Page 94 of Make the Play

Corie

Dinner was incredible. There was so much home-cooked food. It made me miss my mom. While I cook, it’s not like this. Especially not when it’s just Landry and me. This entire day has been so much fun. Knox’s family is great. Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming.

“All right, fam,” one of the twins calls out. I’m pretty sure it’s Benjamin. “Time for a little two-hand touch,” he says, rubbing his hands together in glee. “And in honor of the future Mr. and Mrs., you are the team captains. Chop chop, let’s line ’em up,” he says, clapping his hands together in quick succession.

Emma, Knox’s younger sister, turns to me. “You know how to play?”

“I mean, I know and understand the game of football. It was hard not to, growing up with Landry, but I’ve never played two-hand touch.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll teach you.” She grabs my hand and pulls me to where everyone is gathering around Matt and Everly.

“You’re going down!” Everly taunts her fiancé.

“Take it easy on me, baby. I’m marrying the love of my life tomorrow. I have to look my best,” he tells her. She rises on her toes and kisses him quickly before pushing him away.

“No excuses.” She laughs.

Matt chuckles and waves for her to pick first. “All right, my first pick is Ryder,” she says. He’s tall with broad shoulders, so I can see why she would choose him.

I feel arms wrap around me from behind as Knox nuzzles my neck. “You doing okay?” he asks.

“I am.” I lean into him, my back resting against his chest.

“Beckett,” Matt announces his first pick.

“Corie,” Everly calls out. She snickers out a laugh when Knox grumbles.

“You’re stealing my girl, little sister.”

“She’s mine now, brother,” Everly boasts as I pull out of Knox’s arms and move to stand next to Everly. She offers me a high-five, as does Ryder.

Everly and Matt go back and forth to pick their teams, and the final lineup for our team is Everly, me, Ryder, Ben, Kendrix, Ruby, Jude, and Emma. We have eight team members, and they have seven because they got Knox, and he equals two, being a professional and all—at least that’s how Everly sold it. Matt’s team consists of Beckett, Knox, Finley, Bexley, Daisy, and Dermott.

“Huddle up,” Everly says. We all converge in a huddle. “Okay, they get the ball first and will give it to Knox, which makes the most sense. Corie, we need you to distract him,” she tells me.

“How am I supposed to do that?” I ask her.

“I don’t know… flirt with him or something.” She laughs.

“He’s a professional. I don’t think any flirting I do will distract him,” I reply.

“Oh, it’ll distract him,” Ryder tells me. “You’re the first girl he’s ever brought home. If anyone can distract him, it’s you.”

I nod, feeling his words in the rapid beat of my heart in my chest. They’re so clearly acknowledging me as someone special in Knox’s life. “I’ll do my best.”

“Great.” Everly puts her hand out, and we all pile ours on top of hers. “Team Bride on three.” She grins. “One, two, three, Team Bride!” we chant and line up against the enemy.

Just as Everly suspected, they have Knox as their quarterback. Finley hikes the ball, and Knox steps back to toss it. I rush him and wrap my arms around his waist. He stops what he’s doing and smiles down at me.

“Baby, it’s not hand touch. No hugging.”

“Delay of game!” Emma calls out. “Our ball.”

I drop my arms from around his waist and step back with a shrug. “Sorry, QB. Can’t let my team down.” He lunges for me, and I squeal as I take off running. I move behind Ben and Ryder, who have formed a wall with their legs spread wide and arms crossed over their chests.

“Let me at her,” Knox says, and I can hear the amusement in his tone, but a little bit of irritation lies beneath his words, as well.

“We’re protecting our team,” Ryder says. I don’t have to see his face to know he’s smirking. I can hear the cockiness in his tone.

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