by L A Cotton
“I’ll admit, it’s not the ideal situation.” He let out a deep sigh. “But I don’t want to be there if you’re not.”
My heart melted. Kaiden said and did all the right things. My friends were right, he constantly proved his devotion to me. I had to start trying to believe in that and stop letting Lindsey get in my head.
“I’ll be at the game,” I said, changing the subject, the seeds of a plan taking root inside my mind.
Maybe we couldn’t have the full Homecoming experience, but there was something I could give Kaiden. But it was going to require a little help from my friends.
“You’d better be,” he chuckled. The possessiveness in his voice made me feel all warm inside. This was what I needed to focus on. The things he said, the way he made me feel. Lindsey was just jealous he didn’t want her, and I was an easy target to take out her frustrations on. Of course, it probably meant she would go postal when she found out the truth. But at least then, I’d have Kaiden by my side.
“What are you doing now?” he asked.
I climbed off my bed and padded over to my desk, gathering up the stack of college brochures. Sitting cross-legged in the middle of my bed, I said, “Looking at college brochures.”
“Where are you considering?”
“I have brochures for Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and Temple University. I’m leaning toward veterinary science like my mom. But…”
But whenever I let my mind travel forward in time to next fall, I couldn’t imagine life at college without my heart almost beating out of my chest.
It was as frustrating as hell.
“My girl’s smart,” Kaiden teased.
“I do okay.”
“I know it’s outside your comfort zone, Lily. But you should do it. You should at least apply. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
“Yeah. Has Alabama always been it for you?” I deflected.
“It’s my first choice, yeah.”
Chewing my bottom lip, I scanned all the brochures. I wanted to stay close to home. Kaiden couldn’t wait to leave. It wasn’t an issue now, next fall was a long way off, but if this thing between us worked out, eventually, it would become an issue.
“Oh shit, I need to go,” he said. “The guys are here.”
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, okay.”
I went to hang up, but his voice stopped me.
“And Lily?”
“Yeah?”
“Just because I won’t be able to kiss you at Homecoming doesn’t mean I won’t spend all night thinking about it.”
“Just ignore her,” Ashleigh whispered as we entered school the next day.
My body trembled as we approached our locker bank. Lindsey was right there, across the hall. But surprisingly, she didn’t come over.
I released a shaky breath.
“I guess she’s all out of inner bitch today,” Peyton said.
“Yeah, well, let’s hope it stays that way.” I couldn’t hide away forever, and I didn’t want to. But I also couldn’t predict when my mind would betray me.
“Ladies,” Bryan swaggered over to us, slinging his arm around Peyton’s shoulder. “Homecoming this Friday.”
“Actually, we’re not sure we’re going,” she said.
“You’re not?” He pouted. “But you have to come. Who will I spend the night dancing with?”
“I’m sure you’ll find someone, big guy.” She patted his chest.
“You okay today, Lily? Thatch said you didn’t feel so good yesterday.”
“I’m okay, thanks for asking.”
“Any time. You know my guy has it bad for you. So, I’m thinking if your girl,” his gaze slid to Peyton, “had it bad for me, then the four of us could—”
“Never going to happen.” She ducked out from under his arm. “I’m a free spirit, Bry. No guy will ever pin me down. I’ll catch you guys later.” She threw him an amused wink before skipping off down the hall.
“I think I’m in love.” He pretended to slide down the lockers.
“I hate to say it, big guy,” Ashleigh smirked, “but she’ll only break your heart.”
“But what a sweet fucking way to go.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Ashleigh added. “How is Kaiden feeling about Friday? I heard he’s a sure bet for Homecoming king.”
“Yeah, but he doesn’t care about any of that shit. He just wants to play football and—” Something caught his attention over my shoulder, and he stopped himself. “Speak of the devil,” he said.
I didn’t need to turn around to see Kaiden, I felt him. Felt his eyes on me as he approached. He stepped right up behind me, close enough for me to feel the warmth of his breath hit the back of my neck, but far away enough to look innocent. God, I wanted to sink against him and feel his arms around me. Strong and unwavering.
I had underestimated just how hard it would be to see him around school and not be with him.
“We should get to class,” he said to Bryan, moving around him, his fingers grazing mine, sending a warm current rippling through me.
“See you around,” he whispered.
“Yeah,” I said, a little breathless. “See ya.”
Chapter Thirty
Kaiden
“Thatcher get in here,” Coach yelled, and I stalked across the locker to his office, to the rumbles and taunts of my teammates.
“Coach?” I peeked my head inside.
“Come in, shut the door.” He motioned to the empty chair and I sat down. “I just got off the phone with an old friend. He’s head of recruitment at Penn State, and they’re interested, son.”
“Wow, Coach, I don’t know what to say.”
Penn State wasn’t on my list of preferred schools, but it had a solid team and was one of the top ten programs in the country.
It wasn’t Bama but it was still a good option.
