Page 125 of Playing to Win
Acey Baby:Impossible. You’re all I see.
My heart swells. He says the best things, and they never feel cheesy either.
“Should we go soon?” Dad asks, and I can tell he’s eager to leave.
“Let me grab my stuff and then I’ll be ready.”
I send Ace one last text.
Me:See you soon.
Acey Baby:Can’t wait Red.
* * *
It’s justabout the end of halftime and I tilt my head back, marveling at the gorgeous weather. The air is crisp and cool and the sky is blue, dotted by the occasional white fluffy cloud. There’s a cool breeze that sweeps through the stadium that makes me shiver and I’m grateful I wore my CU hoodie. By the time this game is over, it’s going to be cold.
We’re winning with four touchdowns to their one and I get the feeling Ace was right. It’s going to be an easy win. So far, I’ve recorded some great footage and I can’t wait to share it with Eric and Gwen, who are currently sitting in the stands, not too far from where my parents and Natalie are sitting.
Our team jogs out onto the field accompanied by the roaring crowd and my gaze finds Ace. And his finds me too, like we’re two magnets drawn to each other and the slow, easy smile that spreads across his face has butterflies dancing in my stomach.
He’s so freaking handsome. And strong and capable and confident. Women scream for him throughout the game. Make signs with some pretty inappropriate stuff written on them. I know this sort of thing goes on all the time and I should be completely immune to it, but when it comes to the guy I’m dating in secret?
It’s annoying. I want to tell them all to back off. That Ace Townsend is mine.
But I can’t do any of that.
My phone buzzes and I check it to find a text from Gwen.
You’re doing great! Can’t wait to see what you filmed!
I smile at my screen, happiness bubbling up inside of me. Who knew grumpy Gwyneth could be so encouraging? She’s definitely not so moody thanks to her and Eric being together all the time.
The game continues on and it’s such a relief that it’s going to be a big win. The tension has completely evaporated from the sidelines and the team is joking and laughing with each other, easy grins on their faces. I check the scoreboard for the time when our defensive line runs out onto the field, grateful to see we only have a few minutes left when I sense someone approach me.
“Hey, Red.”
I turn at the familiar drawl to see Ace standing there, a little distance between him and his teammates, his focus one hundred percent on me.
“Hi.” I’m breathless, my heart hammering in my chest. Just having his attention on me, even for a little bit, can almost feel like too much.
“Looking good out here.” His gaze slowly scans me from head to toe. “I like having you close.”
“You might’ve mentioned that already,” I tease him, feeling flirtatious since no one is paying any attention to us.
You know, just an entire stadium full of people could be watching us, but no biggie.
“I meant it.” His gaze locks with mine. “Whatcha doing later tonight?”
I shrug. “Hanging out with my parents. They want to go to dinner.”
He nods slowly. “That sounds nice.”
The expectant look on his face tells me he wants to go with us, and I—I want him to come too.
“Do you have plans after the game?”
“Not sure. The usual? Logan’s and whatever.” He shrugs those broad shoulders, the breeze ruffling his hair. It’s grown out a little and it flops over his forehead in the most appealing way. He wears a headband a lot of the time to keep it out of his eyes and when he does, I always think he looks adorable.
