Page 229 of The Perfect Spiral
He kisses her temple and cheek, comforting her the best he can. It’s clear that he is so in love with her. My granddad always used to say there are three types of love a man possesses.
The ones who say ‘love you’.
The ones who tell you ‘I love you’.
And the ones who are in love with you.
The last guy is the one you keep. Tyson tells Sam he loves her all the time. But we all know he’s been in love with her since the day he met her. She’s in love with him.
They’re so deeply in love with each other. It’s evident in their faces.
I remember how they met. It feels like it was just yesterday. Knox had invited us girls to see the stadium. Sam, Hannah, Zara, and I all went to see it. We had our own personal tour of the stadium, private rooms, the players’ locker room, the gym, and the nursing station.
The tour guide then led us onto the field. As we walked out through the tunnel, we saw all the players running around, training.
Sam and Zara’s eyes sparkled with mischief, knowing we’d get to check out all the players.
As we stepped onto the soft grass, we were introduced to the coaching staff, physical therapists, and doctors, all ensuring theinjured players were fit to train.
The coach blew his whistle, beckoning the players to join us. I crossed my arms, watching as the muscular players made their way over to greet us.
Handshakes were exchanged, cheeks were kissed, and it was clear some of the players were checking us out. I heard a few high fives echo around the place as they took off their helmets.
Some of these guys were too attractive for their own good. Damn.
Sam and Zara were giggling, while Hannah looked star-struck. I sighed, hoping it would be over soon. I watched my sister shake hands with a particularly handsome guy.
His cheeks flushed pink as he smiled at her. She returned the smile, suddenly shy. She’s never shy. She’s the opposite of shy, so I couldn’t help but watch the two of them with curiosity.
“H-Hi, I’m Tyson,” he stammers, rubbing the back of his neck in a nervous gesture. His helmet slips from his grasp, clattering to the ground. Sam is quick to retrieve it, offering it back to him with a shy smile.
“H-Hi, I’m Sam. It’s nice to meet you! Here, you dropped this.”
“Oh, thanks. It’s nice to meet you too, Sam. Are you guys here for long?” His gaze remains fixed on her, and she seems equally captivated. I exchange a knowing glance with Hannah, who grins back at me.
“Well, we, uh, Knox arranged a tour for us, so we thought we’d come to see the field. We’ve seen everything else in the stadium...” Sam’s hands flutter to the ends of her hair, twirling a strand around her index finger.
She likes him. I can’t help but mentally high-five her. She only does that when she likes someone.
“How’d you know that idiot?” Tyson teases, glancing over at Knox. I can’t help but smirk. I like this guy. I approve, Sam. I approve.
“Well, he’s best friends with my younger brother—”
“Wait, you’re from New York?” Tyson interrupts, his eyes widening. Sam nods shyly, meeting his gaze once more.
“Dude, aren’t you dating someone?” one of the other players chimes in, earning a glare from Tyson.
“No, I ended that. It was nothing serious.”
“Alright, alright, boys! Less flirting, more running. Come on, back to work! Sorry, ladies, we’re on a tight schedule,” the coach interrupts, blowing his whistle. The players scramble to retrieve their helmets.
“Are you single?” The same player who questioned Tyson earlier now turns his attention to me, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Jason, drills... Now!” Knox roars at him, shooting me a glare. I return it with equal intensity.
“Asshole,” I mutter under my breath.
“Geez, I think someone’s on her period,” he retorts, referring to Knox, who is now storming over to him.
