Page 88 of Replay

“I wish I didn’t have to drive back tonight. This place seems to know how to party,” Bellamy says, eyeing a group of students to the right of us who are pulling airplane bottles out of their cowgirl boots.

I laugh. “Yes, but you’re doing the right thing. Your mom deserves a nice birthday lunch with you there.” I would normallygo home with her for a quick trip like that. Cane Creek Ranch is beautiful, but I’m excited to see the place I used to consider my little slice of heaven.

A look of empathy flashes over her face. “For sure, I wouldn’t miss it,” she nods and changes the subject. “Plus, I have a busy week ahead. I feel like everything is suddenly due.”

“I was feeling the exact same way and a little overwhelmed with coming here this weekend, but…fuck it,” I shrug. “You only get the true college experience once.”

“True… Well, hopefully, I won’t get kicked out of college this week,” she huffs.

I stick my neck out in her direction, confused. “And why in the heck would that happen?”

Her nostrils flare. “Because Professor Douglas is demanding I come in during his office hours to discuss a grade appeal.”

“He’s such a creep… I don’t like that one bit,” I state through gritted teeth. “Do you want me to go with you? Or get one of the guys to go.”

She shakes her head. “No, no. I’ve already made up my mind. Fuck that dude and his office hours. I’m going to show up in between his lectures to his classroom so I can discuss it with him privately, but in a more open, public setting.”

“Smart.” I should have known she has a plan. Bellamy always does things the way she wants to, and that’s one of the things I admire most about her.

She nudges me. “By the looks of it, I don’t think number two is going to be able to warm up because he can’t take his eyes off you.” Bellamy nods toward the field.

Following her gaze, Nate is smiling up at me. My heart thumps, my belly flutters, and my core clenches at the sight of him on that field.

I blow him a kiss and quickly turn around, pointing to the back of his old practice jersey. Shimmying my butt in his direction, I smile over my shoulder. I love the look of adoration on his face.

Then he does something that he hasn’t in so long. My heart skips a few beats, and I swallow down the tears of joy as I lift my hand to mimic his.

His tattooed arm is outstretched in the air and his hand curved, making one side of the heart while my left one does the same.

Who am I kidding? I love Nathan Outlaw with my whole heart.

It's been true since I was sixteen years old. At eighteen, I tried to tamp it down with pain and resentment, but it never went away. And now, it’s back like a raging sea, ready to engulf me in its waves.

And in this moment…I want nothing more than to drown in him.

I people watch as I sit in the hotel lobby, waiting on the team to get back. The somber expressions on the Wolves’ fans who walk in the door tugs at my heart for Nate. I know even in high school, as the quarterback, he put so much pressure on himself when they’d lose a game. I hate the thought of him beating himself up over his interception in the fourth quarter. If I thought his coach would approve of it, I’d force him in my car and take him home for the night just for the mental reprieve.

Originally, Willow and I were going to hang out with the guys for a bit, and then head back to Nori Beach for the night. I think ever since things have changed between Nate and me, my love for my hometown has resurfaced. It didn’t feel right to be so close and not put my toes in the cold sand.

But thirty minutes into the game, when she and her dad were both no shows, I started to worry. Finally, she texted me, telling me something came up and she wasn’t feeling so great and that she’d call me later.

It’s very unusual for Brian not to come, especially with how close it is, so I’m wondering if they’re both sick.

I’m still considering driving the short distance home in the morning. Maybe I can drop them off some food and take a walk on the beach before heading back. I’m sure Nate talked to his dad, so I’ll see what he thinks.

A couple of the guys start making their way into the lobby. I search for Nate, hoping the frown I’m almost sure he’s sporting from their second half performance will morph into a smile when he sees me.

No sign of Nate yet, but my eyes do land on another familiar pair.

Carter.

He smiles at me, and to my surprise, walks over. He hasn’t responded to my text since the club, so I assumed he wanted nothing to do with me. As I stand up, we exchange a friendly hug. “Hi, Berk.”

“Hi. Tough game today.”

“Yeah…not our best. How ya been?”

“I’ve been doing really good.” I try not to think of Nate because I know the smile on my face will tell it all, and I don’t want to hurt Carter that way. “Look…”

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