Page 21 of Sinful as They Come
“Because people love to gossip.” Annie hopped off the desk. “Don’t worry about her.”
Annie wasn’t exactly aware of all the intricate details of my love life – the behind-the-scenes stuff I didn’t want anyone knowing. No one was. It was embarrassing to admit that the only reason me and Carter hadn’t even done anything was because there were some days where it felt like I couldn’t trust him. Admitting that meant admitting that there was a problem with my relationship – the one that was meant to be perfect, the one that was meant to be everything I had ever dreamt of. So, I usually just let people assume what they wanted while I desperately waited for the guy I fell in love with to come back to me.
Skin flushed, I nodded. Sometimes I wondered if Carter thought I wasdoing it on purpose, that maybe me telling him that I wasn’t ready was some calculated blow to his ego. It wasn’t even like I didn’t want him orthat.I just needed to know that it was going to be special for him too, that I wasn’t just some conquest, and it ached that I even had those thoughts in the first place.
“You’re right,” I finally said, giving her hand a squeeze. “Thanks.” My eyes flew to the clock, very much needing a distraction and thankful that it was time for me and the rest of the girls to head on out.
“You okay?” Annie asked, still holding my hand.
I nodded, trying to force that horrible feeling of uncertainty about me and Carter out of my head. “I’m ready. Let’s do this.”
***
“Wildcats, Wildcats, tonight’s your night! Wildcats, Wildcats, let’s go fight! Wildcats, Wildcats, they’re gonna win! Wildcats, Wildcats, will make your head spin!”
I finished the cheer off with a high kick and a bright smile. My cheeks hurt a little. But I still waved the red and white pom poms above my head. The crowd cheered right along with us, clapping and standing and looking oh so excited despite the fact that the team was losing. They didn’t seem bothered. Yet.
As I jumped and clapped, pumping everyone up, I looked on to see if I could spy any familiar faces. My smile widened at the sight of a few of my friends in the seats – girls who weren’t on the cheerleading team, but who I was still close to nonetheless. There were some of Carter’s friends I waved at and a couple of teachers who gave me a friendly nod.
And then my eyes landed on Brodie. He grinned at me when we locked eyes, giving me an enthusiastic thumbs up with both hands. I giggled at him and gave him a wave. Then I saw who was next to him.
Why the hell was Sawyer here?
Sawyer never came to football games. It wasn’t his scene. And I was almost certain he hated football.
“What the hell is Sawyer and his weird, little cousin doing here?” Annie whispered into my ear, her blue eyes bright with amusement. She had noticed too.
“Brodie’s not the weird one.” I assured her. “And I don’t know what Sawyer wants. He’s probably here to torture me.”
“I’m sure he got a good look at you when you did that high kick.” She laughed.
I blushed suddenly. I gave Sawyer a quick glance and I had to hastily avert my eyes. He had been looking at me. But… had he seen me do that high kick? And all the other kicks before it? And watched me spin around as my red and white pleated skirt flew up? Out of nowhere I felt self-conscious. And maybe even a little embarrassed. Sawyer probably thought I looked like an idiot out here jumping up and down and screaming for one team to throw a ball better than another team.
Why did I care what he thought all of a sudden?
I didn’t. I shook my head, my ponytail swinging left and right. His opinion didn’t matter. He probably thought he was too good for us, anyway. He probably thought we were all idiots for caring about something as silly as a football.
“Wildcats, Wildcats, what’s that sound?” Annie screamed next to me.
That cheer usually got the crowd going. They screamed for her as she carried on egging them on. That was supposed to be my job as cheer captain – but she could tell I was a little out of it after spying Sawyer. I mimed out a “thanks” to her.
The game kept going and unfortunately, it had been a breeze for the other team. Carter got one touchdown but the star of the show had been Lucas Morgan who got three. I knew that would frustrate Carter, but I hoped and prayed his own achievement would be enough to keep him happy.
The girls and I cheered for the boys to keep their spirits up, and soon they were making their way back down to the locker room. The girls and I gathered together for our usual group hug – which we did whether the Wildcats won or lost. It was always a good, little bonding session.
“You girls were amazing tonight,” I said with my brightest smile. “Eachand every one of you. All of you should be super proud! Great job. Now rest up. Have a good weekend. And be ready to do this all over again next week!”
We ended the night holding each other tight before the girls all headed off. Annie gave me a hug goodbye and a kiss on the cheek before her parents called her over. They usually had dinner on game nights. I shot them a wave before they stole Annie away from me.
“That really did make my head spin, Holly,” a gravelly voice said from behind me.
I instantly crossed my arms as I spun around. There stood Sawyer with that same frown on his face. And there was Brodie with that same silly grin.
“I didn’t come up with that cheer.” I tried to defend myself.
“But you sure did say it with so much enthusiasm,” he deadpanned. “Had the whole place going crazy.”
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes. “What are you even doing here?”