An option I’d never considered before because it was in-state, and I’d been looking to get as far away from Rixon as possible. But things were different now… now that I had Lily. It was still early days to be talking about our plans for next fall, but the more time we spent together, the less time I wanted to be apart.
“Bama is a great team, Kaiden. One of the best. But the competition is fierce, and you’ll have to do your time on the sidelines, learning their game, growing into the team. I’m not saying don’t hold out for them, if it’s what you really want. But I think it’s good to have options.”
“I agree, Coach.”
“You do? Good,” he smirked, “because I set up a meeting this week.”
“Holy shit! This week?”
“Frank is a good friend and when he heard I was coaching one of the best quarterbacks in the state he reached out.”
“I don’t know what to say, Coach. I’m blown away, thank you.”
“It helps to have friends in high places.” He winked. “But this is all you, Kaiden. You came into this program with your head screwed on straight and your mind focused and you’ve proved me wrong at every turn.”
Fuck.
I felt like a fraud, sitting here, lapping up his praise when all along I’d been seeing Lily behind his back. He deserved to know the truth. He deserved to know I’d fallen for his incredible, beautiful daughter. That I didn’t just care about her, but I was pretty sure I was ass over elbow in love with her.
Lily wasn’t just some girl. She was the better half of my soul and he deserved to know.
But as I sat staring at him, overwhelmed with gratitude and respect, I couldn’t do it.
Not when I’d made a promise to Lily to give her time.
“I’d better get back out there,” I said, the guilt coiled in my chest like thorny brambles.
“Sure thing. Big game Friday. One step closer to the playoffs.”
“Yes, sir,” I said, avoiding his eyes.
“Hey,” his voice stopped me as I reached the door, “are you okay? You seem… I don’t know, distracted.”
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“No, I’m good, Coach. Just psyching myself up for Friday.”
“That’s what I like to hear, son. Dedication to the cause. Go on,” he tipped his head to the door, “get out of here.”
I didn’t need telling twice. I hurried out of his office without looking back.
Before he saw the betrayal in my eyes.
The week passed by in a blur of practice, meetings with scouts from Bama and Penn State, classes, and texting Lily.
We didn’t find time to see each other outside of school, which sucked because I missed her. I missed her so fucking much.
And now it was Friday. Homecoming… and she didn’t want to go.
* * *
Kaiden: Please come… I’ll make it worth your while.
* * *
I hit send, careful to hide my cell phone in my lap as the teacher explained today’s work.
* * *
Lily: I already told you… I can’t…
* * *
I frowned. She kept saying she couldn’t, but it was bullshit. I wanted her there. I needed her there.
* * *
Kaiden: Not even for me?
* * *
Lily: You’re not playing fair. What if you sneak out after you’re announced Homecoming king and meet me?
* * *
Kaiden: Now you’re talking… go on…
* * *
I suppressed a smile, waiting for her reply.
* * *
Lily: Bryan told Peyton his parents are out of town again. We could all head back to his after the dance for our own private party?
* * *
Kaiden: Who are you and what have you done with my sweet innocent Lily?
* * *
Lily: Maybe she’s tired of always being the good girl…
* * *
Fuck. I liked this side of her. Confident and sassy. Don’t get me wrong, I liked all sides of Lily, but there was something about her feeling brave enough to take control that really got my blood pumping.
* * *
Kaiden: Yes. Definitely yes.
* * *
I could picture her reading my reply, gently tugging her braid as she dragged her bottom lip between her teeth, her cheeks dimpled with a coy smile.
* * *
Lily: Okay. Until then…
* * *
Kaiden: Until then.
* * *
I pocketed my cell phone, unable to wipe the smug expression off my face for the rest of class. Everyone expected me to do the whole Homecoming thing in Monroe’s stead, and I would. But as soon as the king and queen announcements were made, I was out of there.
Because the prospect of spending the night with Lily was far more enticing.
I arrived at the stadium first. Dad had been in a foul mood and since he’d barely managed an apology for the fading bruise on my cheek, I decided to take off early.
I hadn’t expected to find Lindsey lying in wait.
I groaned as she climbed out of her car and made a beeline for me. “Hey, Kaiden,” she said. “I was hoping you’d show early.”
“I don’t have time for this,” I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder and heading for the entrance.
“Actually, I think you will when you hear what I have to say.”
Something about the smugness in her voice stopped me in my tracks and I turned slowly, to meet her knowing smirk. “What do you want, Lindsey?”
“In short?” She stepped toward me. “You.”
“I already told you. I’m not interested.”
“Because of her, right? Lily?”
No.
No!
There was no fucking way she knew… and yet, it wasn’t the first time she’d alluded to knowing something.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said coolly.
“Kaiden, Kaiden, Kaiden, so reckless. What do you think Coach Ford would say if he knew his new star player was dirtying up his precious, innocent Lily at the fairground?
Fuck.
She knew.
