Page 181 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

That’s when she realized she’d been staring.

Someone passed him the ball and the game resumed. When Ody dunked, he glanced toward the stands again, toward her, and smiled.

Nicky froze. “Did that guy from the opposite team just smile at you?”

Anna turned to her, a slow, bashful smile forming. “Maybe.”

Nicky’s jaw dropped. “You’re flirting with someone from the opposite team?”

“Shut up!” Anna whispered, swatting her arm.

When the game ended, their eyes met again.

The girls made their way over to Peter and his friends, but Anna barely paid attention. Her focus stayed on him. “I’m gonna grab some water from the kiosk. Want anything?” she asked. At the counter, she leaned in. “Hi. One cold water, please.”

She paid and turned, walking straight into someone. She looked up. It was him.

He had a soft smile on his lips, a gray hoodie now, casual, effortless.

“Sorry,” Anna blurted.

“Don’t be,” he said, a hint of a smile still there. “I think I owe you.”

“Me?” she blinked.

“You were sending me all your positive energy. Though I’m guessing you were rooting for the other team,” he added, teasing as he ordered a water.

“I wasn’t. I only came because of my friend.”

“So you don’t like basketball?”

“I didn’t. Until now.”

He just looked at her. Then he smiled. “Odysseus,” he said, holding out his hand.

She glanced at it, then back up at him before placing hers in his. “Anna.”

His grip was warm, steady. Neither of them let go right away.

Her fingers shifted in his, like she’d just realized she was still holding on.

“Anna?” Nicky’s voice cut in.

Anna turned, spotting her friend looking for her. When Nicky realized who she was with, she gave her a small signal that she’d wait.

“Your friend?” Ody asked.

“Yeah. I have to go.”

“Can I see you again?”

Anna blinked before smiling. “If you want to.”

“I do. And besides, you helped us win. Just… don’t tell your friend.” He lifted a finger to his lips.

Anna laughed. “That’s exactly what I was going to ask you.”

“Then it’s our secret,” he said. “Anna.”