AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Team celebration?” I asked.
“Yeah. It’ll be fun,” Paxon said.
My stomach twisted at the thought of hanging out with them all, but Paxon seemed so positive and he deserved this. They all did.
I forced a smile as we spread out between all the vehicles and headed to the celebration spot. The coach had managed to claim a spot outside, by a park with walking trails and even a small beach that was obviously closed for the year. Parents were already there, setting up the food and cooking on the small grills.
They had taken over the entire field.
George went right over to the adults to start helping while Toby snagged one of the many soccer balls and teased Calvin to join him. Despite spending the last two days playing soccer, Paxon ran out with them as they passed the ball between the three of them. There were others doing the same.
“Soccer obsessed,” I remarked.
“After you do a concert, are you sick of playing music?” Seth asked.
I shook my head. He made a good point.
“Are you going to go join them?” I asked.
“In a little bit, I’m good with hanging out with you for a while.”
I raised an eyebrow as we walked over to one of the empty picnic tables and settled down. The entire time, Seth was grinning ear to ear.
“Seth?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re creeping me out.”
He laughed, the sound deep and full. “I’m just happy.”
“About what?” I asked, giving him a little confused smile.
“I talked to Paxon and Justin. And my aunt called me.”
“Oh.” Heat crawled through me and suddenly it was too hard to look at him. I swallowed hard.
“So you’re taking initiative? Making the first move?”
“I just… It isn’t…” Damn, what was I trying to say?
He chuckled. “I didn’t realize you could be so forward. I’m proud of you. A little hurt that I’ve been bearing my heart to you for a couple months, and yet Justin and Paxon beat me.”
“I didn’t mean for it to happen like that. It just happened. Your aunt made good points and I couldn’t just think in circles anymore and I just wanted answers.”
“Cadence, take a breath.” Seth grabbed my hand. I stared at our two hands, letting it ground me and calm me down. His hands were rough from construction work, but they were also warm and strong. Steady. “I’m only messing with you. I’m glad you took the initiative. I’m glad you talked it out with them.”
I finally looked at him and the darn idiot was grinning like one.
“So?” He raised an eyebrow.
“So?” I asked.
“Don’t you have something to ask me?”
My eyes bugged out and I swallowed hard.
“I mean, you already know my answer, but don’t you want a firm answer, no grey area to confuse you?”
