Steeling Her: A Romance Novel

Carter

The roar from the people around me make me wince in pain. It’s something that I have to get used to again.

I haven’t been to Nick’s game in a while. It’s nice to be back. It hasn’t started, but they’re going through the line-up of the teams that are going to be playing tonight. Alabama graces us with their presence tonight, and I can’t wait to watch the game. It’s been a while.

I’m sitting in the middle between Haley and Danielle. Haley’s parents have yet to arrive to watch their son play tonight on the field. I’m so thrilled to see Nick too. It’s been a few days since our date and the time I handed him my v-card. I haven’t told anyone that we had sex, and that’s just the way I want it. I want to keep it between us.

When we woke up next morning, everyone was dying of hangovers, so nobody came out of their rooms or bothered us either. All we did was lay in bed and made out with each other. It was lovely and gentle. Then, we drove to eat some breakfast and had some alone time in a restaurant where nobody recognized him or hit on him. It was pleasant. We spent time alone together, and that was all I needed.

Now, I’m waiting for him to run on the field so this game can start. Alabama is out in full steam and is pumped up for the game. When the speakers erupt with a booming voice welcoming the home team onto the field, everyone explodes in cheers and shouts. Standing on our feet, we clap for the home side, who race onto the field all fired up. Pumping one another up, I capture Nick’s eyes just as his parents take their seats. He beams up at me and sends me a wave which I return.

I can see his mom wave at him too, bouncing up and down like one of those proud football moms. My mom is the exact same. Turning back around to kiss Haley hello, she waves at both Danielle and me while their dad doesn’t even bother to greet anyone except his daughter. Maybe he’s too caught up in this game?

Either way, it’s still a little rude.

However, the main focus is to cheer on the team so they win the SEC for the college. I hope they win and do themselves proud. I know they’ve all worked hard for this. When the game kicks off, there is an almighty roar in the stands to hype up either side. Because it’s a home game, there are more home supporters. Fans are being crushed from either side, and it looks to be a more physical game than an airborne one. No doubt that either team will be suffering from cuts and bruises after this one.

“Dammit, Nick!” Mr. Jackson thunders as he stands up and points to the field, largely at his son. “Use him! He’s open!” I can tell that he’s frustrated with his son, and he is right. Ryan is open, but he preferred to pass to TJ. It was so obvious to the other team that TJ often gets tackled by them. He and Ryan have not seen eye to eye for the past while, and it’s evident on the field too.

When Nick gets the ball again, everyone observes that Ryan is wide open. He waves his arms around, practically screaming that he can score, but Nick chooses TJ again.

He makes a good take, running with the ball down the sideline and getting closer to the end zone. Scraping by players and making his way over the line, TJ makes a touchdown. The crowd erupts for him, but I could hear Nick’s dad curse his son. Despite the lead we have, he’s not impressed.

“Honey, it’s okay, we still got a touchdown.” Mrs. Jackson pets his arm to bring him back down to his seat calmly.

“I don’t care. Nick needs to pass the damn ball to anyone other than TJ right now. The kid is wide open, and he knows he it!” he complains to his wife but later apologizes for it. He just wants what’s best for his son right now. My dad would be doing the same if it was one of my brothers.

“That’s Ryan Averman, Dad. He and Nick fought over Carter and they haven’t liked each other since then. I don’t think they’ll be passing to each other anytime soon,” Haley recalls and laughs, but her dad looks furious. Making eye contact with me, I feel that anger almost radiate towards me. It catches me by surprise. Thinking back on it now, maybe he purposely didn’t greet me. Maybe he doesn’t want me here right now. Maybe he thinks I’ve caused his son to make errors on his play.

Would he be wrong?

I didn’t ask Nick to. I would never have asked him to fight over me. Fighting over any girl isn’t worth it, not in my opinion.

But I keep my eyes on the field for the next interval and cheer as much as I can without getting Mr. Jackson’s attention, but it seems to not be the case. I catch him in my peripheral vision glancing at me every so often, and it legitimately puts me on edge. I’m just not sure why he’s being like this. I thought it was due to the Ryan and Nick situation, but my gut tells me that he’s having differents thoughts from me before the game had even started and before he had known about it.

It’s a tight game, but the team pulls through with a nail-biting victory despite not playing their best. They appear a little lost on the field, which has me wondering how much they have worked as a team? They might have worked individually in the gym and practice, but my dad always says the team is only as good as its weakest player.

