When Nothing Else Matters (Heartstrings, #1)

by Katherine Jay

The very house my dear brother previously lived in. I’d held my breath as I stepped over the threshold, half expecting him to jump out of the shadows, grab me by the arm, and rip me outside. But I made it through the door unscathed. I was here for Cory, and nothing was going to stop that.

“It seems they’re all pretty close to your brother. They think he’s a pretty good guy. And they know who you are. I’m sorry, Sum.”

Thomas probably had a “do not touch this girl” poster in the house somewhere. With my eyes focused on my coffee cup, it takes me a second to realize Cory’s are glassy. “Oh, Cory. He’s allowed to be a good guy,” I say, truly meaning that. I actually never thought otherwise. My brother was one of the best people I knew when we were growing up. I’d always looked up to him. He’d been good to me. Until he wasn’t…

I know it’s strange that a girl who wants nothing to do with her family stays in her hometown and attends the same college as her brother, but I had a good reason.

“What’s going on with you and Dylan? What did I miss? When did you actually meet?” He lowers his voice and raises an eyebrow. I roll my eyes. “Nothing. There’s nothing going on. We officially met a month ago, but he’s been friends with Thomas for a while.” “Ah, so I’ve probably seen him with Thomas before.” “Makes sense.” I shrug. It is the most obvious reason. Not sure why I didn’t think of that before. “Why does Gemma think you’ve known each other for years?” “Long story short, we may have told a few people we’ve been best friends since we were kids, and now, it’s hard to backtrack.” Logan laughs out loud, drawing attention our way. “Shhh!” I slap him on the arm. “Only you…” He shakes his head and smirks.

We’re silent for a moment until Logan adds more fuel to the fire, figuratively. “Dylan, I forgot there for a moment, but you were the kid who got to take Summer to junior prom, right? I offered to come back, but she said you’d volunteered. Bet she was breathtaking. I was lucky, though, and got her senior year,” he says with a wink. “What are you doing?” I whisper. “Having some fun; stirring the pot.” Dylan dives right in. “Of course, she was breathtaking; it’s Summer. But as I recall, her dress was hideous.”

“Stop it,” I laugh. “You’ll always be my one and only.” “Damn straight,” he says, pulling me closer and pressing a kiss to my cheek. Seriously, if I was ever going to say someone was perfect for me, it would have been him, but neither of us wants that. Those feelings just aren’t there.

My mind drifts back to Summer and the serious decision I have to make. It’s then I realize I’ve already made my decision. I just need to go through with it.

“Gemma and I broke up,” I say as he watches the game. His eyes move to mine briefly in acknowledgment and then he turns back to the screen. “Okay. Why?” he asks but he’s not really focused on me. “A few reasons. One being that she gave me an ultimatum…” I tell him most of the story, and by the time I pause, he’s staring at me in shock. “I think I’m confused,” he says, now giving me his full attention. “Gemma told you to choose between her and Summer, and you chose Summer.” His brows furrow in complete confusion. “Kind of,” I lie. We broke up after having that exact conversation, but I’d driven to her door ready to break things off before she hit me with the ultimatum. Turns out, Summer and I weren’t the only ones that felt the change in our relationship. When those words had left her mouth, I felt sick. Gemma didn’t deserve any of this. Taking a deep breath, I’d remained calm despite Gemma being obviously pissed at me. She has every right to be annoyed that I broke up with her, but telling me to choose? Come on, that’s not right. I shake off my thoughts and look back at Joel. “Okay, so you chose Summer. Why?” Joel prods for information. “I didn’t exactly choose Summer; I was already planning to break up with her when she threw that at me,” I try to explain without actually being honest. Joel squints at me in thought. “But you would have, right? You know Summer isn’t actually your best friend,” he states, and while it’s valid, it’s not the point. “I know that, but Gem...

Another bonus to come out of the camping trip was the start of a genuine friendship with Dylan. We’ve been texting most days and even hung out together at Reilly’s Place, a popular local bar for Heartwood University’s students. It’s a surprise, but I’m enjoying his company and friendship. Now, if I could just get one little image out of my head, I’d feel much better, but the night at the lake is hard to let go of. The visual of Dylan’s eyes focused on mine, the slight flicker of heat that crossed them, the conflicted expression that followed, and the warmth that finally settled there is running on repeat through my mind. I’m not used to seeing that kind of warmth directed my way. It’s almost like his internal monologue was playing out in front of me, and he wasn’t even aware he was doing it. We both felt the attraction between us. It was impossible to ignore. But, the second his nose brushed mine, I knew he’d made a decision. A decision to be friends. To be honest, my chest felt lighter at that revelation. I can’t shake this strange feeling that I need him in my life, and friends is a great place for him to be.

