Page 65 of A Game Plan for Love

I take a step toward him, and his throat bobs.

It’s been so long since I’ve felt the desire building in my lower stomach, but I fall into the sensation and close the space between us. He’s only a few inches taller than me, so we’re nearly at eye level when I whisper, “And what would you do to get me out of these leggings?”

His jaw falls open slightly. “Just about anything,” he admits, his voice rough like gravel, “I would get on my kneesrightnow.”

The conviction in my eyes tells me that one word, and he would drop to his knees in front of the entire stadium. A wave of confidence washes over me.

“Is that so?” I pause, nerves swirling in my chest, “Maybe you can show me sometime.”

“Time and place, Adeline.”

I pat between his biceps. His muscles twitch beneath my touch, and I subtly drag my palm down his torso. He sucks in a sharp breath.

“Find me after the game in the family room.”

I widen the space between us, and the assistant coaches corral players back to the locker room to prepare for the game.

He offers one more lingering glance before he jogs away. Halfway down the field, he spins around and blows a kiss.

My stomach flutters with anticipation.

Nora’s attendance at the game isn’t the only surprise.

She’s also spending the night with Henry and Sawyer.

We’re finally going to have a night alone.

There’s a somber aura upon entering the locker room, and I do my best to ignore the way it suffocates while we pass out grapes and gel pouches to players. Jack takes a beef stick and nods gratefully, but the remainder of the room is quiet.

I slip into the back corner as Coach Barrett enters the room.

Dozens of heads fall to look at the ground.

Down by seventeen at half isn’t an impossible comeback, but it’s not great, especially not from a team projected to make it far into the playoffs.

“I don’t think I even need to say anything,” Coach Barrett says to the room, “You all know the way you need to play, and it’s not happening.” He sighs when fewer players meet his gaze. “The game isn’t over, so pick your heads up and find the fuel you need to win the game.”

Deon stands. “Rae had a great stop on defense.” He nods at the defensive tackle. “Defense is working their asses off to keep us in the game. We need to match that energy.”

He looks at Henry and Declan, who both look disappointed in themselves. I would be a liar if I said they’re playing well. They’ve let the Los Angeles defense walk all over them, and it shows in the morale of the players.

The offensive coordinator discusses shifts in the play calling and how they’re going to tackle the second half, and when the halftime comes to an end, the energy in the room is better, but not great.

“Play with your hearts, and the rest will come,” Coach Barrett says before leading the team out of the locker room.

The crowd cheers as the team takes the field for the second half, and Ben and I jog behind the group with the trays of water bottles.

Declan’s shoulders are curled inward on the sideline. There’s something wrong with the frown on his face.

I want the cocky smile back. I run over to him, take his hand, and drag him toward the stands.

He needs a pick-me-up, and I know just the person.

I don’t want to dissect how deeply they’ve rooted into each other’s souls so quickly, or how delusional and hopeful it makes me to know she’s important to him.

“Addie,” he protests, but allows me to guide him.

When we stand in front of section twenty two, I turn to him and cup his face in my hands. “I don’t know why you’re in a funk, or how to get you out of it.” He draws his lips between his teeth and averts his gaze.“But there’s someone in the stands cheering foryou.”

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