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“They mentioned you specifically, son. They’re coming to watch you play,” he says, a wide grin breaking across his face.

“I… I don’t know what to say, Coach.” I stammer, reaching up to rub the back of my neck. “UCLA is the dream.”

“I know it is, and I have no doubt they’re going to be impressed with what they see on Friday,” he says, standing up and walking over to clap a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Don’t let this get to your head. Just go out there on the field and do what you always do. You’ve got this.”

“Thank you, Coach.”

When I walk out to the student parking lot, I spot Cooper and Cami leaning against my car. They both stand up straight the second they see me approaching. Cooper must have filled her in because she is practically vibrating with anticipation, her blue eyes locked onto mine.

“So!” Cooper shouts across the asphalt. “What’d he say?”

“A UCLA scout is coming to the game on Friday,” I say, the pressure making my voice sound tighter than I mean it to.

Cami’s eyes go wide.

“Dude, you’re kidding! That’s massive news!” Cooper roars, slapping the hood of the car. Then his smile falters slightly. “Wait, why do you not look excited?”

“I am excited. This is everything I’ve ever wanted.” I admit, opening the driver’s side door. “But it’s a hell of a lot of extra pressure to be flawless on Friday night.”

“You’re always flawless, man. You’ve got nothing to worry about.” Cooper says easily, tossing his duffel bag into the back seat and patting my back as we all climb into the car.

I’m lying in bed, and I can't sleep, my mind overwhelmed with a million what-ifs. Finally, I pull myself out from under the sheets, throw on the nearest shirt I can find, and slide my window open. I carefully step across the narrow ledge to Cami’s, leaning over to tap softly on her windowpane.

I only have to wait a second before I hear the soft click of her window unlatching.

“Hey!” She smiles softly, her voice a comforting whisper in the dark. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I just have a lot on my mind, and I thought seeing you would help.” I admit, offering a small smile.

“Want to come in?” She gestures back into the dim light of her room.

My heart starts to pound against my ribs. We’ve only ever spent time out on the open roof, or sneaking quick moments in random places when no one was looking.

“Are you sure?” I ask, glancing back at the quiet yard.

“Yeah, of course.” She smiles, stepping backward so I can climb through the frame.

This feels dangerous. At any moment we could be caught by her parents or, even worse, Cooper.

I’ve never been inside her bedroom before. It is so unmistakably her that it makes my chest ache. She has tall bookshelves packed full. Her desk is a mess, crowded with every color of pen and highlighter imaginable, and homework sprawled out across the wooden surface. Her small bed is pushed flush against the wall, and hanging directly above it is a white sheer curtain draped in warm fairy lights, casting a soft amber glow over the room. Just seeing these small pieces of her makes me fall even harder.

She slides on the edge of her mattress, patting the spot right next to her for me to join.

“What's going on?” she whispers, turning her body to give me her full, undivided attention.

“I’m freaking out about Friday,” I whisper back, keeping my tone low so no one notices the voices coming from her bedroom. “I’m terrified my nerves are going to screw up my game.”

“It’s completely normal to feel nervous, Drew. This is your dream,” she says gently, her eyes searching mine behind her glasses. “I’d be concerned if you weren't nervous.”

A smile finally tugs at my lips. I knew the second I saw her that she’d make the noise in my head stop.

“Just go out there and treat it like every other game.” She smiles, her voice calming and sweet. “And if you start getting inside your head, just know I'll be there, rooting for you.” A pretty pink blush creeps up her neck.

“Thank you, Cami.” I smile, my eyes instinctively dropping down to her lips.

“So, is that all you wanted?” she flirts softly, a playful spark in her eyes. “Just a little pep talk, or is there something else I can help you with?”

“I think there's still one more thing you can help me with,” I whisper, reaching out to cup her cheeks and pull her lips directly into mine.