Somehow, she knew what had happened that night.
Anger surged through me. I still didn’t understand her endgame, but I didn’t take kindly to being threatened. I closed the distance between us, glaring down at her. “I don’t know what you think you know but you’re wrong.”
“Am I? So, this isn’t you and Lily at the fair?” She pulled out her phone and thrust it in my face, a grainy video of the two of us in the shadows kissing. Doing a lot more than just kissing.
It was poor quality, but still dead obvious.
Fucking hell.
Fuck!
“What do you want?”
“I want to negotiate, of course.” The sickly-sweet tone in her voice grated on me. “You go to Homecoming with me, as my date.”
“No. No fucking way.”
“If you don’t, I’ll send the video out to every kid at school and everyone will know exactly what kind of girl Lily Ford is.”
“Why?” My jaw popped. “Why are you so determined to ruin her?”
“Why not?” It came out flippant as if this was all some big game and Lily’s life didn’t matter. But it did matter. It mattered to me. “So,” Lindsey huffed, growing impatient, “do we have a deal?”
My eyes narrowed to slits. I couldn’t do this. No fucking way. But the alternative was no better. If that video got into the wrong hands, Lily’s senior year would be ruined. She’d never step foot into school again. And her father would never let me step foot near her again.
But Lily wasn’t going to be at Homecoming…
I could take Lindsey as my date, then explain everything to Lily after at Bryan’s. That way she wouldn’t spend the whole night worrying.
“If I do this, you delete that video.”
“How do I know you’ll keep your end of the bargain?” She twirled one of her long braids around her finger as if she was the victim here, not the devil dressed up as Cheer Barbie.
“You don’t,” I hissed. “I guess you’ll just have to trust me.”
“Fine. But I want a kiss.” She licked her lips suggestively. “One kiss on the dance floor in front of the entire school.”
“No. Never going to happen.”
“It’s just one kiss, Kaiden. One little kiss and then you and Lily can ride off into the sunset together.”
I knew girls like Lindsey, and it wouldn’t just be one kiss.
It never was.
But what choice did I have?
“Fine. One kiss.”
If it protected Lily from public humiliation, I could do it. And then we could talk everything through at Bryan’s and come clean to her dad. Screw the scouts and football and the future. Lily was more important than all that put together, and after everything she’d been through, I had to do this.
“Delete the video,” I said, motioning to her cell phone.
“Fine.” She thumbed the trashcan icon and grinned up at me. “All done. I’ll see you after the game, Kaiden. Don’t be late.”
Lindsey flicked her immaculate braids off her shoulders and sauntered away like she hadn’t just dropped a huge fucking bomb.
I was still gawking after her when Gav’s car pulled up beside mine.
“Hey, man, what’s wrong?” Bryan said, frowning.
“Lindsey knows about me and Lily.”
“Oh shit,” he breathed. “What are you going to do?”
I looked at him and pressed my lips into a thin line. “Whatever I have to.”
I don’t know how I managed to keep focused during the game. Lindsey knew. She fucking knew and she was blackmailing me. It was an absolute clusterfuck. But somehow, I managed to keep my head. Which was a good thing considering Renshaw came at us with everything they had.
By the first half we were tied 12-12, but in the third quarter I’d managed to break free and run straight into the end zone, giving us the lead. It wasn’t my typical MO to run with the ball, but I needed to burn off some of the restless ene
rgy zipping through me. It was enough to give us the win and carry us one step closer to the playoffs.
“Good game, son.” Coach gave me a sharp nod as he breezed through the locker room looking sharp in a shirt and tie. “I’ll see you all at the dance.” He disappeared out of the door.
“Maybe you should have told him,” Gav said.
“I will, but not tonight. Not until I’ve talked to Lily.”
“We could just blow off the dance and head straight to mine,” Bryan suggested.
“And risk Lindsey doing something stupid like whispering in Coach’s ear?” I grimaced. “I can’t risk it. It’s just one dance. Hopefully it’ll placate her enough so I can talk to Lily tonight and we can decide how to break it to Coach.”
“Fuck, man. I don’t envy you. He’s going to flip his—”
“Bry.” Gav shook his head. “Let’s go. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can leave.”
I followed them out of the locker room and down the hall, pulling out my cell phone and pulling up Lily’s number. I didn’t want to tell her everything because she would only worry unnecessarily, but I needed to tell her something.
* * *
Me: I can’t wait to see you later. We’ll leave as soon as we can… and listen, if you hear anything about tonight before I see you… just trust me, okay?
* * *
I waited for a reply, but nothing came through, so I pocketed my cell, hoping she got it before the rumor mill reached her.
We piled into Gav’s car and made our way to school.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I muttered as we pulled into the parking lot outside the gymnasium.
“Duty calls now you’re king,” Bryan snorted, and I flipped him off as we exited the car. “I can’t believe the girls decided not to come in protest at Lily refusing to come.”