Haley blows TJ a kiss as they catch each other’s eyes, and Nick commiserates the other team on their loss by shaking their hands one by one. I flick my eyes away in case he looks up. I don’t want his dad to see that. I don’t want to give him another reason to not like me. As we wait for the stadium to empty, I sit with Danielle who is texting someone, as per usual. But she is so secretive lately, it makes me and Haley want to know more.

“What an exciting game! Don’t you think so, girls?” Mrs. Jackson sits herself back down after clapping for the home team and her son; mainly her son.

We all nod back at her as she takes her seat.

“I was just going to say that, Mom! But they didn’t play amazingly well . . .” Haley points out.

We could all hear her dad grumble beside his wife. “I wonder why?” he mumbles but everyone catches it. It causes us to go silent. Now it’s very awkward.

“Well, we still got the win! So that’s always good!” Haley’s mom beams to bring the excitement and chatter back, but her husband kills it once more.

“Just barely,” he spits out through gritted teeth, watching the field below us. The movement has died down, and now it’s just our football team huddled together reviewing the game. The coaching staff is very animated and red-faced. They don’t look happy.

“What’s the matter, George? I thought you’d be happy?” Haley’s mom comments and points down at their son. Haley just stares at them while I stare at my hands, feeling uncomfortable. Danielle is too wrapped up in her conversation with this mysterious person that she won’t tell us about.

“He didn’t play like the way he used to, Lynn! It wasn’t good enough, that’s what’s wrong. His arm was weak, he won’t get signed with that play. It was terrible!” he runs his mouth back at her and criticizes Nick’s play. Yeah, it wasn’t the best, but nobody’s play on that field was excellent. They all need work, and I understand why he’s panicking. It’s getting close to the end of the season, and that’s when contracts are sent out and people are selected for NFL teams. It’s a hard-hitting time for everyone; the players in particular.

“Honey, we know. It was a bad night for him. He’ll be better in the next game, they all will. They were just a little off tonight,” Lynn says to placate him, ensuring him that it’s just a one-off blunder. I don’t even have to look at him to know he’s not convinced.

“He was distracted, Lynn. He can’t take his eye off the ball or his career. He’s putting everything on the line and he’s fucking it up for himself.” That’s when I can hear Lynn smack him for using that language.

“Watch that mouth, George, you know I don’t like that,” Lynn warns him quietly. I suddenly being to wonder, is he talking about me? Am I the distraction? Am I throwing Nick off his game? Is that what he’s implying?

“I need to have a word with the coach or Bulldog about this. I’m not sitting here watching our son play like that. Ellie could play better than he did tonight. He needs to be fully focused from now on. No more distractions.” I flick my eyes up and meet his cold firm stare.

I feel like that comment was meant for me and me only. I can feel my heart drop into my stomach when he ends that sentence. My entire body freezes as I watch him make his way down to the field occupied by the team and staff.

Nothing more is said between us. It’s all silent and very much awkward. I feel like crap right now. All I want is to just leave. I just want to go back to my dorm and eat my weight in chocolate ice cream. Alone.

So, I sit there and fidget uncomfortably with my fingers. The worst thing of all, there’s a party after the game at one of the guy’s house so everyone is invited to celebrate the team’s victory. Right now, I couldn’t think of anything worse than going to it. I don’t need to be told I’m a distraction to anyone, directly or indirectly. I don’t want to be the cause of someone missing their chances at a good career, especially as an athlete.

When I hear a roar down at the center of the field, I flick my eyes up to see Nick, the coaches, and his father in a heated discussion; one that’s making each one of them very energetic. I have no doubt in my mind that they’re talking about the game. They all seem to be very passionate right now.

“I’m just going to cool everything down right now, girls. You can stay here. It’s nothing I can’t solve.” She winks and smiles at all of us but it doesn’t reach her eyes, which only adds to the anxiety inside of me. If she’s not sure how this will play out, I don’t know who can solve this problem.

We watch her strut down the steps towards the guys. She quickens her pace when she sees her husband right in Nick’s face, almost like he’s warning him of the repercussions if he doesn’t get it together. I think he may be overreacting just a bit. Nick was just off his game. It’s normal for players to be off their games at times, but this one seems to have crept under his dad’s skin.

When I see Nick’s eyes flick to his mom, he relaxes just as his dad grabs him by his collar. That’s when Lynn starts running across the grass in heels that I have no doubt are getting destroyed. Once she reaches them, she pushes the coach back away and points at him, almost like she’s telling him to stay there. He backs off, and she places her hand on George’s fist wrapped generously around Nick’s jersey then taps her husband’s cheek to tell him something.

“Shit’s about to go south real quick,” Haley mumbles as she watches all of this play out.

