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Jax called a timeout before the play, and I could see the coach talking to them before they huddled up. When the timeout ended everyone got back into place. Even if Jax wasn’t the quarterback, I would have recognized him. He moved with athletic grace and fluidity. He had a certain way he walked, with confidence, his head held high and his shoulders back.
I watched in anticipation, my hands over my mouth as I saw Jax do a pump fake. He nimbly moved to his right looking for his receiver; his receiver was covered. He moved to the left, the defensive team was hot on his tail. He didn’t hesitate as he saw an opening, nimbly leaping over the other team’s player as he dove to tackle him. With quick feet, he ran into the end zone. We were up by six with three seconds on the time clock. The crowd went wild.
Jax’s teammates went to rush him and he gave them halfhearted slaps and hugs, but it was clear he was making a beeline to the sidelines. I watched as Tamara dropped her pom-poms and left the gaggle of other cheerleaders. She handed the blanket that she had been keeping warm with to her friends as they giggled and smiled at her. I couldn’t help but notice how pretty she was. During the halftime show, she made some moves I couldn’t have done in my wildest dreams. Her long dark hair had been pulled up in a high ponytail and styled in long ringlets; powder blue, gray, and white hair clips added color to her hair. Her stomach was toned and on display under her form-fitting long sleeve cheerleading top. Her thighs and rear looked tight, like she never missed a squat day, under her short skirt.
I was saved from watching Jax smooching up on his girlfriend when Troy and Remy smashed me in between them. They were yelling and laughing, spinning in circles. I was helpless but to turn with them, laughing the whole time even though they were crushing me.
They must have realized this and finally released me. I stumbled, laughing, and stopped in shock when I saw Jax jump up the cement wall and pull himself up. Before I could react, he had my face in his hands and his lips on my mouth. In shock, I felt myself returning his kiss. He moved his mouth like his body moved: graceful and confident.
He finally pulled back and grinned widely at me. His dimple deep in his cheek. “You don’t know how many times I wished you were in the stands after I won and not just in my head,” he whispered in my ear.
I smiled at his sweet words.
“Bell! Bell! Get your ass down here!” Jax’s coach yelled at him. He looked like he wanted to be pissed, but he was unable to wipe the smile off his face. He had coached a team into another winning season.
Jax grinned sheepishly and then sat on the wall to jump back down. Remy put an arm around my shoulders as Troy put one around my waist. I looked up at them, laughing.
I felt like someone was staring at me and looked over to see Tamara glaring at me as the team set up for their field goal. I gave her a little shrug. How was I to know that Jax was going to pass her and jump into the stands to give me our first kiss? I didn’t feel any regret. After all, he was my connection.
The Knightstown players were already celebrating. They knew regardless of if the field goal was made or not they had clinched the championship. Jax was in the middle of the coaches, and his teammates accepted his hugs, high fives, and helmet bumps.
When the timer officially ran out, we were all acting like fools once more. Laughing, yelling, and hugging each other. It was as if we had won the game and not the Knightstown Knights.
Next thing I knew I was in the middle of Drake, Noah, Troy, and Remy as they huddled around me. They were hugging me close. I could see it in their eyes that they were proud of Jax and were sharing his achievement.
Amid the cheering around us, I heard Drake’s melodious voice state, “I didn’t feel anything.”
It took a moment for the rest of us to understand his meaning before realization sunk in. No connection was made. Jax had kissed me, and we hadn’t connected.
I was buzzing hard, and I chose not to dwell on the issue at hand. Jemmy gave me what was left of the thermos and looked over at Will.
“She’s riding with me, Pops,” she stated. With her glassy eyes and overly bright smile, I could tell she was buzzing too.
We had been waiting for Jax to come out from the locker room, but we were about to give up when we realized he wasn’t coming out anytime soon. The seniors on the football team had dumped Gatorade on the coach’s heads. While they were distracted, the underclassman had gotten them with another cooler of Gatorade. He was going to need a shower before he could leave.
Remy went over to Will and spoke in hushed tones. Will looked over at us, brows knitted as he frowned and nodded.
Jax came rushing out of the locker room with just a towel around his waist. All the waiting friends and family let out hoots and catcalls. I felt my jaw drop as I looked at his tan skin, hard pecs, large biceps, and washboard abs.
I looked over to see Tamara glaring at me once more. I wanted to flip her off but averted my gaze to Troy who was laughing at me. He had watched everything unfold.
Jax skidded to a halt and looked around sheepishly. “Hey Dad, the guys want to know if we can have a get-together tonight at our place. A pool party. Ben and the guys want to bring over their guitars, have a jam session, and swim.”
Will looked exasperated but indulgent as he looked at his youngest son. “And you couldn’t throw some clothes on first?”
He grinned and shrugged. “I forgot, plus, we want to celebrate and we were hammering out the details.”
Will shook his head with a small smile on his lips. “I’ll stop on my way home for some snacks and order some pizzas and wings. Make sure everyone’s clear on the rules. Come on, Ella,” he said holding out his hand to her. She had an exciting time at the game, but it was getting late and she was clearly tired. “Want to help me go shopping, maybe pick up some popcorn and candy for you and me? Then watch a movie when we get home?”
Ella grinned. “Yes, please.”
Will smiled down at her and began walking with her, but as he passed us he looked sternly at Remy. “Do you have this?”
Remy nodded. “Yes, sir.”
He smiled and clapped him on the back. “Never doubted you.”
Remy gave him a small smile in return and held his hand out to Jemmy. “Keys please.”
