Page 36 of What Should Have Been Ours

The fact that she’s standing here now, watching me, isn’t helping my focus. She has no idea what she does to me. The way my brain turns to static every time she looks at me like she used to, like I’m still hers.

I can’t get caught up in that right now, though. I have a game to win, so I can make tomorrow worth it for her. I feel like I have to convince her I’m not going anywhere this time and get her to trust that and trust me again after what happened. And I plan to do just that, because there is no way I can let her slip away a second time. I’m not afraid of keeping her like I was back then.

Fifteen minutes into the game, I’m already sweating, my muscles burning from the effort. It’s been a while since I’ve been this physical.

It might only be our first game, but I’ve got something to prove.

I glance over at the sidelines between plays, my eyes automatically finding Gabrielle. She’s talking to Kinsley, but she must feel me looking because she meets my gaze, and a small smile tugs at her lips.

I smirk back, lifting my arms in a questioning motion and mouthing, Where’s my cheer?

She just rolls her eyes.

Damn, I’ve missed that look.

Before I can revel in it too much, Wes jogs up beside me, clapping me on the shoulder. “Alright, Loverboy, focus. Try not to embarrass yourself in front of your future wife.”

I groan. “If I’d known you were this nosy, I never would’ve befriended you.”

He grins. “Yeah, but then who would be here to keep your ego in check?”

I snort, shaking my head, but before I can fire back, the next play starts, and I’m forced to focus on the game instead.

It’s a good drive. I make a solid catch, dodge a defender, and sprint forward. Just as I cross into the end zone, I feel a sudden rush of warmth in my nose.

I stop, frowning as I swipe at it.

Blood.

Did I get hit or something? I don’t remember getting hit.

I jog toward the sideline, grabbing a towel and tilting my head as I press it against my nose.

“Crap,” I mutter, keeping pressure on it. Probably just the heat and running around.

I grab some water, taking a few slow sips while I try to shake the lightheaded feeling creeping in.

Wes joins me a moment later, eyebrows raised. “Damn man, you good?”

I nod, pulling the towel away to check. The bleeding is already slowing. “Yeah, must be playing too hard out there, that’s all.”

Wes snorts. “Or maybe your body is just short-circuiting from how hard you’re trying to impress your girl.”

I shoot him a look. “She’s not my girl.”

“Uh huh, that’s why you’re playing like you’re trying out for the damn NFL?”

I smirk, shaking my head. “I don’t see you slacking. What, tryna impress Gabrielle’s little friend?” I nod toward Kinsley, who is currently laughing at something, her whole body animated.

Wes grins, eyes flicking to her. “That little one’s a firecracker man.”

“Yeah, well, be careful. I actually want Gabrielle around more, and I can’t have my best friend screwing her best friend, breaking her heart, and ruining everything.”

Wes raises a hand. “Relax, Hayes. I’m not that bad.”

I give him a pointed look.

He grins. “Okay, I’m mostly not that bad.”