Just like she said, Lynn has to physically place herself between her husband and son. They were inches away from one another’s face. It has my veins pumping, thinking something was going to happen.

“Is your mom alright by herself?” I ask, a little scared for Lynn. Not that they would ever hurt her, but in case they begin to get rough with each other and she gets caught in the crossfire.

Haley snorts. “If anything, you should be worried about the two boys. My mom won’t take their shit. Or anyone else’s, for that matter.” We all watch the slow volcanic eruption down away from us. We can see there’s so much tension. Then the rest of the team walk off to get to the locker room as ordered by Bulldog.

We can see TJ divert himself to this way and hop over the fence, climbing up the steps to get to us. He takes two at a time and reaches us soon after, ignoring what’s happening down on the field. He beams at us and kisses Haley.

“Ew, you stink!” She covers her nose and smiles up at him.

“You still kissed me,” he teases her back. She rolls her eyes, knowing he’s right. She takes him and looks over to us with a knowing grin on her face.

“How is he?” I ask TJ and point down at his best friend swamped by people.

“It looks worse than it is, to be honest. Nick is used to George taking his game apart and telling him what he could’ve done better. It’s always been like that,” TJ assures me and I nod slightly reassured by this.

“Yeah, but dad was a little irritated tonight and I don’t know why? He’s been like this for a while now,” she says.

So, he’s been like this for a while, I think to myself. Maybe it really has nothing to do with me at all? But then why did he mention the distraction? Why did he look at me when he said it? As if he was singling me out.

“True, but I think he’s just frustrated with Nick. It wasn’t his best game and he knows it. Nick is annoyed at himself and just wants to leave the field. I can tell by his face right now.” We all watch the crowd of people talk to Nick and his parents about this. I can see he’s embarrassed and just wants to get out of here. “Look, I’m going to grab him and we’re going to shower. We’ll meet you all outside the stadium in thirty minutes? Alright?” We nod, and he kisses Haley once more. “See you later, babe.”

With one last kiss, he moves away from us and back down the steps, bounding over the barriers again to get to the field. He meets Nick halfway, midstorm off. Nick lifts his head up and stops. Staring right at me, he makes the decision to copy TJ and starts jumping over the barrier. Haley steps back to let me through so I can reach him.

When he runs up the stairs, I get the scent of sweat mixed with deodorant. I flinch a little at the smell.

“Sorry, I know I smell really bad.” He chuckles, taking my head in his hands. He leans in to kiss me softly and I instantly return it, crouching into his hold. “Don’t listen to a word my dad has said. He’s a hothead because I didn’t play that well tonight, which is totally on me. It has nothing to do with anything other than me and the coach, who has no idea how to coach. Bulldog even backed me up on it,” he promises me.

“I know, everyone has their bad days.” I grin at him and kiss his palm.

“You still want to come to the party with me?” I could hear the begging manner in his voice. Sounds like he doesn’t want to go without me, and I know he has to show his face for a little while when he’s there.

“Yeah . . . sure . . .” I agree to go with him. I can’t say no to that face he’s giving me right now; the helpless one which reads “don’t leave me alone.” I know he won’t be alone. He’ll have TJ, the girls, and Reggie, but I can see he wants me to be there with him. I can tell by the fact that he won’t let me go right now, like he knows I’m anxious because of what happened tonight.

“Are you sure? We can go for a little while and then leave . . . I can tell you’re a little uneasy about this.” He caresses his thumb tenderly against my cheek. His eyes flick between my own, trying to figure out what his dad had said which caused me to feel a little hesitant right now.

“Yeah, I’ll just stay with you or the girls.” I nod.

“You’ll stay with me, the entire time. I haven’t seen you in a good while. I want to spend time with you. Outside, preferably.” I laugh at him, remembering how comfortable I feel when I’m outside of a party.

“Okay, I’ll stay with you.” I lean up on my toes and peck him lightly. He winks at me and waves to the others before making his way down towards the locker rooms with TJ. Watching him disappear down the tunnel, I can see four people still talking amongst themselves. I rotate on my heel to the girls, who are gawking with a knowing grin on their faces at what had just happened. “What?” I giggle at them.

“Okay, I’ll stay with you!” they both screech at me with my words melodramatically. Both hold their clasped hands underneath their chins. I roll my eyes and slap the both of them as they jokingly humiliate me. I walk by Haley again to grab my bag as we get ready to leave the stadium that has only a few people around. We climb the steps and push ourselves out the doors, but not before stopping at a vending machine for Danielle to grab a quick snack.

