my shoulder at Sky. I was cold and tired, but it felt great. My leg was getting stronger, and I was about to get all up in Zachary Haven’s face.
Levi and Logan were playing both sides of the ball with me. Asher and Evan were on offense, waiting on the sidelines for us to get the ball back for them.
Adrenaline lit me up from the inside as I stared Zachary down. Even though I was obligated to hate him, I had to admit, Zachary was a great quarterback. He was quick and had a good arm. Our eyes met and his narrowed, so I grinned at him.
We took our places and I vibrated with excitement, waiting for the snap. My fingers twitched and I ground my teeth into my mouth guard.
They hiked the ball and I took off like a rocket, heading straight for Zachary. He pulled back for a pass, but I didn’t give him time. I squeezed through two defenders and forced him to throw it away.
Hell yes.
Levi gave me a high five on my way back to the line of scrimmage.
Second down. My feet kicked up mud as I flew forward. Theo knocked into my shoulder, trying to keep me away from Zachary. I spun, letting my momentum carry me around, and two seconds later I was rushing Zachary again. He got off a pass but it was incomplete.
“Dude, did you hear I’m getting married?” I asked Zachary. I pointed out Skylar. “That’s my girl, right there.”
His brow creased, like he was confused. “So?”
“So, she’s one more girl you’ll never have.”
“Fuck off, Gavin.”
I laughed and went back to the line.
The crowd cheered as the Havens set up for third down. If we held them here, they’d have to punt, and we’d get the ball back. Then Asher could go to work.
I locked Zachary in my sights. We had this game. I could feel it.
They hiked the ball and my legs ate up the distance between me and Zachary. He side-stepped, then planted his feet, setting up for a pass. Not on my watch. He released the ball, but I jumped, reaching for it. My fingers caught the bottom, tipping it away. Another incomplete.
“Fuck,” Zachary bellowed.
I did a little celebration dance and waved at Sky again. She was on her feet cheering for me while Cara held the big umbrella out of her way.
The Havens had no choice but to punt, even though they were clearly pissed about it. We got the ball back and the energy of the game was definitely on our side. Three first downs in a row thanks to a pass to Evan, a pass to Logan, and a great run by Levi, and we were in scoring range. Two plays later, touchdown Baileys.
Unfortunately for us, the Havens came back strong on their next possession. They were ready for me, doubling up coverage on the line. Zachary completed a few good passes. Then they surprised us with a reversal to Josiah, and he ran it in. Touchdown Havens.
Fuck.
Tie game again and the clock was running down.
They kicked off to us and Levi ran it back to about the fifty-yard line. Great field position, but we had to take advantage of it. First down, Asher handed off to Levi. Not a bad run—about five yards. We ran the same play again, and this time I blocked for him. Six yards and a first down.
Next play, Asher faked to Levi, then stepped back for a pass. Evan was wide open in the end zone. Asher threw a perfect spiral right into Evan’s chest. He caught it and the crowd went wild.
Touchdown Baileys. After kicking the extra point, we were up by seven.
But there was still time, and now the Havens would have the ball.
We kicked off and Theo ran it back to the forty. If they could get a couple of first downs, they had plenty of time to score. We had to hold them here.
I clenched my teeth around my mouth guard as we took our positions on defense. Excitement warmed me from the inside. Zachary’s eyes narrowed and I grinned at him.
I’m coming for you, asshole.
They hiked the ball and I launched for him, my feet digging into the muddy field. Incomplete. Second down he faked to Theo, but I wasn’t fooled. I went right for him and he had to throw it away. Another incomplete. Third down.
This time, he did hand it off to Theo, rather than attempt another pass. Logan was on