For some stupid reason, the thought of our family’s business being exposed hadn’t even crossed my mind. Why didn’t I prepare myself for that, considering Thomas’s position on the Seattle football team? The thought of having to relive it now, to think about my family, makes my chest ache. To say it had shocked me when they hadn’t taken my side was an understatement. It devastated me. I cried for days, until I had nothing left. No tears, no family, no trust. I wish things could have been different. Thomas had been one of my best friends, my biggest supporter, before it all went down. Maybe I should have confronted him and Mom and asked them why? Instead, I ran away and never looked back, terrified that if I had asked them, there was a strong possibility I wouldn’t like the response. I mentally curse myself for letting this get to me again, but outwardly, my smile never wavers.

“Before you say anything. You’ve been a huge asset to this team. You’re an outstanding leader and an even better player. You know I’d play you at quarterback if you’d let me. With Kelly gone, we could sure use you. But I’m respecting your wishes. In that case, anyway. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you’re a phenomenal receiver. Point is, I’m not letting you miss an opportunity you might regret in the future. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather recommend to any NFL teams.”

Summer’s face comes to mind. Not because I was thinking about family. We’re friends. She came to mind because I feel like I could talk to her about all this if I wanted to. She’s someone I believe will really stop and listen. Someone I actually want to share things with. She’s not like anyone I’ve ever met. On the outside she comes across as funny, easygoing, and confident, and she is all that, but underneath…I feel that she’s sometimes putting on a front, and I want to know everything about her. Need to know everything about her. You know, as friends. God, who am I kidding?

Dylan looks between the two of us, his eyes questioning me as I say, “The one and only.” Nate and Cory flash me identical confused expressions, and I gotta say, I’m right there with them. I actually have no idea what I’m doing. Knowing he’s now single is throwing me off balance. It’s easier to push him toward other girls than to let my mind go places it shouldn’t.

It shouldn’t surprise me when Cory and Summer arrive, but it does. Nate’s been sneaking glances at his phone since I arrived, so it’s on me for not seeing this coming. I raise my eyebrows at him, and he shrugs with a goofy smile, not at all ashamed. And I get it. I really do. He may not have admitted it yet, or maybe he has, but either way, he is definitely in love. Summer catches my eye when she enters the room. She makes a beeline for me, without bothering to take in the surrounding scene, and for some reason, I straighten in my seat.

Before saying a word, she grabs the beer from my hand, knocking half of it back in one go. “Thanks, I needed that.” She smiles and then sits on the armrest of the couch beside me. “So, what does one do on a boys’ night? Should I belch, drink straight from a bottle of bourbon, bust out my best video game moves, smoke a cigar?” I snort out a laugh as she raises an eyebrow in question. She’s holding back her smile, but I can see the corners of her lips itching to rise. Wiping the smile off my face, I play along. “All of those things, obviously, but so much more. You’ll need to talk a lot of shit about nothing, watch sports, and play poker. Oh, and you should be naked,” I deadpan and wait for her laugh. She maintains her facade, and with a shrug of her shoulders, like it’s no big deal, says, “I’m down with all that.” Then comes the laughter I was waiting for; it’s loud and obnoxious and it’s mine. A sassy smile crosses Summer’s face, and she winks. How have I not been friends with this girl my entire life?

I befriended the wrong Kelly. Thomas isn’t this cool and definitely not as hot. Summer is fun and fresh, she’s easy to talk to, smart, and she’s so goddamn beautiful it’s hard to look away sometimes, not to mention the wa...

Summer laughs and playfully shoves my chest again, but this time she runs a finger down my abs before pulling away. Both our eyes follow the movement, and when we look up at each other, I’m disappointed to see she’s not nearly as affected as I am. Damn.

When her nails scratch my head a second time, a soft moan escapes my mouth. Summer’s breath hitches and she clenches her legs again. If this isn’t the sexiest, nonsexual thing that’s ever happened to me, then…I don’t even know. I’m not even sure I could tell you the date or year right now. After a few minutes, Summer’s strokes become softer, like she’s exploring my head and shoulders rather than massaging them. This new sensation sends a tingle down my spine, and I can’t stop myself from shivering. Fuck!

