The guys next to me screamed for the linebacker to grab him.
Pumping my fist, I shouted. “Go, buddy, fucking go!” I hopped up and down while he scrambled past our safety and into the end zone.
Over the speakers, the announcer said, “Touchdown.” The crowd hopped out of their seats and cheered.
With a shout, Grey spiked the ball and strutted toward me. “Hell yeah!”
I flew from the sideline and grabbed him around the waist, lifting him in the air, laughing. “You fucking did it! That was epic.” My heart soared. If he continued playing this well, he’d be with me in the draft.
He cackled and kicked his legs as they left the ground. “It felt so damn good.”
As I set him down, he grabbed my helmet and pressed his to it, his gaze locking on mine. “I’d kiss you if all the damn people weren’t around.”
“I believe it.” Emotion erupted inside me. There had to be hope for us.
A whistle blew, and a ref stomped toward us. “Okay, boys, back to your benches.”
“Yes, sir.” With a nod, I strolled to my squad’s sideline.
“Dude, watch out, or Coach will replace you with him.” With a smirk, James held out his hand.
I side-slapped it. “I wouldn’t have a problem with Coach playing him sometimes. How bad could it be to have two great running backs on the team and be able to mix it up during a game?” If it were any other guy, I might be upset about it. But not Grey, not the man who was my ride or die…or might quickly steal my heart if I wasn’t careful.
I’d madea touchdown of my own before the game had ended and had my best yardage yet during the camp’s scrimmage game. Grey had proven himself, and I felt confident in my spot. After a post-game meeting and showers, we’d packed and headed tothe bus with me sitting beside Grey and behind Tex and another lineman, Rick Masters.
As we headed down the rim and into Payson, Grey’s phone dinged a few times. “Damn.” He slipped it from his backpack, resting between his legs on the floor, and held it to his face.
“Who’s that?” Had his parents called him? When was the last time he’d spoken to his dad? I glanced at the screen. Ella popped up in the notifications. Fuck.
He lowered his brows as he tapped the text messages open. “It’s Ella.” He huffed and squirmed in his seat. “I told her she wouldn’t be able to reach me this week.” He typed a quick message. “Guess she didn’t listen.”
“What did she say?” I leaned over as tightness wove through my chest. I wanted to look, but I didn’t.
“She’s upset that I didn’t text her all week, and she’s accusing me of ghosting her.” He scratched his forehead. “What the fuck? I told Carrie I’d be gone, and all she sent was,have a great time.”
I raised my brows and shifted to face him. “Maybe Carrie isn’t an insecure bitch.” Fuck, did I say that? I huffed. “Uh, sorry.”
“No, you’re right. What the hell?” His phone dinged. “Look.” He held the screen up to me.
I read through the messages.
Ella
Why aren’t you responding? Surely you can find a way to get reception. The entire United States has cell towers now.
Grey
Sorry, but this area is very remote. I’m on the bus and just got service now.
Ella
Where there’s a will, there’s a way…
My jaw fell. “What the fuck? Did she expect you to hitch a ride down the mountain to get service just to text her?” This girl was demanding as fuck. If only she knew what he’d really been doing at camp. I smirk slid across my lips.
“She’s used to having everything her way and always getting what she wants. This is why I don’t like the socialites my dad set me up with.” He pressed his lips flat. “I thought she was better than the rest.” His gaze crept to mine. “I don’t know what I should say. If I don’t text back, I’ll only make it worse.”
I straightened in my seat. “Grey, do you really want to continue talking to her? What would happen if you didn’t respond again, and she fucked off?” I had to admit, she was digging herself a hole with him, and I didn’t hate it.