Page 85 of The Trade

He shouts my name from just a few paces away. I’m close enough to see his lips move, but it’s loud enough that I can barely hear him.

“Jade!” he calls again.

I push past the last few stragglers standing between us. He’s beaming at me now, his arms spread wide as I rush to meet him, his energy practically sparking against my skin.

“You were incredible!”

He tilts his head down, brushing our lips together. “Only because I had my good-luck charm in the stands.”

I roll my eyes, but the grin on my face—the warm flush of heat on my cheeks—betrays me yet again. “So corny.”

“Only for you, baby.” He smirks, his gaze softening. “Only for you.”

Then his lips are on mine, sealing his promise with a kiss that’s anything but chaste. His strong arms pull me closer, pressing me against the armor of his chest as our mouths move in a rhythm all their own.

It’s a rush, the way we fit so perfectly together. And nothing, not even the sounds of the cheering crowd, can drown out the thundering of his heartbeat against mine.

25

WEST

As I embracemy girlfriend on the field, the adrenaline high slowly wears off.

We put on a good show and won the scrimmage, fighting tooth and nail to get that winning TD. But somehow, the taste of victory doesn’t feel as sweet as it should. It’s overshadowed by a gritting sense of guilt, an unease that prickles at the back of my mind.

The way that Jade’s gazing up at me now, eyes so full of trust and pride, well ...it’s gonna hurt like hell when I ruin that.

The crowd gradually disperses, allowing our team to convene for a quick post-game debrief. Jade, understanding as always, waits patiently on the sidelines. Once the huddle breaks, I’m drawn back to her, craving her, crushing her against me like it’s the last time I ever will.

Our moment is interrupted by Cam, his upbeat greeting breaking us apart. “Hey, you two,” he says, giving me a hearty slap on the back.

“Hey, Cam,” Jade says, pulling away from our embrace. Her bright smile returns, a stark contrast to the turmoil twisting inside me. “Congrats on the win.”

“Thanks,” he says. “You guys heading to the Cathouse?”

Jade gives him a puzzled look. “Cathouse?”

“Team house. Our QB lives there with a bunch of other guys from the O-line, and they’re hosting an after-party. You guys coming?”

“Oh, uh ...” I wring my hands together, keeping my gaze locked on my girlfriend. “I was hoping we could head back to our place instead.”

Cam snorts, misinterpreting my meaning. “I think you can wait a few hours, man.”

“Nah, just, uh—just to talk,” I clarify, my voice unsteady, palms clammy, the tension seeping into my bones.

“We cantalklater,” Jade says with a cheeky smirk. “We should go celebrate your win.”

“Okay, maybe we’ll check it out for a bit,” I say, a reluctant agreement. “Then you can come stay the night at my place.”

“Do you think I could invite Sophie and Maya, too?”

“Absolutely,” I say, the corners of my mouth lifting in an automatic smile. “Invite whoever you want, baby.”

With that, she leaves me with a soft kiss on my jawline and a promise to meet me after my shower, making her way back to her friends.

“Dude,” Cam drawls out the moment she’s out of earshot. “Were you actually planning on skipping the party?”

I shrug, bending down to gather up my gear from the sidelines. “Yeah, I guess. Just not really feeling up to it tonight.”

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