The Summer Playbook (Central State Football #2)

by Jaqueline Snowe

To those of you who succeeded out of pure spite. Keep proving everyone wrong.

She, along with my dad and sister, had no idea about why I’d changed from my party-animal, attention-seeking self to this more reserved, quiet version. I’d never tell them. It hurt too much,

I paid my tab, eyed my group of friends and sister all laughing and hanging out, and hated how alone I felt. It was time I got my shit together, but I didn’t know where to start.

We wore our dumb shirts, looking like a dorky gang, yet I smiled more than I had in months. Even if I wasn’t a huge fan of this damn playbook…I kinda wanted to see it play out.

But I walked out of the bar, leaving her with her friends because lines blurred tonight, and I had no idea how to clean them up. There wasn’t a world where I could be with Mack.

I wasn’t made for this. My stomach cramped at the stupid idea of these challenges. I couldn’t be a fun girl, no-feelings girl, no-attachment girlie. I had too many nerves and insecurities to just… be.

Dean didn’t just kiss, he owned. He didn’t just hold me, he gripped me like his life depended on it.

My ideal weight was having Dean Romano on top of me.

“We all have our own hangups, but truthfully, we never really understand how others view us, so we have to focus on how we see ourselves. Because at the end of the day, we spend the most time with our inner thoughts.”

With as much effort as possible, I shoved thoughts of Dean away and focused on my teammates. They were easier to deal with than my growing feelings for the complicated quarterback.

“Never put yourself down like that in front of me again. You are fucking incredible, and I’m honestly pissed right now.”

I had it bad for Mack. There was no other way about it. I had no idea what the fuck I was gonna do at the end of summer because one thing was certain—I was addicted to this girl.

“I want all your cute blushes and smiles, Mackenzie.”

I was foolishly in love with him now. My crush was nothing compared to how I felt now. This…whole-body, heart-fluttering feeling was overwhelming.

“I know we’ll go our separate ways after this summer, but I promise I’d never lie to you or hurt you. While we’re together, I’ll take care of you.”

I was in love with Dean Romano. A foolish, break-my-heart-forever kind of love, and it was only going to get worse.

I loved him so much. I wanted this, him, us. I didn’t want this to end this summer. I’d never find someone who got me so much, who trusted me. The moisture in my eyes spilled over, and Dean caught my tears with his fingers, his eyes understanding.

I couldn’t recall the last time I was this happy. Years? A decade? She made everything better, and I couldn’t explain why or how.

He might not love me back, but I loved him enough to help him right now. Because that’s what love was—sacrifice.

“I love you, Dean, not the footballer, not the popular guy on billboards or the guy who won some awards. I love your heart and playfulness and the way you see the world. I love your scars and how you laugh.

Mackenzie Mallinson wasn’t in my playbook to start, but she still made me feel like I won the game. And I’d make damn sure to never stop trying to win her.

“I want a fucking life with you. That means, accepting all parts of you, which includes soccer. I can’t wait to see you play in Chicago and wear your jersey. I’m so proud to be with you, and we can get through anything.”

“Baby, I know you’re not ready.” He laughed and tilted my chin and kissed me softly. “I also know you love me. You brought me back to life, so I’m willing to wait as long as you need.”

We sacrificed our bodies, time, and energy to make it in a sport we loved. We knew how to put everything on the line and tune everything out. We’d do that for each other every single day until… well, until forever.