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Shaking my head slowly, I take a step back. “Not a word.”
“Now, what’s the fun in that?”
The game is intense. If someone had to judge who was the better quarterback, Grayson or me, it would be a stalemate. This game is going to come down entirely to defense, and Trayland clearly isn’t against changing up positions to try to get one over on us. I thought no rules meant no foul plays, but I guess standard guidelines are out the window too.
I’m coming off the field after scoring another touchdown when Carter gets into my face. He’s clearly angry, his fists clenched and shoulders tight.
“What the fuck is Delaney doing wearing your jersey?” he sneers. “I thought I told you to stay the hell away from her.”
I put my hand on his chest to keep him back. “Where did you get the idea that I’ll ever do a damn thing you say?”
A dry laugh leaves his mouth as he looks around for a second. “What are you wasting your time for, anyway? She’s not even your type. They call her Saint Delaney for a reason.”
I smirk. “She was anything but a saint in my bed last night.”
Like I hit him right where it hurts, he jerks back and mutters something inaudible before lunging at me. I jump back, laughing as Stone moves in front of me and a few of Carter’s teammates pull him away. He’s fighting them every step of the way, shouting something about kicking my ass, but I can’t be bothered to care. We’re winning the game, and I’m being cheered on by a girl who looks hot as fuck in my jersey. Even Carter Trayland can’t ruin that for me.
THE GAME ENDS 24-21, in favor of NHH. Grayson, being the good sport he is, comes over to tell me good game and shakes my hand. To anyone else, we just look like two quarterbacks exchanging respect over a well-played game. Little do they know, we’re wrapped up in the same mess, just trying to get through it.
Tessa and Delaney are standing with the guys, and just before I go to leave Grayson after talking about the upcoming fights this week, he grabs my arm.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice what Delaney is sporting tonight.”
“Yeah, and?”
He sighs. “Well, a part of me wants to tell you that I’ll beat your ass if you cause her so much as an ounce of pain, but I’ve seen you in the ring and you’re fucking fearless. So, I’m asking you, friend to friend, to be good to her. She’s the closest thing I’ve got to a sister.”
“Pretty Boy, who the fuck said we’re friends?”
I laugh and walk over to my friends, ignoring everything he said. I may have no intentions of hurting Delaney, but I’m sure as hell not promising him anything under some kind of bro-code.
“Everything okay?” Laney questions as soon as I’m close enough.
“Yep.” Draping my arm across her shoulders, I pull her in close. “You coming to my place?”
She smiles up at me and nods. “I just have to go home to change. I’ll meet you there.”
THE GIRLS TAKE OFF, leaving me and the guys to celebrate our victory before heading out. Stone, being the shithead he is, insists on pissing on Haven Grace’s field. Gage uses a Sharpie to write “HGP SUCKS” as big as he can on the side of the bleachers. And Easton steals one of the helmets left on the field by one of their players. Zayn and I, on the other hand, stand back and laugh at the idiocy and immaturity of our friends.
“All right, you ready to get out of here?” Z takes his keys from his pocket.
I nod. “Yeah, let’s go.”
We’re walking back to his car when my phone dings inside my pocket. I stop to take it out, finding a text from Delaney.
Delaney: Change of plans. Are you still at the school? I’ll pick you up.
I can’t help but smile as I type out my response.
Knox: Sounds good, babe. I’ll wait here.
“You go ahead,” I tell Zayn, as Stone, Easton, and Gage all pile into the back seat. “Laney is on her way here. I’m just going to wait for her.”
Zayn snickers and shakes his head. “Damn. Love has changed you.”
“Get the fuck out of here with that shit.”
He bounces his eyebrows before getting into the car and pulling away. I take a seat on the step while I wait. A text from Brett telling me that he found Hailey this morning and managed to drag her ass back home remains unanswered. She’s not my problem anymore, and I really shouldn’t have let myself get wrapped back up in her chaos.
