Page 39 of Forever Cursed

When I walk into the tunnel to the locker room, I see someone jogging toward me out of the corner of my eye. Normally, I would turn around, smile, and engage in conversation. But, right now, all I want is a cold shower and to change out of these damn clothes. So, I run into the locker room without looking back.

Not wasting another second, I kick off my shoes, remove my socks that are beyond saving, and peel off my white, grass-stained integrated pad pants.

I head into the showers and crank the temperature as cold as possible. Stepping under the showerhead, I moan as the water rushes down my back, rinsing away the sweat and grime. I hang my head low and let the water drench my hair before grabbing the soap bottle I keep here and washing my body.

“I can’t wait for summer to be over,” Levi sighs as he turns on the shower across the way. “I’m not sure how much more of this I can take.”

“It’ll be over soon. Just wait until we have our first game at the beginning of the semester. The stands will fill, and the cheering will make it all worth it. Plus, you might change your mind when we start practicing and playing in the snow.”

“I can’t wait for that.”

With a gentle smile, I finish cooling off and cleaning my body. I turn the showerhead off and grab my towel.

“Hey, before you go.”

I turn back around to face Levi, securing the towel around my waist.

“A cheerleader asked me for your number.”

So that’s who was following me... I should have known.

“Don’t look so irritated about it,” Levi chuckles. “You know how excited I got when she approached me? She’s fucking hot?—”

“You didn’t.”

Levi winces. “I did.”

With an awkward smile, I groan and run my fingers through my hair. “It’s fine,” I sigh. “Please don’t do that again.”

“Yes, boss.”

Back at my locker, I put on a pair of dark blue basketball shorts and a white tee, then tie my shoes before heading into thehall. As soon as I open the door, I see her, and my shoulders relax.

“You have no idea how happy I am to see you.”

“Is everything okay?” Chrissy asks as her cheeks flush.

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes in my hand.

Hey Rome, this is Lindsay. You probably don’t know me because I’m new, but I asked Levi for your number and was wondering if you’d like to hang out sometime.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chrissy

Based on Rome’s expression, either the heat got to him, or his phone threatened his life.

Stepping forward, I place my hand over his and soften my tone. “Let me see.” He releases his grip, and I look at the text. “Why do you look as if you’re about to faint? She asked you on a date not to marry her,” I tease.

His eyes stay on me for a while, scanning my expression. “I don’t want to go out with her.”

“Why not?”

“She’s not the woman I like.”

My heart stills as time slows and blurs around us. If our circumstances were different, I would curl my hands in his hair and pull him against my lips. I would show him how much I want him, and I would die happily in his arms.

But that can’t happen.

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