Page 23 of Small Town Sizzle

When Jazlyn and I arrive at the football game, the parking lot is a sea of vehicles. Parents and kids mill about, carrying folding chairs, coolers, and team flags. I maneuver into a tight parking spot near the field, cutting the engine as Jaz unbuckles her seatbelt.

“Mom, can I go find Chantelle?” Jazlyn asks, already half out of the car.

“Stay where I can see you,” I remind her as she grabs her phone and takes off. The door slams behind her, and I take a moment to breathe. I’m glad that tonight, I get to sit back and enjoy watching Alex play. It feels like a chance to unwind—at least, that’s what I tell myself.

Sliding out of the car, I grab my bag and start heading toward the field. The familiar scent of freshly cut grass mingles with the sounds of kids laughing and the hum of chatter in the stands.I’m halfway through the parking lot when a sleek black rental car whips into the space ahead of me, forcing me to stop short.

“What the—” I mutter, glaring at the car as the driver steps out.

Of course, it’s Garrett. Why wouldn’t it be Garrett?

He gets out of his car, and I shake my head. His tailored shirt and perfectly styled hair practically scream, “I don’t belong at a high school football game.”

“Why does he keep popping up and annoying the hell out of me?” I mutter under my breath, adjusting the strap of my bag.

I can feel my face flush as I watch him. He doesn’t notice me—or pretends not to—as he strides toward the bleachers. He looks angry and as though he’s in a whole other world.

Why does my whole body heat up when I see him? Is it because he irritates me so much?

Shaking my head, I follow the flow of parents and students. By the time I get to the stands, the game is about to start. Jazlyn has already disappeared into the throng of kids, leaving me free to find Laura and the other moms. Spotting them near the fifty-yard line, I climb up the metal bleachers, careful not to trip over stray bags and legs.

As I approach, Laura waves me over with a grin. “Maya! Over here!”

I pick up my pace, slipping through the narrow row toward the open seat next to her. Just as I’m about to sit, a shadow looms behind me.

“That’s where I was going,” Garrett says, his voice low and smooth but with an edge that grates on my nerves.

I glance back at him, arching an eyebrow. “Looks like you’ll have to find another one.”

Laura snickers, leaning closer to me. “Actually, I saved a spot for you and Ethan right behind us.” She points to a jacket and acooler, marking the empty seats. “I wasn’t about to try and look over y’all’s big heads.”

“Big heads?” Garrett gasps playfully. “You wound me, Laura.”

“Oh, hush,” she giggles as she rolls her eyes.

I ignore the prickling awareness of him as he settles directly behind me.

“Thanks for that,” Garrett says dryly, his voice close enough to send a shiver down my spine.

I turn slightly, flashing him a weird look. “For what?”

“For giving my sister-in-law an excuse to insult me.”

“You’re welcome.” I shrug innocently before I turn back around.

Laura laughs, clearly enjoying the exchange. “You two are something else. Garrett, Mason was so excited that you were coming tonight.”

“I’m excited to be here, too.”

“Do you mean that?” she asks as she turns around. “I know staying isn’t really what you wanted, but I’m glad that you are.”

Garrett sighs, but he doesn’t move. Instead, he leans back, his knees brushing against the back of my seat. The warmth of him is unnerving, and I can’t help but notice the subtle scent of his cologne—clean and woodsy, with a hint of spice.

Focus, Maya.

“I may have complained at first, but… it’s not as bad as I thought so far. It’s nice to be with Ethan all day, even if I want to punch him in the face most of the time.”

“The feeling is mutual, bro,” Ethan teases as he comes up behind us.

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