by K. G. Reuss
She missed her shot. Her lip tilted into a deep frown. I aimed and took my shot. The eight ball sank into the back pocket. Jay and Brandon whooped as Mason and Alex groaned. The girls booed me.
I dropped my stick and grinned at Lexy. She stared back at me with wide eyes as I approached her with a cocky step.
“You lost,” I murmured, tilting her chin up and tugging her close. “Pay up.”
“You’re a terrible winner,” she answered.
I smirked down at her. “Ava, got your camera?”
“Yep,” she called out.
“You ready?” I leaned down, my pulse thundering in my ears.
She didn’t answer me. Instead, her body stiffened in my hold.
“It’s just me,” I whispered, brushing her hair away from her face. “You used to love it when I tasted you, remember?”
“Stop gloating and just do it already.”
I laughed softly and pressed my lips to hers. I prodded my tongue against the seam until she parted for me. The kiss wasn’t long and nowhere near fulfilling. In fact, it left me with a raging case of blue balls when she pulled away from me.
“Nice try, Owens. Better luck next time.” She patted the bulge in my jeans and smirked at me as she backed away.
I rubbed my chest wordlessly as she turned and walked away from our group, her hips swaying.
Ava patted my chest as she moved to follow Lexy. “Smooth. Just not smooth enough.”
At least Rory offered me a reassuring smile as she passed by.
“Well, that was disturbing,” Alex muttered, giving a shudder.
“You should’ve lost. Was the kiss really worth her missing the game?” Mason patted me on the back.
I swallowed, hating he was right. I sent out a quick text to Ava.
Travis: Send me the picture you took.
A moment later, a hot as fuck photo of Lexy tangled in my arms graced my screen. I grinned down at it and set it as my background before making it my new profile photo everywhere.
This little game of ours was far from over. I’d just have to pick it up when I got back from the championship game in a few days.
Seventy-Three
Lexy
Travis’s kiss still lingered on my lips. Pulling away from him had been hard, especially when I saw my red lipstick smeared on his mouth. But this was war.
Sort of.
My plane ticket was booked along with Ava and Rory’s. My parents chipped in to help us get the plane tickets. And Dad called in a favor from an old client to land us amazing seats to the game. Front row, fifty-yard line. They rented an Airbnb for us all with Travis’s family, and they promised not to tell a soul I was going after I dished out my plan to them.
Ava and I had spent a long night working it out and giggling over wine. It seemed like a simple enough plan. It was the sneaking into the locker room that might be tricky, especially if Alex couldn’t meet me.
Travis’s kiss had been what sealed the deal for me. I wanted to try this. If it went to shit, it went to shit. But having the regret of never knowing weighed too much on me. I already regretted not forgiving him right off the bat. Wasting more time was out of the question.
A knock on our apartment door the night before the team’s flight had me on my feet and shuffling to it. I pulled it open to find Travis on the other side.
“Hey,” he greeted me as he ran his fingers through his hair. He was nervous. It was his tell.
“Hey.”
“Uh, can we talk for a minute?”
I tried to calm my racing heart, a tiny bit of anxiety creeping into me. “Sure.”
I stepped aside and let him pass.
“What do you need?” I sat on a stool at the island and waited for him to talk.
“I don’t know,” he mumbled, sitting next to me.
I’d seen his new profile picture and all the comments about us. Tons of people were saying how cute we were. It was a smooth move on his part.
He reached out and took my hand in his. He traced his thumb over my wedding ring.
“Why do you still wear it if you don’t want me, Lex?” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
“Why do you wear yours?”
He sighed. “I don’t know. I guess it makes me feel close to you still.”
I swallowed and nodded. “I guess the same.”
“Do you think when this game is over, we can really talk? I mean… I just fucking miss you. I wish you were going to the game. I’ll buy your ticket—”
“Travis, it’s fine. I’m staying behind to work and help the new transfer students. I’ll be here when you get back.”
“You swear we can talk? Like, will you let me take you out on a real date?”
“Just focus on winning the game. I’m sure there will be scouts and agents in that crowd, eyeing you. That should be your first priority. Not me.”
“Fuck all that, Lex. Tell me I’m not being pathetic here and wishing on a dead star.”
“We’ll go out and talk when you get back.”
He let out a whoosh of air and smiled at me. “Thank you.” He got to his feet and backed away. “I’d stay, but I don’t want to fuck anything up. We’re leaving in the morning. But know I’m hopeful, Lexy. I want to give you everything.”
“I know, Travis.”
He gave me a watery smile as he stood at my door. “I tried to have fun without you. It just wasn’t the same. I need you in my life. Please just think about everything while I’m gone.”
“I will,” I murmured.
“And watch the game… please,” he pleaded.
“Of course.”
He gave me another sad smile before walking out the door.
A few days later, our plane landed, and we rushed off it into the bright Miami sunshine. My parents met us in the rental van and drove us to the house they’d lined up so we could drop our stuff off. Travis’s parents had already left to go to the stadium. His dad’s friend had invited them and my parents to sit in their box at the stadium. My parents wanted to grab some souvenirs before the game and pick up a sign they’d had made.