As we wait in the fading light, Haley’s parents are seen exiting the stadium after some time.

“Oh shit . . .” Haley whispers at the sight of her dad. He looks to be boiling with annoyance more than anger. Lynn tries to smile it off but it’s not working all too well.

“Haley, honey, we’re going to drive home now. It was great seeing you girls too! Thank you for coming and supporting the boys, they loved it. So did we, we appreciate it. Right, George?” He doesn’t say anything other than taking his daughter into a hug and murmuring a goodbye to her. He sends me and Danielle a nod but doesn’t look at us before storming off into the car park. “I’m so sorry about him, girls. It’s a tough time right now. With all the contracts and scouts coming to the games, he’s just feeling under pressure . . . even though he’s not playing the game.” Lynn rolls her eyes and cranes her neck around to watch her husband’s retreating frame.

“He just wants what’s best for both Nick and TJ. So, seeing the team play like that has him frustrated right now,” Lynn explains further as everyone nods, appreciating how she’s trying to make this right.

I’m still missing something though. There’s something there with George Jackson. He’s angry at something, but I’m not sure what it exactly is. I’m not sure if it’s to do with me?

“Anywho, we’d best be off. It’s a long drive home, and y’all know I can’t handle long drives with him being like that.” She winks and shifts her purse up her shoulder. “Have fun at the party tonight. And behave yourselves, alright? Bye, girls!” She walks after her husband, who is already sulking in the car. We all wave at her as she slips inside the plush black leather seats of their four by four.

All that remains is the three of us as we wait for the guys to connect with us once again. I zone out completely while Haley and Danielle yammer on about the party we’re going to, talking about who’s going to be there. Apparently, it’s a pool party? I don’t have any swimsuit and I don’t really care that I don’t. Even if I did, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with the number of people swimming around the pool.

I couldn’t think of anything worse about going to this party. I’m not one for great crowds, and by the sound of it, this party is drawing a huge one. I don’t even know whose house it is, other than it’s one of the players on the team. One I’ve never even met.

When the doors open and movement attracts my attention, I see the team coming out, joking around with each other and laughing. The low laughs catch the rest of the girl’s attention too. Bags slung over their shoulders and they all are in tight shirts and jeans. Each one of them has their muscles bulging out of their clothes. They all look like monsters who play football. Once I see the pair of green eyes I’ve been searching for in the bulky crowd of testosterone, I feel my heartbeat pick up along with the zoo in my stomach.

When I meet his eye’s, I can feel the grin grow on my face. That’s when I see him slightly pick up his pace, separating himself from the guys. He waves them off as another group of girls come over and greet the guys. Pretty girls too. They’re trying to get his attention, but I blush at the unwavering stare he has with me. He doesn’t want to be with them; he wants to be with me, and that makes me feel giddy inside. I’m the girl he enjoys being around, not those other girls that line up and wait for their shot with him.

Coming closer and closer, he holds out both his arms wide for me to come and embrace him. I try to suppress the smile forming on my face. I stand there and wait for him to come to me. When he reaches me, he slips off the bag on his shoulder and raises me into the air. I begin to laugh piercingly with him grinning up at me. I draw him closer for a kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck. His hands grip my waist tightly as he caresses his lips against mine lightly.

“Hey,” he whispers against my lips. Feeling the hot tingle reach me, I shiver in his arms.

“Hey,” I reply with a huge smile on my face.

“You look so pretty in my jersey.” He bites his lip. I thank him for noticing. I decided to wear it when he gave me his the night I lost my innocence to him. I’m glad I did because it was just how I imagined it. It was sweet and gentle despite the little bit of pain before and after.

“Thank you, it’s really comfy,” I beam at him just as he sets me back down.

When we hear someone clear their throat, we both turn back around to see three smug faces staring back at us. “You both finished ogling each other so we can leave for this party?” Danielle smirks at us. She gestures her head towards TJ’s truck, telling us to come on. They’re getting impatient. They want to let loose now. I know Danielle wants to, I can tell by the look in her eyes. She always is.

“You ready to go?” Nick asks as he takes my hand in his. He bends back down to pick up his bag again. I nod as we all walk over to the car with the trunk open. Nick places his bag in the back beside TJ’s. I slide in next to Danielle while Haley has shotgun up front. Nick sits behind Haley so she can adjust her seat to accommodate his long and thick tree trunks he has for legs. As he sits next to me, he lays his arm around the back of my seat as we roll out of the car park and head towards the party that is close to their house.

