Page 104 of How We Loved

Before every game he plays—no matter what sport—we’ve always had a routine of him carrying me to the game then me jumping up as high as I can to give him a high five while he holds his hand up above his head as high as he can. Since I’m so much shorter than him, he would joke and say if I can reach his hand, then he can win the game. We’ve done it since he was twelve and shot up four inches seemingly overnight.

I’ve always loved that tradition, but I must say, I’m liking this new one better.

To my surprise though, he steps back and holds up his hand. I can barely jump I’m laughing so hard. It takes me two tries, but I get it.

“Don’t want to mess with tradition,” he says as he pulls me closer to him kissing the top of my head.

“Never mess with tradition. Go have a good game.” I smile up at him.

He heads into the locker room, and I head to where all of the cheerleaders are gathering for the game.

I love football, but basketball is so much more fun to cheer for since I can actually see the game. At football games, I can’t see past anyone on the sideline. For basketball, though, I’m right in the middle of the game, it feels like.

All of us cheerleaders line up in the corner of the gymnasium in two lines as the lights drop and they get ready to introduce the players on the Varsity team.

Lights flash all around, and a smoke machine fills the air around us as, one by one, names are called out, and the players run by while we cheer for them.

When Ben’s name is called out, I jump high with my pom poms, and to my surprise, he runs straight to me, picking me up and kissing me in front of the entire crowd before putting me back down and running the rest of the way.

It may have taken a while for me to realize it, but I guess I had that guy I dreamed about the whole time.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Maya

Being with Ben has been the best weeks of my life. It’s funny how it almost feels like nothing has changed between us yet everything has. We are so comfortable, natural with each other and I love every minute. I never feel insecure or wonder what he’s thinking, because I already know. I know this guy more than he knows himself which just makes me love him even more.

Of course, our parents are thrilled that we are finally a couple, but, unfortunately, that meant they put a stop to me staying the night at their house. Dating is one thing, encouraging a teen pregnancy is another. That doesn’t mean that we don’t want to be together though, just makes it a little more difficult to make it actually happen.

Tonight, our parents are attending the annual TimeLand Christmas party so that means we have the entire place to ourselves.

Since it’s Saturday, I’ve been at Ben’s place curled up on the couch in the barn with him watching movies as snow fell outside. It’s been the absolute perfect day, but my stomach still has butterflies in anticipation of what’s to come tonight.

We haven’t talked about it, but I know it’s going to happen.

His dad slides open the door and both of his parents step into the barn.

I stand to greet them, walking over to Sandy. “You look gorgeous,” I say as I admire her gown then give her a hug.

The event is pretty formal and even Wayne is dressed in a tuxedo who gives me a hug next.

“Thank you, sweetie,” Sandy replies. “There’s food in the fridge if you two get hungry.”

“You know I will,” Ben teases making her smile.

“Yes, I know you will.” Sandy laughs. “We’ll be home a little after midnight.”

“Sounds good. Have fun,” Ben says with a wave.

I go curl up next to him on the couch again, getting comfy under the blanket I had on me.

It’s not one minute after his parents drive away that he places his hand under my chin to tilt my head up to meet his eyes.

He doesn’t need to say a word because that same look he gave me the day we kissed is written all over his face making my heart pound out of control.

As our lips meet, any anxiety I had before completely washes away.

It’s always been him, and I know in my heart it always will be.

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