Page 51 of Catch Me

His words make a tingle of apprehension slither its way up my spine. “Is that supposed to scare me?” I ask. “You know she hurt the guy I love. Why the hell would you think I care what happens to her?”

Oscar scowls. “Because my punishment will be much more physical. I won’t just be taking her down, I’ll be taking her out. You understand me, Page?”

Despite myself, I feel the tiniest bit of concern for the girl. I saw how Oscar acted outside the locker room. Imagine him trying to hurt her? “I understand you,” I tell him, keeping my voice even.

Shadows pass over Oscar’s face. “She fucked me over.”

“She fucks a lot of people over.” I look around him to see Reid still celebrating with his team. “You should think about not fucking yourself over in the process of getting back at her.”

He tilts his head, his dark gaze swimming with emotion. He opens his mouth to say something, but Reid’s voice calls out from behind, “Excuse me, Drego.” He moves in beside him, lowering his hands over to my side of the fence. I think he just wants to hug me, but instead, he steps up into the fence, sliding his hands under my armpits, and lifts. Before I know it, I’m being pulled to the other side. I lift my feet and tuck them around Reid’s waist. His shoulder pads are big and uncomfortable, but I throw my arms around him, anyway. “Hey, Baby,” he whispers into my neck.

A flush of heat swamps me. “You did it.”

He laughs, the sound ringing around us. “Was there ever any doubt?”

His green eyes spark, lifting hesitation off me. Hesitation about him playing again. Fear of Sasha and Oscar going after him. I know he can handle himself, so for the time being, I let those worries slip away and just be the quarterback’s girlfriend after he’s had—arguably—the best game of his career. “No,” I tell him simply. “Never.”

When Reid finally sets me on my feet, Oscar is gone. Reid’s parents call us over to the gate in the fence, and when he walks out, his mother wraps him in a fierce hug. One I have to even let go of his hand for, so he can return it.

“Great job, Son,” Mr. Parker says. “Solid playing.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” Mrs. Parker says. Her eyes are glistening like she’s close to tears or has already been crying intermittently through the entire game.

He gives her shoulder a squeeze. “I’m fine, Mom.”

She gives him one more hug and then they tell him they’ll see him at home. We wave bye, and Reid takes my hand again right before Jules strolls up. She tells Reid how great he played and then tells us she plans on going to the party tonight, but needs to go home first.

“Jeez, I forgot about the party,” I say, annoyance settling in. I want Reid to myself right now.

Reid squeezes me.

“Since your man is back to number one at Spring Hill, I’m sure you’ll be going,” Jules teases before she waves and heads back down the path to the parking lot.

The football field and surrounding areas are almost vacant now. The last stragglers of the team, including Cade and Lex, are just now getting to the locker room door. I expect Reid to head that way, but instead, he takes me around the front of the building.

“What are you doing?”

“Shh,” he says, a huge smile taking over his face.

When we step inside the school, he pulls me immediately to the boys’ locker room. All the guys are in the front, talking about the game, so they don’t hear us come in. He pulls on my hand and walks toward the supply closet. “Reid,” I say in disbelief. I’m not going to say I’m not tempted, but the last time we did this, we were all alone. The whole freaking team is in the locker room right now.

“Come on,” he says. The door opens easily in his hand, swinging outward without a sound. Before I know it, I’m being ushered inside. It’s even darker in here than I remember it being, but that’s the last rational thought I have until Reid’s hand grips me. “I can’t wait,” he says. He presses me against the back of the door, his hot breath on my face. “We’re going to be at the party soon, and I’m going to have to stick around when all I really want to do is drag you up to an upstairs bedroom.”

He kisses a trail down my neck. His pads are bulky, but on the other hand, I’ve always thought he looks sexier than hell in them. It doesn’t take me long to be totally on board with this idea.

Reid’s hand sneaks under my shirt. His touch sprouts goosebumps until his thumb traces over my bra, my nipple pebbling underneath it. I moan low in my throat, but Reid stills. His head picks up. His reaction makes me alert, and I strain to hear what’s stopped him. It doesn’t take long to figure out what’s got Reid intrigued.

“Coach—” It’s Oscar talking. Reid moves away from me after pulling my shirt back down.

“I’m sorry, Drego. There’s nothing I can do for you. I can’t play you when my number one QB for two years is ready and able. Not only that, he’s killing it out there. You’ve got to see that.”

Silence from Oscar.

“Listen, the team and I were so glad you showed up when you did. I don’t know how you came here with such perfect timing, but you helped Spring Hill out when we needed it.” There’s a few seconds gap before Coach says, “What if I put you in as a wide receiver? How are your hands?”

“The All-State, Coach,” Oscar tries to argue.

“The All-State looks at all players, not just QB’s. Playing in any position still makes you eligible. What doesn’t make you eligible is sitting on the damn sidelines. Now, come on. I know you have a warrior spirit. You’re not meant to ride the bench, Drego. I understand it’s not the position you want, but it’s yours if you want it.”