It didn’t take us too long, there were barely any cars on the streets at this time. I cuddle into Nick’s side with our faces inches apart, whispering to each other. He would rub my arm up and down when he would compliment me, and I would feel my entire face heat up. “You want to stay with me tonight?” he asks with a hopeful look on his face. I hate it when he looks at me like that every time he asks me a question. Especially when I have to say no.

“I have to do a group assignment and I’m meeting them at ten tomorrow morning.” He starts to pout and I roll my eyes as I grin goofily. “Don’t give me that,” I warn him playfully but it doesn’t stop him. He bats his eyelashes at me lightheartedly, trying to convince me to stay over. “Nick!” I bury my face into his neck to shield myself from his adorableness.

“What?” He chuckles in my ear and fondles my hair.

“I have to get up early, and if I stay in yours, I won’t get up at all,” I say while groaning into his neck.

“And that’s a bad thing because . . . ?” he jokes. I bite his neck humorously and tell him no. It’s not happening tonight, maybe another time. “Did you just bite me?” He roars out a laugh in the car, no doubt getting everyone’s attention.

“Shut up. And no, I need to do work tomorrow.” I humor us both.

“Save the kinky stuff for later, babe,” he whispers lowly in my ear, making me redden again. Dammit, I need to get that under control. “And yes, you’re staying tonight. I’ll set an alarm and I’ll hit the snooze button over and over and over again just so you’ll purposely miss your meeting.” He’s having fun with this.

“And that is why I’m not staying over.” I lean back away while warning him silently. That smirk that he wears all the time doesn’t go away.

“We’re here!” Danielle announces. Just as I unbuckle my seatbelt and slide to leave out the door, Nick’s hand wraps around my wrist, stopping me.

“We’ll meet you guys in there.” He signals to TJ, who understands and leaves with the two girls. It’s then I notice the line of cars on the street and on the front lawn of the house. TJ parked under a tree just a little back, but we can hear the thumping of the music. Shutting the car doors, the lights above us turn off and I turn around to face Nick. We are flooded by complete darkness.

“Why are we staying here? I thought you wanted to go to the party?” I ask him and he bobs his head, guiding me back to his body.

“I do. Well, I have to . . . I have to show my face for the guys.” He’s not making eye contact with me. Instead, his eyes are darting around TJ’s car, looking like he wants to escape it. He’s acting weird. The quick change in his attitude lets me know something is not right.

“What’s wrong?” I ask him. He sighs and drops his head back, hitting it off the side window. “Nick? What’s wrong?” I repeat myself.

“Maya’s here . . . So is Erin . . .” he says while grinding his teeth.

“Who’s Erin?” I ask, slumping back. I know he has a past, and it still disturbs me every time someone tries to get in the way of it. It’s hard to constantly stand up for myself. Not only that, it’s tiring too.

“She’s a girl that I got with before I met you. She and Maya think they have this claim on me . . . They’re here, and I know they’re going to try and fuck this up between us. Just . . . whatever you hear from them or anyone, remember it’s my past and I’m done with it. I haven’t been with anyone since you and Ryan went out. Trust me—”

“I do. I do trust you, and I know you have a past. Everyone does. I know you’re not proud of it, but Nick, it’s okay. You’re not the same guy you used to be. You’re much better. Know you’re worth and know that I care about you.” I feel the corners of my lips lift without my permission and I stroke his cheek. “But also know that I won’t be okay if they come at me. I’ve already had Maya on my ass about you, I don’t need another girl too,” I warn him.

“I’ll be there.” He kisses me. “You’re kind of hot when you’re bossy,” he adds and I deadpan him. “What? You are! I like it.” He chuckles and kisses me again. Before we get carried away with ourselves and our alone time, we leave the car. After shutting the door, Nick reaches for my hand and kisses it affectionately. I move closer to his body and he places our intertwined hands over my shoulders, still holding on to one another and allowing my arm to drape across me.

We walk inside to the booming house thumping from the vibrations of a heavy beat. The song fills the silence and encourages people to scream at one another to communicate. People are beginning to stare like they haven’t seen me and Nick around the campus together and it’s getting old. It’s like there’s some kind of law where they have to gawp because they can’t believe we’re dating one another. They stare at us like he could do better. He probably could, but he still chose me. The amount of jaws that are open is getting ridiculous right now.

The team greets him and he does the same back. I keep my eyes away from the girls because I know they’re staring at me and our hands.

“Look who decided to rock up finally . . . Good to see that face again, Jackson. Just a pity about who you brought . . .” Once we turn around, I watch this brunette’s eyes trail up and down, looking at me with so much repugnance on her face. We’re not even through the door and we’re already being pounced on. I already can feel how this night will go. Fantastic.