“You can do this, babe,” I say, and her eyes spring up to mine. Fuck, why did I say that? She winks and smiles. “You bet your ass I can.” We really need to cool it on the ass talk, because Summer’s looks amazing in those tiny shorts, and I’m already struggling to focus.

I only realize we’ve won when her hands shoot up in the air and she turns around, breaking my hold. I take a step back and snap out of it, just in time for her to leap into my arms and wrap her legs around me. Her forest-green eyes lock with mine, and I freeze. What I wouldn’t give to push her up against a wall right now. Heat flashes in her gaze, and I know it matches mine. She rubs her nose against mine, taking me back to the night by the lake, then smiles before screaming “woo hoo” at the top of her lungs and raising her fist in the air. If only she was always this uninhibited around me. She tries to jump down, but when her feet hit the ground, she stumbles and falls into my arms.

When I wave to Luke, he raises an eyebrow and gives me a disapproving head shake. I know he’s referring to Thomas, but right now, I couldn’t care less.

I gently lift her into my arms and carry her inside and straight to my room. Laying her on my bed, I remove her shoes and pull the blankets up, tucking them just under her shoulders. She looks so beautiful and innocent with her soft curls fanning my pillow and her hand resting against her forehead. I could stare at her all night, but I won’t. Trying to be as quiet as possible, I grab a pair of boxer briefs and move to leave the room, resigned to a night on the couch. Just before the door shuts behind me, Summer calls my name. When I look back, she’s moved to one side of the bed and has flipped the comforter open. All she has to say is “stay” and I’m stripping down and moving across the room to the bed before she changes her mind. I slip in next to her and roll her over so that her back is to me, pulling her close. When I wrap my arm around her, she connects her fingers with mine and stills. Within seconds, her breathing evens out and she’s once again out cold. Unable to resist, I gently press a kiss to her head and then it’s not long before I join her in sleep.

There’s nothing comfortable about this situation. Okay, that’s a lie, there is plenty comfortable about this situation. The feel of his hand splayed over my waist, his face buried in my hair, the way his body aligns perfectly with mine…Ugh, stop. I need out, and fast.

“Keep wriggling like that and you’re going to have to finish what you’ve started,” Dylan whispers, humor lacing his raspy, just woken voice. The sound of it instantly turns me on, and I shake my head to clear my mind. Sneaking another peek over my shoulder, I see his eyes are still closed. “I thought you were asleep,” I say, trying harder to move out from under him, since he’s now awake, but he doesn’t budge. “I am still asleep. So, stop moving.” He doesn’t open his eyes, but the sexiest smile I’ve ever received lights up his face, and it takes everything I have to ignore it and calm my breathing. “I can’t, you’re on top of me,” I say, with my lip between my teeth to suppress the nervous laugh trying to escape. I wriggle one more time just for the fun of it, making sure that my body presses back into his. I bet that makes him move.

Dylan releases his hold on me, but before I have the chance to move, he pushes me onto my back and hovers over me, his hands braced on the bed, one on each side of my face. “You’re wrong,” he says, and I look at him in shock, but furrow my brows in question. He lowers his body toward me and stops right before we touch. I try to hide my sharp intake of breath, but he notices and smiles. This playful yet assertive side of Dylan is new, and I can’t decide how I feel about it. My eyes hold his, waiting for him to continue. “This is me on top of you,” he says. His gaze intensifies, as though he’s searching for something in my eyes.

“Hold up, hold up. Pause for a second. I’m happy to play along with this little game of ours,” I say, motioning my hand back and forth between us. “But don’t you dare say a bad word about my taste in music,” I scoff. Dylan stares at me for seconds and then breaks into laughter. It’s so infectious that I join him. “Okay then, what’s your favorite song of all time?” I ask, eyebrows raised, hoping I can return the tease. He pauses for a second and then closes his eyes. “Metallica, ‘Nothing Else Matters,’” he says with melancholy in his voice. There’s definitely a story there, but he doesn’t explain it; instead, he says, “You?” I almost don’t want to tell him. He’s never going to believe me, and I certainly don’t have the same feelings toward it as he does, but I confess, anyway. “Metallica, ‘Nothing Else Matters.’”