So after a quick lunch, we went over to the stadium. I waited with Rory and Ava awkwardly by the locker room where we were supposed to meet up with my brother. But Alex was already fifteen minutes late.
“Did he say what the hell he’s doing?” I grumbled at Ava.
“He said Coach wouldn’t shut up about winning and some other shit. He said he’ll be here as soon as he can.”
“Should I go back to the stands? Maybe I can report back if the team comes out for warmups, and you guys can try to get in another way.”
“That sounds good.” Ava nodded. Rory took off back to the stands. A moment later, the side door creaked open, and Alex popped his head out.
“What took so long?” I demanded, coming forward.
“Coach was long-winded today. He really wants this championship win. They guys are out in the hall, ready to get warmed up. I’ve gotta go, so hurry your ass up.”
I stepped past him, but he stopped Ava and kissed her long and hard. It was so graphic, I had to turn away. I didn’t wait for Ava. I went inside, found Travis’s locker, and placed the note on top of his stuff.
Challenge?
Seventy-Four
Travis
I felt good. My arm felt strong. And my motivation to get through this was high because I was ready to get home to start working on things with Lexy. So when we went back into the locker room, I stared down at my bag in confusion. There was a note on top in Lexy’s handwriting.
Challenge?
My heart rate shot up as I turned the note over. There was no way to answer her.
“What’s this?” I called out to Alex.
He grinned at me and shrugged.
“Is she here? Is Lexy here?” She had to be. There was no other explanation.
“I think you should answer her. Make it count.” He shot me a wink.
I didn’t bother fighting the grin tha
t spilled onto my lips.
“Owens! You’re up. Press wants your pre-game words. Hale, you’re next,” Coach shouted.
“Fucking fuck,” Alex muttered. “I hate these interviews.”
I clapped him on the shoulder, knowing immediately how to get Lexy’s answer to her. They broadcasted the pre-game interviews on the big screens over the stadium. Lexy would definitely see it.
“Travis Owens! Man of the hour!” Charles Baxter, one of the reporters for the pre-game show greeted me, microphone in hand. “How does it feel to be this year’s Heisman winner?”
“Incredible,” I answered, smiling at the camera. “But I’ve gotta give credit where it’s due. My team helped me get where I am.”
“What’s a quarterback without his team?” Charles chuckled.
“Exactly.”
“So, you had a rough go of it last game in New Orleans. What happened there?”
“There were some things on my mind. More important things. And then after the game, I had some personal things that needed tending to. Don’t worry. Everything is great now, so you won’t catch me running off this time before we can celebrate.”
“Good man. Good man. How are you feeling today? Confident? Nervous?”
“I feel great. I’m looking forward to taking home a championship and celebrating with my friends and family.”
Charles grinned. “I like that attitude. Is there anything else you’d like to add before we shoot over to Brian Mathers in the studio?”
“Actually, there is.” I looked directly into the camera. “Alexis Owens. I accept your challenge. Bring it, honey pot.” I winked.
“I’m not even going to ask.” Charles laughed and shook his head before ending the interview. He bid me goodbye as Alex stepped up, grumbling.
Excitement coursed through me. I had no idea what Lexy had in mind, but I knew it was big. It only spurred on the excitement.
Mason grinned at me as I came back. “I wonder what she has planned. I saw your interview.”
“I don’t know, but I can’t fucking wait.”
We ran onto the field and were instantly surrounded by the cheers from thousands of fans. My heart pumped fast, adrenaline coursing through me. I immediately looked to the stands where I knew my family would be. I spotted my parents and Alex’s parents, but Lexy wasn’t there. I frowned and continued to scan the area. She wasn’t in the student section. Ava and Rory somehow scored seats on the fifty-yard line. But Lexy wasn’t with them.
“I thought Lexy was here?” I grunted at Alex on the sidelines.
He shrugged.
“Dude, don’t fuck with me. Is she here?”
“Man, chill. Play like she is.” He laughed.
“I can’t think straight right now. Can you just tell me?”
“She’s around here somewhere,” he confirmed, his voice muffled through his helmet.
I grinned and looked to the stands again. But still nothing.
“We need to squash this shit. This team. Their fans. We make them ours!” Coach shouted at us. “Owens, this is your moment. Hale. Benson. Mason. All of you. Keep your heads in the game. I don’t want a repeat of the playoffs. My heart can’t take it a second time. Got it?”
Everyone shouted their agreement. I scanned the crowd again but still couldn’t spot Lexy. I had to get my head in the game. I knew she was out there watching. Somewhere.
We lost the coin toss, so our offense was up first. We took the field, the play in mind. I lined up behind my center and stared at the opposing team. Time seemed to stop as I breathed slow and steady through my helmet. I called the play out to remind the guys of the plan. When the ball was snapped back to me, I found Alex and chucked the ball to him. It spiraled perfectly through the air and landed in his waiting hands. He took off down the field like a bolt of lightning, dipping and dodging around the other team.
