Page 45 of Everything In Between
Hayes calls his teammates to the huddle one last time before they break and line up once again.
The ball is snapped and Hayes looks left and right, frantically waiting for someone to become available to receive the ball.
What I would give to be inside of Hayes’s head right now, to witness the decision-making and the spur-of-the-moment choices.
When no one has an opening, Hayes sees the opportunity and takes it, jumping around one of the defensive linemen charging for him and spinning in a circle. He takes three large steps and launches himself into the end zone.
I jump up out of my seat and raise my hands, cheering wildly for my man. Bethany wraps her arms around my waist and we jump up and down, celebrating Hayes together.
Vaguely, I’m aware the stadium has put me up on the big screen, sharing my celebration with the rest of the Majestics fansin the crowd. People cheer when they see me in the box, totally decked out in Hayes’s gear.
The noise in the stadium hits an entirely new decibel.
On the field, Hayes lifts himself up off the ground, tosses the ball to a referee and then flexes his biceps, putting on a show of prowess. Then he points right at me.
I swoon.
There is no other word for it. My pulse echoes in my ears and my hands go clammy, a grin so wide it hurts my cheeks appearing on my face. The crowd cheers even louder, having seen the entire encounter up on the jumbo screen.
The smile doesn’t leave my face for the rest of the game.
Hayes leads his team to the win, not letting Los Angeles get ahead at any point of the game. Though LA puts up a valiant effort, the Majestics clinch it with a 35-21 victory.
When the game ends, Roman slides down in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. I give him a gloating grin. “Fine, whatever. Your boyfriend’s good.”
“I think good is an understatement.”
I am exhilarated inside at the thought of Hayes officially holding the title of my boyfriend. I can’t wait to see him to congratulate him on a game well played.
Roman wraps me up in a hug. “All right, little sis, I’m going to head out.”
“Do you have a ride lined up?” Bethany asks my brother as she tosses the strap of her cross-body purse over her shoulder.
Roman releases me and nods. “I do. Need a ride?”
“Yes, if you don’t mind. I rode with Jersey, but I think she’s got plans.” Bethany gives me a friendly squeeze on my upper arm. “You don’t mind if I head out with Roman, do you?”
I shake my head. “No, go ahead. I’ll just wait with my security until Hayes is ready.”
Roman glances at his phone. “The car’s ready whenever you are, Beth.”
“Okay.” She turns to give me a hug. “Let me know when you’re home.”
I hug her back. “Of course. Thank you so much for coming.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it,” she says, beaming at me.
Roman walks over and hugs me, too. “Welcome to the football world, Jersey.”
“Thanks for answering all my questions.”
His chest rumbles against my cheek as he laughs. “You’re welcome. I’m happy to be of service.”
Roman and Bethany head out a few minutes later and I wave to them as they walk out of the suite. My security walks with me down through the stadium to wait for Hayes. It takes a while and I offer selfies and autographs to some of the people waiting in the hallways to pass the time. Finally, Hayes leaves the locker room and walks directly toward me, decked out in dark dress pants and a purple button-down shirt. While the Majestics colors are blue and white, Hayes looks regal in this royal purple color. His broad shoulders and confident stature leaves no room for doubt.
It hasn’t been that long since Hayes and I have been in the same space, but since then, he has begun to mean so much more to me than I could have ever imagined. I can hardly stand to be apart from him any longer. The butterflies take off in my belly the closer he gets, and I find myself rushing toward him, aching to feel his touch on me again.
Cameras snap around us as soon as I launch myself into his arms, but this time, I don’t care. He catches me, hoisting me up against his body and burying his face into my neck. I close my eyes, breathing in the fresh scent of his body wash. Though he smells fresh and clean now, I have a lingering curiosity aboutwhat it might be like to hug him immediately after a game, sweaty jersey and all.
