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“How are you feeling about the game?” she asks, teasing her fingers along my forearms.
“A little nervous,” I admit, resting my chin on her shoulder. The whole team was rattled when Coach announced that we were three players down. A couple of first years have been named in the starting line-up, but they’re green. Dave was announced as our captain for this season and I have no doubt that he’ll be able to give them the guidance they need. I wasn’t disappointed at all. I think Coach made the right decision. “How about you?”
“I’m excited,” she says with a laugh. “I’ve never really been into footy, but now I can’t wait to cheer on my boyfriend–the star player.”
“Is that so?” I ask, digging my fingers into her sides. She squirms in my arms. “Do you even know the rules?”
“Nope,” she tells me proudly, smacking a noisy kiss on my cheek. “But I don’t need to.”
“How do you figure?”
“I’m not there for the game, I’m there for my man.” She twists in my arms so she can pull me in for a kiss.
“Right answer,” I mumble against her lips, tangling my fingers in her hair to guide her where I want her. I still can’t believe she’s all mine.
It’s been a crazy summer. I moved into an apartment in Wren and Brady’s building last week. He’s been reasonably friendly when the girls are around. I only get grunts from him if I run into him otherwise–small steps.
Tom and I met up for beers at Patty’s a couple of nights ago. It was awkward, but we’re both trying to make the best of a shitty situation. Harley finally got in touch. He’s been staying with a cousin in Sydney but has to come back soon for classes. Sam–it’s still too weird to think of him as Dad–got a job at his mate’s trucking company in Brisbane. We haven’t spoken, but he told Tom it was better for him to leave for a while. I don’t know how I feel about that, but maybe it is for the best. I’m still coming to terms with the everything. I don’t know if I’m ready to have a relationship with Sam.
Ivy pulls away and turns back to face the setting sun. “Beautiful,” she breathes.
“Yeah, you are, Princess,” I say, kissing the soft skin beneath her ear. I wonder if she can feel the increase in my heartbeat. “I don’t know how I got so lucky. I love you, Ivy Willis,” I murmur against her warm skin.
She snuggles back against me. “I’m all in with us, Conrad.”
“I know you are.”
And that’s enough for me.
THIRTY-EIGHT
IVY
I’M SITTING FRONT row in BHU Stadium, smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. I’m sandwiched between Wren and Ellie, with Ronnie and her roommates scattered around us. Sophie and Tom are sitting next to Ellie. Jordan and Brady refused to come to the game, opting to have a boy’s night instead.
I know Conrad’s mum and Principal Foster are in the stands, but Conrad doesn’t want to see them. He has dinner with his mum and Ellie once a week at his apartment, but he refuses to go to their house. He still hasn’t completely forgiven his mum, but he’s trying. He wants nothing to do with Principal Foster, though–no one really blames him for that.
The BHU crowd roars as a Raiders player crosses the goal line after evading a tackle, touching the ball to the ground for a try. They convert and we take the lead for the first time tonight. There’s three minutes of play remaining.
The Hounds take their kick in as the time ticks down. Ellie squeezes my hand tight as we watch nervously, wondering whether the Raiders are going to be able to hang onto their lead.
If you had asked me six months ago if I’d be sitting in this stadium cheering on my boyfriend, I would have laughed in your face. If you had told me that my boyfriend was Conrad Foster, I would have questioned your mental sensibilities. But as my gaze lands on that navy, white and gold number ten, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
I was heartbroken when Lachy broke up with me and seeing him move on so quickly from our relationship hurt. But no matter how hard I pushed Conrad away; he pushed back harder. He broke down every wall I built without either of us realising what he was doing.
When he found out about his real father, I was so worried that it was all going to be too much, and he would leave me like Lachy did. But he’s still here. I think it hurts him that Sam left town without even talking to him, but I know that he and Tom have been trying to build a relationship together. I only hope that Harley gives him the same chance someday.
Wren grabs my arm, nails digging into my skin as the Raiders maintain possession of the ball and make their way down the field. Our gaze goes up to the timer on the scoreboard–thirty seconds to go. If they can hold onto the ball, they’ll win. I suck in a deep breath, my eyes watching as Conrad is tackled but he manages to keep his grip on the ball. He jumps to his feet, ready to play the ball just as the referee blows his whistle to signal the end of the game.
I jump to my feet, throwing my arms around Ellie as we cheer along with the crowd. I catch Conrad’s eye as he celebrates with his teammates. He winks and blows me a kiss, causing my cheeks to flush.
He’s a sexy, sweaty mess as he jogs over to me. I wrap my arms around his neck, and he easily lifts me over the barrier.
“Congratulations, superstar,” I laugh, planting a kiss on his lips. “What a finish.”
He places my feet back on the ground, his eyes passing hungrily over my body. “Fuck, Princess,” he growls. His muddy fingers grip the hem of the jersey I’m wearing. “You look so good in my number. I want you in my bed later–wearing this and nothing else.”
His words make me clench my thighs tighter together in anticipation. Someone calls his name, and he waves to them before turning back to me. “Wait for me to shower? I’ll drive you home.”
