Page 139 of Scrum Heat

Ben comes from behind and wraps his arm around me, laughing right down my ear as we jog back into place, all of us high on momentum from the early advantage. I glance toward the sideline—Frankie’s right there, phone raised as she captures the content she needs, her blond ponytail bouncing as she tracks me through the lens.

Her eyes lock on mine for half a second, and everything in me tightens.

Things have changed, now. I’m not just playing for the win anymore—I’m playing forher.

Marcus jogs past, muttering under his breath.

“Fluke.”

I don’t even slow down. “Better than your entire career, man.”

“You won’t hold it.”

“Oh, I’lldoubleit.”

“THEO,” Rory snaps. “Eyes forward.”

“Just being friendly,” I mutter, grinning. “Team spirit.”

He glares, but Finn laughs. “Can wenotstart a fight before the second phase?”

“Then tell Marcus to stop pouting.”

I get into position as the ref signals the restart.

They try to come at us harder this time—a little chip kick down the side, hoping to beat Jax in the air.

Which is, of course,hilarious.

Jax leaps, snatches it, and lands like a fucking tank. One of the guy from Denton tries to strip the ball, and Jaxgrowls.

Next thing I know, Rory’s crashing over the gain line. Ben’s dragging three guys into the ruck and somehowstillshouting commentary, and then, the whistle shrieks.

Penalty.

Ref gestures to me, and I don’t even try to fight my grin. I nod, step up, and line the shot.

Thirty out. Slight angle. Crowd screaming.

I breathe once, then I kick.

It’s good.Again.

The crowdloses it.Frankie jumps behind the barrier—arms in the air, Harper squealing beside her. I run back, blood hot in my veins, adrenaline thundering in my chest.

Rory claps a hand on my shoulder. “You’re dialed in.”

I smirk. “I’m on fire.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“Let me have this.”

Theo: 6. Vale: 0.

And we’re just getting started.

*

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