The stadium erupts, and my teammates pile on me, but it’s all white noise, because my eyes are locked on one spot.
On her.
That throw wasn’t just to win the game—it was a warning to Jenni and anyone else dumb enough to try to mess with me.
I don’t lose. Not out here. Not withher.
Honey jumps up and down, screaming her heart out while Jenni is clapping politely beside her, and when our gazes connect, she winks at me.
Winks. At. Me.
Really?
Yeah, it’s definitely her, and she’s fucking toying with me now.
A hand clamps onto my shoulder, dragging me back into the celebrations as we head toward the post-game huddle.
Coach’s voice cuts through the noise. “That’s what champions do. They find a way to win when it matters most.”
“Party at Hail Mary’s!” Sebi yells as we break the huddle. “First round's on Evans for that beautiful final throw!”
“Nah, make it Dax,” Reese counters, bumping Dax’s shoulder. “He doubted Zach the entire damn game.”
Dax rolls his eyes. “Fine, but Evans is buying the pizza.”
“Deal,” I agree, already feeling better surrounded by these idiots who keep my head screwed on straight. “But give me a minute first. I need to find Honey.”
“Ah, I gave her a little wave on the field. She looks hot in your jersey,” Sebi remarks, wiggling his eyebrows.
Mason smacks the back of his head with a satisfyingthwack. “Show some respect, man.”
“What? It was a compliment!”
Ignoring my teammates, I jog toward the tunnel with my helmet in my hand, and spot Honey instantly.
She’s pressed against the sideline railing. Her eyes are locked on mine with this small, blissed-out smile on her face. Her ponytail's a little frizzy from jumping around, her gold bow still pinned like a crown, and for a second, I forget how to breathe.
She's waving, laughing, fucking glowing.
When I reach the railing, I grab the edge and vault up to her. My feet hit the ground beside her, and her arms are around my neck in an instant.
“Zach!” she breathes, giddy and flushed. “That last play—”
I cut her off with a kiss because I can’t wait any longer.
Victory and home.
That’s what she tastes like, and she’s all I’ll ever fucking need.
“I’ll meet you outside,” I murmur against her lips. “I’ll be as quick as I can.”
She nods, breathless, and I kiss her again before hopping back down and jogging toward the guys. When I’m with them, Reese throws an arm around my shoulders.
Sebi sidles up beside him with a grin. “You gonna make a habit of throwing game-winning passes when she’s here? ’Cause I’ll personally buy her a season pass.”
“Save it,” I cut in, already catching the familiar blur of blonde from the corner of my eye. Jenni, saddling up next to Honey. She’s still here. Still smiling.
The high starts to slip, and a cold rage works its way into my chest.