“Erin,” Nick says not so warmly back to her.

So, this is Erin, I think to myself.

“Nick.” She smiles sweetly back at him. She’s wearing tight booty shorts and a white tank top tucked in, and black open-toe heels that look like they could stomp all over me. Her golden-tan mixed with the blue lighting highlights her model-like features. No wonder why Nick got with her. She’s stunning.

“I didn’t believe the rumours . . . but I guess they’re true . . . she must be an expensive one.” My eyes widen at what she’s implying about me. She did not just call me a hooker. Unbelievable.

“You would know, wouldn’t you, Erin?” Nick smirks, holding me back from retorting myself. He strokes my thumb to help me soothe the racing heart I have.

“Actually, I wouldn’t. That’s your other side piece. You think you’re special sweetheart, but you’re not. Just think about how many times he’s gone around and fucked other girls in this college. You’re just another one . . .” She struts over to us. She’s much taller than I am, and yet, I don’t feel intimidated by her. She’s just like Maya, except brunette.

“Just another one who’s gone on dates with him?” I ask her. Tilting my head to the side, she sizes me up and comes closer to me. She’s trying her best to scare me by crossing her arms over. She makes her smirk grow even broader, trying to look like she’s relishing in this, but it doesn’t come off that way to me.

“Is that what you keep telling yourself every time he asks you to leave his room?” She sends me a wolfish grin, then flicks her eyes over to Nick. “Wouldn’t be his first time.” Her smile gets bigger, displaying her perfect teeth; straight and white

“Actually, that’s where you’re wrong . . .” Once Maya comes into our sight, I groan loudly. The two of them in close proximity isn’t ideal, but I know it’s going to happen regardless. “We are dating, and she is my girlfriend. So, fuck off and find another fuck buddy; both of you. I don’t the time for this shit.” Each one of our faces morphs into surprise at Nick’s words. Mine in particular.

Did he just call me his girlfriend?

In front of a crowded room of people?

“Girlfriend?” Erin and Maya squeal at the same time, and I can feel the bubble of happiness rise in my stomach. It’s about to pop if I don’t get away from them.

“Yeah . . . Got a problem?” Nick continues to wipe it in their faces. I just stand there in complete surprise along with the other two girls, who are now not ashamed to glare at me.

“That was mine!” Maya roars at us and I flinch. So, does Erin.

“Ugh . . . this bitch,” Erin mutters under her breath and rolls her brown eyes which matches her hair.

You’re no better, I wanted to say, but Nick stops them both.

“If you don’t mind, I’m bored of this conversation. I need to get my girlfriend and I a drink.” He smirks at me as he pushes past them both. We make our way into the kitchen, passing by some stunned faces. Pulling me along, I still can’t form any proper words right now. My mind pulses with the word “girlfriend” over and over.

He just called me his girlfriend.

Holy shit.

Once we reach the area, I notice that there aren’t many people here filling up their cups. As soon as we reach the counter, Nick whirls around with a huge grin plastered onto his face. But that’s not all, his entire face had gone pink. He’s blushing.

“Okay, so don’t freak out—”

“Don’t freak out, he says! Nick!” I start to laugh and roll my head back, trying to stop myself.

“Why are you laughing?” He laughs along with me and I slap his arm, making a very nice sound.

“You just . . . I don’t know what goes through your head sometimes!” I chuckle, trying to get the air into my lungs. It was so rash of him to say that in front of everyone without consulting me first.

He steps into my space and cups his hands around my face protectively until I’ve calmed down. “I was planning on asking you tonight, outside,” he says shyly and I start to melt.

“Asking would have been nice instead of declaring it to your two ex-fuck-buddies that we’re boyfriend and girlfriend.” I roll my eyes, a little annoyed inside. I would have preferred to have been asked instead of him assuming that I would’ve said yes. I would have, but that’s not the point. It’s the courtsey of asking the girl if she would like to be someone’s girlfriend that makes her feel special.

“I’m sorry, I panicked. I’m sorry, I’m really sorry.” I sigh and nod. I can’t stay mad at him. He knows how to play the game with me. “Okay, let’s just pretend that didn’t happen . . . Let’s go back, like, ten minutes, okay?” I giggle at how serious he looks. Then I begin to think he is serious.

“Why?” I wonder.

