“I know you would.” I patted his thigh. “After the game, you can kiss me all you want.”
We’d finally putsome points on the board in the second half as Bailey caught a few passes and ran one in for a touchdown. Otherwise, our kicker had been working overtime with field goals. But we were ahead by three points and with Malik’s advice, I’d gotten past Grady and was finally seeing the open lanes in Mississippi’s defense.
As we lined up on the twenty-yard line with six minutes to go, it was time for my touchdown. I could feel it in my bones, and the play James had called would work. I was sure of it.
“How’s the shoulder, Moore?” Grady glared at me from across the line of scrimmage.
“Great. How’s the knee?” He’d gone down at the end of the third quarter, and their trainer had wrapped it for him. I could use this to my advantage too.
“Perfect. Never been better.” He peeked down the line as our center snapped the ball, and then he pounced at me.
I skipped away from him, rushed to James and grabbed the ball. After tucking it into my side, I scanned the players for a hole.
Tex shoved a guy aside, and the players parted.
I darted through them, sidestepping another lineman, and set my sights on the goal.
“Go Moore! You’ve got this!” Malik shouted from the sideline.
With my heart pumping wildly, I pushed faster. I couldn’t let him down. I had to get this touchdown and prove to everyone, including my father, that I belonged on the field. Playing football was my purpose.And loving Malik…
As I high-stepped across the goal line, a Mississippi safety grabbed my legs, taking me down.
The stadium erupted in noise, and the announcer said, “Touchdown Arizona.”
“Fuck yeah.” I jumped to my feet and sprinted toward the sideline where Malik waited with open arms.
“You fucking did it!” Throwing his arms around my waist, Malik picked me up and spun me. “That was the most beautiful touchdown I’ve ever seen.” As he set me down, his smile reached his eyes. “Perfection, Moore.”
“Come on.” With a sharp laugh, I cupped his cheek. Damn, this felt good, and I got to share it with him.
“No, really. You ran the route flawlessly. I couldn’t have done it better myself.” He slapped my ass. “I can’t wait until later.” He wagged his brows at me.
“Me neither.” I turned to Coach Barlow, who gave me a quick up-nod. We hadn’t sealed the game yet, but this touchdown would certainly help.
“Good job, Moore.” Coach Reid strolled by me and patted my back. “I like the teamwork I’m seeing from both of you.”
“Thanks, Coach.” Malik beamed at him. “It’s all about the win.” He gave me a sly grin.
SEVENTEEN
MALIK
Coach agreed to let us celebrate our win with a few beers in the hotel lobby, so after the post-game rituals and showers I headed into the bar with Grey, Tex, Masters and James. We were meeting Coley and Bailey there.
We pushed a few tables together, ordered a round of beer and sat around them, reminiscing about the game, Bailey’s touchdown and Grey’s. With my chest swelling for Grey, I laid my hand on his thigh. Fuck it, no one could see it, and I wanted to be close to him.
“I don’t know, Moore, I think you might take some of Thompson’s field time when he comes back.” Bailey sipped a beer, focusing on me. “How do you feel about that, Thompson?”
“I’m great with it. I want to see him play.” Squeezing Grey’s thigh, I said, “We have big plans for the combine when the season ends, and for that, he needs field experience.” I was secure in my abilities and not a competitive ass, unlike some of the other players. It was a trait that would serve me well in the draft. It wasn’t always all about skill.
As Grey’s cheeks flushed, a grin swept his lips. “You know Thompson won’t lose his starting position. He’s too good.” He covered my hand with his under the table.
“You two sure have an interesting dynamic.” James eyed me. “I don’t know any guy I’d want to live with, play with and hang out with all the time. But the two of you never get sick of each other.”
Tex’s brow ticked as his gaze met mine. He knew why. We were a couple, plain and simple.
“Yeah, well, when you understand each other, it works.” My hand left Grey’s thigh, and I wound an arm around his shoulders. “No one gets me better than Grey.” As warmth filtered through my body, I pulled him to my side. “Right, buddy?”