I see the moment an idea pops into his head, before he slowly drags his fingers across my skin, his eyes following the same path. I resist the urge to swallow when he moves over the ridge of my collarbone and stops at the base of my neck, but I can’t stop the shiver that takes over me. Thankfully, Dylan’s unwavering in his mission to figure out my weak spot, so he doesn’t notice the effect he’s having on me. Either that or he’s equally affected. This is no longer funny.

Dylan pulls back slightly to look into my eyes, his face only a few inches from mine. I can feel his chest moving up and down, as his heavy breathing matches mine. We stare at each other, for how long, I don’t know, until he slowly lowers his face to mine. I scream don’t do it in my mind, but do nothing to actually stop him. He closes his eyes and then lowers slowly until his soft lips meet mine with the faintest pressure. He pulls my lower lip between his own, sucking gently, before moving to the top, once, twice, and then repeating the movement a few more times. It feels good, so good. The whole thing lasts only a few seconds, but it’s enough. The butterflies inside me flutter at an alarming speed, and I feel like my heart is going to break through my chest. This is too much. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy being physical with men, love it. But this is something else, something deeper. Something I don’t want. Shit! I can’t be here. I can’t do this. My body stiffens, and my breathing becomes shallow for an entirely new reason, as I consider the mess I’ve made. I’m no longer kissing Dylan back, and he notices. His lips gently caress mine one last time before he pulls back, scanning my face again with a small smile. And that smile breaks me.

It’s getting out of control. Ignoring it is no longer an option. I should have expected this since it’s almost fall and the football season is gearing up. But I didn’t. And now, even turning my phone off just leads to a mild heart attack when I turn it back on. A million thoughts consume me. If they have any actual facts, I could, would, lose everything. The shame of what I’ve done rises to the surface, no longer contained in the box I’d locked it in. I have to do something before it is too late. But what?

Thomas Kelly’s statement on those rumors. Several sets of eyes stare at me suspiciously, so I smile and pocket my phone. When I’m home and alone in my room, an hour later, I pull up the alert, clench my fist in nervous anticipation, and finally read the statement. “There is no truth to the rumors surrounding my family. Anything you may have heard or read about my relationship with my family, in particular my sister, is fallacious and should be ignored. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by a loving and supportive community, and I’d appreciate it if we did not subject them to harassment and lies simply because I’m in the public eye. I will be making no further comments on this matter. Thank you.” My whole body lightens with relief, and I shake out my hands, cringing at the pain caused by my nails digging into my palms. Although I know that part of his statement is a lie, I finally relax. Only a handful of people know the truth, so if Thomas is presenting a united front, then I’m pretty confident it will all blow over and morph into nothing but hearsay.

I’ve met Nate’s curious gaze several times, and I know he suspects something’s up, but he’s keeping it to himself. The other guys are completely clueless. If my absence would go unnoticed, I’d disappear, but since it was our first game and we’re celebrating a big win, I’m expected to party. My mind, however, is elsewhere. It’s been nine years, but it still hurts like a fresh wound. I can still remember it like it was yesterday. The police officers arriving at the door. My mom falling to the floor. The media outside our house barely twenty-four hours later. The great Dean Mathers had died tragically just shy of twelve months after his retirement.

This morning, like every year, Mom, Luce, and I headed to the cemetery at the crack of dawn to avoid the diehard fans who also visited. The well-maintained headstone sat high on a green hill at the back of the cemetery, an empty plot sitting beside it. I stood against a tree as Mom filled Dad in on the happenings of the past year, even though she visited monthly. Now that I think about it, she was most likely updating Lucy and me on her life, not Dad, because a lot of what she was saying was new to me. While Lucy and I were close to each other, we’d both drifted a little from Mom, or maybe she’d drifted from us. I couldn’t say. Today Mom spoke of her new small business, of Lucy’s impressive internship, and of my achievements in football. How she knew anything about my football is anyone’s guess.

“I really appreciate your support,” she says, her tone laced with false innocence. “I know he’s your teammate, but it’s just so hard to be around him, after what he did to me. I didn’t think he’d be here considering—” “Enough!” I yell, pushing my way past the brick wall that is one of our linebackers and making it known that I’d been standing behind her. I’m fine with her trash talking me, but I’m not fine with her airing my personal issues. And that’s exactly what she was about to do. “What? Did I say something wrong? You hurt me, Dylan. Broke my—” “You have got to be fuckin’ kidding me. You cheated on me. No, that’s too trivial for what you did. You were a two-timing bitch, and in hindsight, a shitty girlfriend. I dodged a bullet when we broke up.” Despite the loud music, we garner a lot of attention, and shocked eyes pierce me from every direction. The Dylan they all know does not behave the way they just witnessed. One face, however, is unperturbed—Joel. In fact, he has the smallest of smirks on his lips. “Drop it. It’s over,” he says to Nicole with his eyebrow raised in challenge. She pouts and walks away in a huff, dragging my teammate with her. He looks back over his shoulder with an apologetic gaze. I ignore him.

