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He wrapped me in a warm embrace, and we stood there completely naked and vulnerable with each other—skin to skin, with no more fronts or façade, just our hearts beating in sync . . . for each other. At that moment, I realized that home wasn’t a place. It was a person. And wherever Jagger was, I finally understood it was where I belonged. That I was home.
ChapterFifty
Jagger
Istood by Coach on the sidelines, watching my friends play without me. It sucked big time, but at least I was with them in person. We had a six-point lead, and it was closing in on halftime.
Kane threw a beautiful pass up the middle of the field. Quinn ran his ass off to catch it, but number thirty-nine on the opposing team clipped Quinn and knocked him out of the way. The offense caught the ball and intercepted it.
“Dammit!” I fisted my hand and listened to Coach swear a blue streak. The game was way too close for that to be happening. I glanced into the stands, spotting Ari in a bright red jacket. I returned my focus to the game, chatting with Coach about strategies.
“When can you play again, Jagger? We need you out there,” Coach said.
“I might make the last one if we’re in playoffs.” Regret that I ever trusted Tiny infiltrated my being. “Even if I do, I’m not in shape. So, next season.”
Coach grimaced but nodded. “You have to heal correctly or you’ll never be out there. I’d rather you wait.”
“Why don’t you bump Samson from second string into my place. I know you have Ty there now, but I believe Samson is stronger. Just my opinion.”
Coach’s eyes narrowed. “You think he has what it takes?”
“I do. I’ve watched him in practice. He’s spot-on with his catches and can dodge the defense. He’s light on his feet.” I folded my arms over my chest. “Just don’t give him my spot.” I grinned at Coach.
“Don’t even worry about that. Your position is safe. You’re one of the best running backs I’ve seen in years.” Coach walked over to Samson and chatted with him.
Samson’s face lit up, and he jumped off the bench, ready for his chance. I hoped he wouldn’t blow it. He had a lot of potential.
Whitmore had the ball again, and Coach sent Samson in. It was easy to tell when players were hungry for an opportunity because they worked their butts off on the field. By the third play, Samson caught the football and hauled ass down the field and into the end zone one second before the halftime whistle.
The crowd went wild, and my teammates were all over Samson, congratulating him. If he kept playing like that, he would be on the first string by the next game.
With a massive grin, Coach approached me again and slapped me on the back. “Great call, Jagger.”
“Thanks. Let’s hope he keeps it up and we can gain a better lead. Until then . . .” I tugged on my shirt. I hadn’t suited up but wore my team jacket and jeans instead.
“Coach, aren’t we heading up to the locker room?” Anderson asked.
“In a few. Grab some water and have a seat until I tell you.”
Anderson frowned but didn’t argue. He let the team know they were hanging tight for a few.
Coach patted me on the back. “Good luck, Jagger.”
My stomach was in a million knots as I approached the referee, who gave me his microphone. He helped me clip it on before I jogged onto the middle of the field. Applause filled the stadium as the Whitmore fans stood. I waved, grateful for all of their support.
“Thanks. It’s good to be on the turf again,” I said into the mic. “As we all know, it’s been a hard year, but one amazing thing has happened.” Searching the sidelines for Ari, I spotted her surrounded by Everlee, Leighton, Gabby, and Teagan. The girls had talked her into joining them on the sidelines for the halftime show. The ladies were trying to hide their smiles but failing.
“Ariana, can you join me?”
The shock on Ari’s face when I called her to the field was almost comical. Her friends nudged her forward, pointing in my direction. She broke into a run, her jacket flying behind her. Ari’s cheeks and nose were pink from the cold.
“This is Ari.” I held her hand, and she waved at everyone in the stands. “We were reunited this year, but I’ve been in love with her since I was twelve. Ari is my stepsister, but she walked away with my heart when we were teenagers. Unfortunately, we were separated after our house burned to the ground. Both of us thought the other was dead.”
The crowd gasped, and I took that moment to look at the love of my life before I continued.
“It seems fate had other ideas because Ari started attending Whitmore this year. Not long after, we ran into each other.”
Ari giggled, and I suspected she remembered how we fucked each other at the society.