“Because I want to ask you this time,” he says and I feel my heart flutter at the thought of it. “Carter will you—”

“Wait!” I place my hand on his chest, almost shoving the words back into his mouth. His shirt is so sof—focus. He sends me a curious look and I blink back at him. “Can you ask me in a place a little more private?” I enquire shyly, looking around at the people in the kitchen. It’s not busy, I just don’t want people around when he asks me.

“Okay . . . come with me.” He yanks me outside, waving quickly at the people around us who say hi. Pushing back a small gate on the perimeter of the garden out back, we walk in the freshly sprinkled grass. It’s not the most romantic of sceneries because of the flies hovering around us, and the dewy grass is quite slippery—it’s a pretty humid night for this time of year—but I’ll just have to work with it.

Once we come up to a tree, he turns back and faces me with a beaming grin which gives the moonlight a run for its money. “Okay, so, I know it’s not the best place to ask you this, and to be honest, I thought it would be a little more romantic but it’s fine.” He reads my mind. Brushing off the situation right now, he focuses back on his task. He takes both of my hands in his and stares down at them. Flicking his eyes back up to me, I nearly melt into a pile of goo under the tree.

“Carter, I know we’ve only been on a few dates, and I know you are probably a little unsure after what happened in there—”

“I thought we went back ten minutes? It didn’t happen, right?” I grin and so does he.

“Right! It didn’t happen.” He shakes his head, ridding the memory. I can hear the something splashing in the pool from afar. People are laughing and screaming out of enjoyment. The music booms to a rhythmic beat that I’m trying not to tap along to. “So . . . I would like to continue this into something a little more than just dating . . . Will you be my girlfriend?” he asks with a tiny quiver in his voice.

I almost whimper at how cute that was. He can be so freaking adorable sometimes.

“Yes, I would like to be your girlfriend.” My cheeks are beginning to hurt, I’m smiling so much. I would never have thought he’d ask me to be his girlfriend. Not in a million light years. Not for another while, anyway.

“Phew. For a second, I thought you were going to say no.” He laughs before capturing our lips into a heated kiss, both of us grabbing at one another like girls in a sale. Passionate and longing for this, this make out is what we wanted. It’s the butterfly feeling that you get, that foot popping feeling that you get, the grinning like an idiot feeling that you get. That is what this guy does to me. He sends me and my body into a frenzy.

“It was no question,” I mumble back on his lips. Cupping my face in his hands once again, he draws me closer and kisses my forehead.

“My first girlfriend,” he mumbles. I think he meant to say that in his head but he likes to blurt things out to himself. I think it’s cute but he hates when he does that. I do it too, so I know how embarrassing it feels. That’s why I don’t draw any attention to it.

He’s my first boyfriend too, I think to myself, making sure to keep it in. We’re each other’s first relationship, and I have this foolish smile on my face. The echo of the crickets surround us. My ankles are wet from the grass. The trees hiss from the light breeze, which makes my hair blow across my face.

My dad is going to love this. That was sarcasm.

I push myself up on my toes and peck him one last time before we decide to join the party. Hand in hand, we walk to where TJ and Haley are. Danielle is talking with Cas. We sit down, and Nick starts chatting to the guys about their win.

I stand up and whisper in his ear, “Hey, I’m going to get a drink. Do you want one?” I ask him and he asks for a beer. Before I leave, his hand wraps around my wrist to draw me back in. I see that cheeky smile on his face along with multiple pairs of eyes watching.

“Give me a kiss,” he requests. I don’t protest; I kiss him, giggling as I do it.

Then I make my way into the kitchen. There aren’t many people at all in here, which I’m grateful for. I can’t deal with a bunch of drunken people right now. I’m also just praying that neither of the girls come and insult me for what Nick said. I don’t want to fight with anyone over him again. They’re like broken records. It’s too draining to deal with them. They need to get over him and move on so they can be happy in their own lives. It’s getting to a point where I actually am starting to feel sorry for them; Maya in particular, despite the ongoing case with her that is weighing more on my side than hers.

When I start pouring some water into a cup for myself and take the cap off a beer for Nick, I see a somebody lean against the counter I’m working on. I look up to see either Rob or Ryan. I can’t tell which one.

“So, you’re his girlfriend now? Huh?” With that question, I knew it was Ryan. He didn’t look too upset, which I was glad for. I nod, taking a sip of the drink in my hand. There’s nothing but silence between us for a little while. “Ryan won’t be happy.” I almost spit the drink out, coughing it up to clear it after it almost goes down the wrong way.

“I thought you were Ryan.” I clear my mouth up. Rob then starts to laugh raucously then shakes his head no.

