Page 297 of Small Town Firsts

“Okay… and?”

“So, I went.”

“Went where?” My brow dips in confusion.

“To your games, when I could, and to finals.”

“Finals? As in Orlando? You came all the way to freaking Florida to watch me cheer?”

He nods.

“Um. Not to sound rude but, I don’t know how to respond to that.” At least outwardly I don’t; on the inside, I’m cartwheeling.

Seemingly undeterred by my weirdness, Sterling leans in, dipping his face toward mine.

My entire body stills. I’m fairly certain even my lungs stop expanding, and my heart stops beating. Surely, he isn’t going to try to kiss me, here, in front of all these people.

And if he does, am I going to let him? The dam breaks and panic floods my system.

However, it seems my freak-out was for nothing, because all Sterling does is gently tuck a wayward lock of hair behind my ear. “Your body tells me everything your words don’t, little mouse.”

I try to smile, but I’m sure it’s more of a grimace.

This man is so totally disorienting that merely being in his presence feels like stepping off a Tilt-A-Whirl.

Before I know it, we’re all on our feet cheering and stomping and hollering as one of our players scores the game-winning touchdown.

“What now?” I ask once the roar of victory dies down.

“Now we party!” Zach shouts. “Y’all in?”

“Party where?” I ask, in tandem to Stella shouting, “Hell yeah!”

CHAPTER 26

STERLING

We meetthe blond giant in the parking lot, and it takes my all not to knock his ass out cold—or at least die trying—when Emmy flings herself into his arms for a congratulatory post-game hug.

Judging from the shit-eating grin on his face, he knows it, too.

He swings her around a few times before placing her back onto her feet. She sways a little, and I step up to steady her before he can.

“You must be Sterling.” He says my name with just enough disdain that I know Emmalyn’s told them about me.

“And you are?” I ask, keeping everything from my face to my tone stoic.

He darts his sharp green gaze down to where my hands are still holding Emmalyn’s shoulders. “A friend of Emmy’s.”

I grit my teeth and will myself to play nice. “And do you happen to have a name,friend?”

His lips twitch with amusement. “Sure I do, but I think you already know it.” He dips his head toward Emmalyn. “After all, your girl’s wearing it on her shirt.”

“Guys, let’s play nice, okay?” Stella says, sidling up next to Emmalyn. “Plus, I was promised a party, and while y’all’s dick-measuring competition is entertaining, it’s not what I had in mind. ‘Kay?”

“I’m with Stella on this one,” Zach says. “Let’s roll.”

Gabe and I lock eyes, each of our gazes loaded with unspoken threats. His, I imagine says,hurt her and die.Mine, on the other hand, is telling him to back the fuck off.

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