Page 52 of Hometown Halftime

His words are unexpected.

“That’s a deep thought for Fall Fest, Weston. But yeah, I do. All the time,” I say. “I never thought I’d be back here bartending. Don’t get me wrong, I love my life and my friends, but it isn’t what I had planned.”

He snorts softly. “I thought I’d have more figured out by twenty-two.”

I nudge him with my arm. “Don’t worry about what all your old friends are doing. Some people are just made for a small town, or they just so happen to meet their person early in life. Your situation is different; you have different dreams, and that’s okay.”

He nods. “You’re right, I guess. Do you still talk to any of your old teammates?”

“A couple, two of the girls I was out with in Roanoke were my teammates, and we’ll probably check in with each other for the rest of our lives.” I stop at a booth selling quilts and beanies. “I know I come off a little sarcastic and rough, but my teammates understood that. I have a few amazing friends now, but they’re moving on in life with relationships and babies. Looking back, losing that version of myself that had camaraderie and bigger dreams…yeah, it can be a little rough.”

He nods. “Football is the same for me. Now that I’m back here, it’s hard to figure out who I am outside of it. Lee and Darren are the best, but they’re okay with staying here, putting roots down.”

We walk in silence for a few steps.

“It’s okay to want more than this place. But you still have a lot of time to figure things out. And it’s okay to change plans if that’s what you decide. You’re good with the team,” I say. “You know that, right?”

He shrugs. “Yeah.”

“So, you have choices. Once your family stuff settles, you can go back to school and enter the draft, or you can stay here and coach while you finish school. The world is currently your oyster.”

“You’re right.” He looks at me then, something earnest in his eyes. “Thanks.”

We round the corner near the oak trees at the edge of the park—and there’s Haddie again, clipboard raised like a weapon.

“There you two are!” she calls. “I need—”

“Nope,” I say.

Riley grins. “We need to hide.”

I don’t think, I just grab his arm and begin weaving through people.

We dodge Haddie, veering off into Town Square Park, laughter bubbling out of both of us as we hide behind a massive oak tree. The noise of the festival fades, replaced by our breathing and the rustle of leaves.

When I press my back to the trunk, my heart is pounding, but it’s not from the hurried escape. It’s because Riley’s body is against mine, caging me in, protecting me from view. When he focuses on me, our laughter fades. His chest is rising fast against mine, his gaze drops to my lips, and I feel my nipples harden.

My nipples are hard at Fall Fest. Fuck my life.

His tongue slides against his bottom lip before he says, “Remember our one-time thing?”

I shrug. “Maybe.”

His hand comes to my hip as he glances around the tree. “Haddie’s gone.”

“So, we’re safe?” I pant.

It’s a silly thing to ask because right now I fear for the safety of my clit, which is currently throbbing between my legs because his hips are pressed against mine.

“We’re safe.” His eyes close as his head drops, close to mine. “God, Kinsey, your body feels so good against mine.”

I tip my head back, heat surging through my veins. “I know. Damn it, Riley.”

His hand moves up my side, cupping the bottom of my rib cage.

“I’m going to kiss you again,” he warns me.

“This is a bad idea,” I say, even as my body arches into his.