Page 122 of Just Say Yes

I smiled at him and turned my attention to the field, where the players from both teams were warming up.

“You okay?” Lark whispered beside me.

“I’m good,” I said, offering a half smile as I scanned the players for Logan.

“Good, huh?” Lark teased, sliding into the seat next to me. Her scarf fluttered as she adjusted her coat, her movements graceful and practiced, a lingering echo of her former life on-screen. “Because you’ve been bouncing on your toes since we got here. I think someone’s smitten.”

“I’m not—” I started, but Penny cut in before I could finish.

“She totally is,” Penny said, settling into her seat with a smug grin. Her hair was a wild tangle of braids and curls she’d insisted on doing herself. That girl missed nothing. “You’ve got googly eyes.”

“I do not!” I turned to gape at her, my cheeks heating under her mischievous gaze.

“You do,” she said matter-of-factly, popping a piece of gum into her mouth. “But don’t worry, MJ. He looks googly when he looks at you too.”

My eyes flicked up just in time to see Logan grinning at me from the field. He tapped his chest twice, and I nearly melted into a puddle in the stands. But then I noticed it—a faint bruise shadowing his cheekbone, just visible under the stadium lights. My heart stuttered. Was it from practice? A tackle?

I frowned, a flicker of unease curling through the warmth of his grin. He didn’t seem fazed, his focus already back on the field, but the sight of it lingered with me, a question I couldn’t quite shake.

Wyatt chuckled, leaning back with a knowing smile. “Go easy on her, Pickle,” he murmured, his voice laced with humor. “It’s hard enough to rev yourself up for a game without knowing your woman is in the stands watching.” He smiled and knocked his shoulder gently into Lark’s.

“Can we focus on the game, please?” I muttered, tugging at my scarf to hide the blush creeping up my neck.

“Sure,” Penny said, shrugging. “But it’s more fun watching you freak out.”

Maria arrived, and as she joined in the conversation, I was relieved the focus was off Logan and me and onto the rival team.

The players finally took the field, and the crowd erupted into cheers. My eyes locked on Logan instantly, his broad shoulders and easy stride setting him apart. He looked at ease out there, focused and confident, like he belonged.

And, of course, he did.

This was his entire world.

The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.

The whistle blew, and the game began.

Logan was incredible, just like I’d known him to be. Every play, every tackle, every sprint, was executed with precision and skill that left me breathless. The crowd roared with every play, and I found myself caught up in the excitement despite my nerves.

When Logan glanced toward the stands, his eyes searching, our gazes locked. My heart did a stupid little flip I couldn’t control. For a moment it was just the two of us in the chaos, and everything else fell away.

Penny giggled beside me. “Told you.Googlyeyes.”

“Shut up,” I muttered, but I couldn’t stop the grin spreading across my face.

“He’s good,” Wyatt said, nodding in approval as Logan executed a perfect play. “Great instincts. Can’t teach that.”

“He’s an Olympian. I’m not sure why you sound so surprised,” Lark said, smiling as she nudged Wyatt’s arm. She glanced at me and winked. “Though I do love a man who can command a field.”

By halftime, the team was leading, and the energy in the stadium was at an all-time high. Fans were laughing and shouting, the air buzzing with excitement. I leaned back in my seat, letting myself breathe for the first time since we’d arrived.

The announcer’s voice crackled through the speakers.

“Let’s take a moment to recognize some standout performances tonight,” the voice boomed, and the crowd quieted slightly, waiting. “Logan Brown, with his exceptional skill and leadership, has once again proven why he’s one of the best in the game. Let’s hear it for Logan!”

The crowd erupted into cheers, and I couldn’t help but smile, pride blooming in my chest as we stood and screamed from our seats.

But the announcer wasn’t done.

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