When my phone starts buzzing with texts from the boys, I throw it across the room, before finding a clean spot and sinking to the floor. Leaning back against Nate’s bed, I will this day to end. I’m not interested in being a part of anyone’s games. I know that I’ve never previously bothered to correct the rumor that I cheated on her, but I never expected Nicole to give the rumor legs with blatant lies. God, I’m bad at choosing women.

I once thought that kissing Summer might cause her to avoid me, but no, all was fine in the wake of that moment. Witnessing her panic attack, though? That apparently warranted my ghosting. Phone calls unanswered, texts unread. She was obviously embarrassed, for no reason, and the best way to deal was to cut me off. I wish she’d talked to me instead, but until now, I’d heard nothing. Maybe I had ruined everything with that kiss. That kiss. God, that kiss. While it was only brief and gentle, I felt a connection I’ve never felt before. It gave me a sense of clarity, and yet…it was a complete mind fuck. I could have sworn she felt the connection I did, that she felt the same force pulling us together, but I sensed the moment she regretted it. I’d been ready to tell her I wanted more. How much more, I didn’t know, just something more, anything more. But the second I pulled back and saw her face, I knew. She didn’t feel the same. We’d be nothing more than friends. She’d been adamant that’s all we were, and yet, I’d kissed her. I’d screwed up. So, instead of telling her how I felt, I sucked it up and tried to maintain control of the situation. I was not prepared to lose her from my life. I’d give her whatever she wanted. With a quick shake of my head and an innocent smile, I played the kiss off as a joke and all was well. At least, until the panic attack took her from me, anyway.

“Want to talk about it?” I ask, bringing my thoughts back to the conversation. “Nah, let’s get ice cream,” she says, pulling me to my feet and out of the room. I’m not at all surprised that she doesn’t want to talk about it, but the fact that she’s here, with me, when she needs someone…It makes my heart swell, and I feel this fierce need to protect her. To pull her into my arms and tell her it will all be okay. Instead, I relish the feel of my hand in hers as she leads us through the house and out the front door.

Without speaking, she grabs my hand again and pulls me through the parking lot toward a wire fence, and behind that…a football field. Shit! I’m stupid. It’s taken far too long to realize she doesn’t need a friend. She’s here for me. I stop in my tracks, pulling Summer back toward me. “I promise I won’t get you arrested.” She laughs and gives my arm a gentle tug, nodding her head in the direction of the field. The place I feel most at home. “You really are something, Summer,” I whisper, mostly to myself, but secretly hoping she’ll hear me. Her breath hitches, and I know she has.

“Luck? Don’t you mean talent? Skill? Determination? Hard work?” “Nope, I meant what I said.” She smiles, and I know at that moment I would be an idiot to do anything to mess up this friendship. She’s right, I’m lucky. Lucky to have someone who wants to cheer me up and help me through my problems, without even asking me what they are. “Your high opinion of me is humbling,” I say sarcastically but can’t stop the laugh that escapes me. “Just shut up and follow me.” She smirks, and I bite my cheek, stopping myself from saying I’d follow her anywhere.

As we sit on the cold bleachers, with a blanket across our legs, knees touching, I decide I never want to stop talking to her. I’m pulled out of the moment as the realization hits me. In my eyes, Summer is a goddess. She has a wicked sense of humor that matches my own, she’s crazy smart but doesn’t like to make a show of it, she’s beautiful inside and out, and has a body I’d do anything to touch. She’s also hiding some deep issues that I assume revolve around her family. She doesn’t need another guy wanting to get under her skirt; she needs a friend. And right now, I could use one too. Would I like to pull her into my lap, frame her face with my hands and kiss her until she’s breathless? Absolutely. Will I? No. The last thing I want is for Summer to be another one of my dating disasters, and I definitely don’t want to be just another notch on her bedpost.