Alex was fast. Always had been. There were few who could catch him once he started going. This time was no exception. He crossed into the endzone. The crowd exploded in cheers, and the band launched into our fight song. I glanced at the stands to see our parents on their feet. Still no Lexy, though. Ava and Rory were down at the bottom of the stands, clinging to one another as they jumped up and down.
The game wore on, with both Alex and Mason scoring touchdowns in the first half. Our kicker had nailed a forty-six-yard field goal.
I thought I’d had the game of my life before. But it was nothing compared to how incredible I played that day. Everyone was full fucking tilt, trying to win this thing. Our rivals had scored on us twice, but we were still up.
When halftime came, I looked to the stands, not expecting to see Lexy because she hadn’t been there the whole game. She still wasn’t there. Instead, she stood on the sidelines next to the team. I stopped right in the center of the field and stared at her in my Mrs. Owens jersey. But it was the sign she held that caught my attention. Purple glitter. Giant letters I could never miss. Tears sprang to my eyes as I read the words.
Travis Owens, will you marry me?
Coach looked out at me, a smile on his face as Lex stood staring out at me.
I could hear the announcer shouting and see fans getting to their feet to see what was going on. Out of the corner of my eye I could see myself on the giant screen before it panned to Lexy and her sign then back to me.
I pulled my helmet off and dropped it onto the field. It felt like slow motion as I ran to her, unable to believe it was really happening. She was there. She wanted me.
I swept her into my arms and pressed my lips to hers, kissing her with tears running down both our faces.
“Yes,” I shouted, breaking away from her. She let out a laugh. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Alexis Owens.”
A TV crew had a microphone near us, filming the entire thing as I held her in my arms.
“I can’t believe you,” I laughed through my tears. “You really had me fucking going.”
“I know.” She giggled. “I’m sorry it took me so long to get here. But I want this, Travis. I want us. I want the entire plan you made in the beginning.”
I grinned down at her and kissed her again.
“You win.” She laughed. “You win the game.”
“No, honey pot, we win,” I murmured against her lips before hauling her back to me.
We were only just beginning. And it felt fucking amazing.
Epilogue
Lexy
* * *
“Just breathe,” Ava instructed as she adjusted my veil. I nodded and licked my lips.
“You look beautiful, baby,” Mom sniffled as she stared at me.
Travis’s mom wiped at her eyes. “I just knew you’d be my daughter someday!”
I laughed and pulled both moms in for a tight embrace.
“We need to get to our seats. The wedding is starting soon. Dad is outside waiting for you.” Mom hugged me once more before departing with Travis’s mom.
Now, just Rory and Ava were with me.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I said, smoothing the skirt down on my ballgown wedding dress. I wanted to feel like a princess on my special day, so I hadn’t spared any expense to make it happen. My hair cascaded around me in soft, silky waves. Travis loved my hair down. To be fair, I enjoyed it down too because he always tangled his fingers in it when he kissed me.
The girls squealed and adjusted my hair. Both took my hands and led me out to the hall to see my dad.
Travis had gotten an agent and was drafted by New York . I’d gotten into med school at NYU. Everything had fallen into place. We graduated college and planned our wedding for the following month.
That’s why on that warm June day, I stood inside a church in our hometown, ready to make our marriage official. Not that it wasn’t before, but it wasn’t official until our family and friends could be there for it.
“You look beautiful, pumpkin,” Dad said all misty-eyed as I stepped into the hall. We hugged one another. “Are you ready?”
I
nodded and smiled. “So ready.”
“Then let’s go get you married, eh?”
I grinned and followed the girls to the chapel’s entrance and waited around the corner.
“Have I ever told you how proud of you I am?” Dad asked softly.
“Daddy,” I sniffled. “Don’t make me cry.”
He chuckled. “I love you, hon. You make me and Mom so very proud. Both you and Alex. Speaking of, he needs to talk to you when this is over.”
“Why?”
“He has some news you need to hear. He got too busy with the wedding today to talk, but he promised us he’d do it later.”
I nodded, wondering what Alex had to tell me. If Ava knew, she’d made no mention of it.
The music played, and Rory entered the chapel, followed by Ava a moment later. Hauling in a deep breath, I smiled over at my dad and let him lead me to the entrance.
At the end of the aisle stood Travis in his dark tux, his hair the beautiful mess I always loved. His lips parted as we stepped inside. Everyone got to their feet and turned toward us. The photographers snapped photos. People sniffled. Alex and Mason stood beside Travis, but despite it all, he was all I wanted to look at.
The aisle felt like the longest distance I’d ever walked. When Dad gave me away to Travis, I eagerly took Travis’s hand, much to the delight and laughter of the guests.
“You look beautiful,” he murmured, squeezing my hand.
“So do you.”
He winked at me before we turned to the minister, who ran through his speech before we said our vows.
“I, Alexis Hale, take you, Travis Owens, to be my lawfully wedded husband.” He smiled at me the entire time I spoke. When I slid his new ring onto his finger, a tear slipped from his eye.
