plastered all over every single article about you,” I protest with a laugh.
“Good thing you’re fucking beautiful.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to keep arguing with him, but he hits me with that smile of his. Once that happens, I feel myself giving in. His hand settles at the small of my back and I’m headed in the opposite direction of where I had in mind.
But this is what he wants. Me, by his side.
As a girl who’s often felt discarded, set aside, being wanted is a nice change. And while I never in a million years would’ve guessed West could make me feel that way, I’m positive this is all so right.
Somehow, now that the dust has settled, we just… make sense.
@QweenPandora: Let’s get the obvious topic out of the way first. Our boys pulled out a fabulous win today! Everyone fought hard and it earned you all a flawless season that’ll go down in history. Be proud of the work you put in on that field! We certainly are.
Now, let’s talk about what’s really on everyone’s mind.
No need to speculate, folks. KingMidas and NewGirl are official.