“I had fun tonight. Can I walk you to your door?” she jokes, wiggling her eyebrows. “I’m not going to sleep with you, Summer,” I deadpan and then laugh at her wide-eyed expression. She recovers quickly and smiles. “I know that. You’re not the guy who has one-night stands; you’re a relationship guy.” My eyebrows pull together in confusion as Summer shoots me a challenging look in return. Begging me to say otherwise, so she can prove me wrong. Why does everyone keep mentioning the relationship thing? Is it my defining feature? And why does it sound like a bad thing when she says it? When anybody says it?

“How many times have you said I love you, anyway?” she questions. She sounds so unaffected by that notion that it stings a little. “I’m not mocking you either; it’s a serious question.” “Never,” I admit, completely shocking her. “What?” Running a hand through my hair, I grip the back of my neck and grimace. “Never. I’ve never said that.” She stares at me incredulously. “But you’ve felt it? I mean, surely you’ve felt it, at least once, in all your relationships.” I cringe at how bad this conversation is making me look, but answer honestly. “I’ve never said it, because I’ve never felt it.”

“You will find that special someone. I know it. You’re a great guy, Dylan,” Summer calls out as I’m shutting the door. I acknowledge her comment with a wave and a smile, before walking away. “And you’re by far the most special someone I know,” I whisper, only turning back when I hear Summer’s car pulling out of the drive. Taking a deep breath, I shake off my thoughts and sigh.

After Cory’s insistent begging, I’m finally attending one of Dylan and Nate’s football games. I’d love to say that I’m completely fine, but I’m not. I haven’t attended a game since the last time I watched Thomas play, the same day my life turned to shit. I can still remember the buzz of excitement at finally being at a college football game—Thomas’s first college game as starting quarterback in his sophomore year.

I was so proud of him. Deep down, I still am. It hadn’t taken long for Thomas to make friends at college. He’s charismatic, easygoing, and loyal to a fault. At least, he was. So, despite it being unusual for a sophomore to host the opening game party, that’s exactly what he did. I’ve always wondered if things would be different if that party had been somewhere else, but I guess I’ll never know.

We’re seated for a few minutes when Joel drops down next to me, arms loaded with snacks, a nervous expression on his face. “By the way, I may have lied to Dylan about who the extra ticket was for,” he says, not even offering a hello. His words make the unease I’m trying to bury rise again. Not because I’m worried Dylan won’t be happy I’m here, but because I failed to tell him myself. If roles were reversed, I’d hate the surprise. But he isn’t you. I should have known Joel would try to mess with his head. “Who does he think is sitting in this seat?” I ask. “Lucy.” “Lucy?! Why didn’t you tell him it was me?” Shit! Of all people… He’s not going to be happy that it’s not actually Lucy. He said last week that he misses her. “Thought It would be more fun this way. Why didn’t you tell him?” He smirks, eyes on the field.

My lips pull into a thin line as I consider his words. I hadn’t mentioned the game to Dylan in case I changed my mind, but I’d never asked Joel to keep it a secret. “I know why I kept it a secret, but why did you?” I ask. He’s definitely up to something. “You’ll see.” He bounces his eyebrows, holding back a grin.

I scan the field looking for Dylan, and find him doing the same thing, but searching the crowd. When he looks in our direction, he freezes, still as a post, not even a twitch, until a teammate whacks him on the back, drawing his attention. He moves to follow, but not before looking back over his shoulder and offering a half wave. It’s difficult to make eye contact with his helmet on, so I don’t wave back. You know, in case it was directed at someone else. It was definitely me. Joel chuckles beside me. “That was fun; may have even thrown him off his game.” I smack him in the arm but can’t stop a snigger from escaping. “You better hope not.” “Hey! It’s your fault. Did you or did you not tell him there was absolutely no chance you would ever attend a game?” “I said that, yes.” “Yet, here you are,” he says with a grin. “Here I am.” I return it.

I scream and jump to my feet to cheer him on, my heart racing when he throws his hand up in celebration and turns my way. Our way, Summer, our way. He rips off his helmet and pumps his fist in the air, in a “this is for you” gesture. I return the gesture, no longer caring if it’s aimed at me or someone else.

If I thought he was attractive before, it’s nothing compared to now. Seeing him play is really messing with my mind. There’s something to be said about witnessing someone in their element. Day to day, Dylan’s not a shy person; he has confidence, but he doesn’t really project it on others. On the field, he’s a completely different person. He’s cocky and in control. Muscles that I never noticed flex with every catch, every sprint, every jump. And the way his body moves, uhh, it’s…it’s something else.