Page 34 of Safe to Love
When it was time to walk out to the field, I rolled my neck, popping the bones there, then grabbed my helmet as we rushed out onto the field.
Our fans were chanting and cheering for us as we made our way to the sidelines before we warmed up.
Our cheerleaders were cheering for us, and over the din, I could see the other team emerging from the tunnel and onto the field.
I saw Kresslee first. She was unmistakable in her uniform. Her bow was tied into her long, brown hair, and I could see her eyes searching for someone. For me.
I smiled at her when she saw me, and I could swear I saw her breath catch as she smiled back, waving at me as though she were waving to the crowd.
She had Creed’s number painted on her cheek, and I wished for nothing more than for it to be my number there.
Soon. I watched Kresslee dance with her team, her body moving in time to the song, and I warmed up with Cade, Beau, and Denver.
Our coach watched over the team as we did our warm-ups, then he brought us over to the side to give us a pep talk.
“Okay, this is it. This is our time to shine. Our chance to get to the big leagues this year. You have all worked your fucking asses off to get here, and I’m damn proud of all of you. It’s time to show the Jackals who are going to the big game. Kick some Jackal ass.”
We nodded, cheering in the huddle before it was time for Beau to do the coin toss with Creed.
I watched as the team captains shook hands, and then I raised an eyebrow as Creed looked over at me, his eyes narrowing as he did so.
I only stared him down as he looked back at Beau, then the referee tossed the coin, and our team started on defense.
I put my helmet on, then got into position down the field, next to where the Jackals' cheerleaders sat.
I saw Kresslee biting her lip out of the corner of my eye, and I lifted my chin ever so slightly, so she knew I saw her.
She smiled at me, and I put my focus back on Creed as his center snapped the ball to him, and I took off down the field, ready to tackle the wide receiver as soon as the ball was in his hands.
It didn’t take long; Creed threw the ball to his wide receiver with a perfect spiral.
The ball soared over everyone, straight into the wide receiver’s hands, but I tackled the man before he could take more than a few steps.
He hit the ground with a grunt, holding tightly to the ball, and as soon as the whistle blew, we got up, resetting.
I helped the man to his feet, and he nodded at me.
I got back into position, and I could see Kresslee watching me like a hawk.
Her cheeks were pink, and I knew she was turned on. Now was not the time for me to pop a woody. I had to turn away, not letting myself get affected by the fact that tackling someone in front of my girl turned her into a fiend for me.
I loved it. She was the perfect girl.
I got into position once more, then watched Creed as he received the ball, but instead of throwing, Creed started to take off down the field.
I knew that someone would reach Creed to prevent him from scoring the touchdown.
He was fast, but we were faster.
I watched Asher Hudson, one of our defensive ends, tackling Creed to the ground.
Creed went down hard. I saw it, knew it. Asher stood up, and I saw Creed writhing on the ground.
The hit must have done something to him. Creed’s leg was bent at a weird angle.
I rushed over to him as I heard the whistle blow.
Creed slowly turned over when I reached him, but I stopped him, “Don’t. I don’t think you should move.”