“No, I’m not Ryan. I would be a lot more animated if I was.” He laughs and I smile back at him.

“I’m sorry, I just can’t tell the difference between you both,” I joke with him as I wipe down the counter I coughed all over.

“It’s fine. Good to know you don’t know which one of us you dated.” He chuckles beside me as he helps me clean up. “I just came over here to thank you.” I stare at him, puzzled as to why he’s thanking me. He reads my expression and continues, “With the whole restaurant fiasco?” It then clicks, but I still don’t really get why he’s thanking me? All I did was listen to her when she needed to rant. “Without you talking to her, I wouldn’t have a chance in hell in getting her back as my best friend, and now, something more. So, thank you. I really appreciate it. It’s all I’ve wanted for the past few months. Well, that’s a lie. It’s all I’ve wanted since I first met her. It was hell without her,” he spoke softly when he talks about her. His large self softens when he talks about her, as if she was his weakness.

“I’m glad she gave you a chance, but she came up with that choice on her own. I didn’t do anything other than listen to her. That’s all she needed.” I shrug because she cared enough about him to become friends with him. I have nothing to do with it. It was all her and him. They needed to talk it out, without a third party.

“If you hadn’t let her rant, she wouldn’t have spoken to me. You’re too nice, you know that?” He chuckles, sipping on the beer in his hand. “You’re way too nice, you helped a lot more than you think you did. Seriously, thank you. She told me to thank you too.” I smile and nod at him. I still, to this day, believe I had nothing to do with them reuniting.

“Is she here tonight?” I ask him but he shakes his head.

“Sadly, no. She’s working tonight. I’m going to get her after her shift and stay with her for the night.” He smiles at the thought of the time he’ll have with her.

“Tell her I said hey and to come out to the next party! We’d love to see her,” I tell him. He lifts his beer up and toasts it with my red cup.

“Definitely, she would love that. I better leave you now, I know how impatient Jackson gets.” He rolls his eyes playfully at me. I agree with him, laughing into my water. He gives me a hug as a thank you and reconnects with the rest of the guys outside. I refill my water in the sink before I join back in on the conversation with everyone.

I step out of the house with both drinks in my hands and walk around the pool. I see Nick grinning at me, then it’s soon wiped off his face. I frown a little, wondering why he’s looking at me like that. I watch him stand up from the chair and so do some of the other guys beside him.

Next thing I know, I feel a bone crushing hug from a 200 pound football player from behind along with a sharp pain in my back shooting itself up my spine. Then I’m completely submerged in the pool with him on top of me. I scream in pain underwater as he weighs down on me. I can feel my body start to panic as I scramble to push him off of me. Then I’m saved by another arm yanking me out from under him.

Once I’ve broken the surface of the water, I inhale as much air as I can. I can hear that the party has gone quiet, and some people are giggling. I splash at the water and kick my legs to stay afloat, still frightened by what just happened to me. My breaths are coming out in gasping pants, trying to fill my lungs with the oxygen I was lacking for a moment.

“I’ve got you! Carter, I’ve got you!” I can hear Nick’s voice and it instantly calms me down. I’m not a strong swimmer. I never have been. That’s why water can make me nervous sometimes, because of this. I feel my body being dragged over to the side where I can grip on to the wall and cough. “I’ve got you,” he whispers, and I can hear feet slapping against the pavement above me.

“Carter! Are you okay?” Haley’s voice is next to my head and I feel her hand grip mine. “Pull her out! Now!” she yells at the guys around her. I feel a few hands pull me up and lift me out of the water. “I need a towel!” she yells again. I’m completely soaked to the bone.

“You’re a fucking idiot, Trumer! A FUCKING IDIOT!” Nick’s voice booms in the open space. I sit on the tiles, gathering my breath back. It’s not that I was lacking oxygen, it was the panic that made me feel like I was. I just felt like I was doomed when I knew I rationally couldn’t have drowned in a pool surrounded by people. I just thought the worst.

“Dude, it was just a joke, man,” the other voice that I don’t recognize speaks back, as if he did nothing wrong. “We just thought it would be funny, that’s all,” he says in defence himself. He thought it would have been funny?

“WE? Who the fuck is ‘we’! She almost drowned because of you, man! Use your fucking brain next time you choose to do that to someone. You completely crushed her, you fucking moron,” Nick shouts back at him.

It’s then I decide to open my eyes to see what’s going on. I can feel my body tremble because I’m still shocked that this happened. I’m shaking by the side of the pool with Cas by my side along with a few of the guys who helped pull me out. She’s rubbing my back to help calm me down. My mom does the exact same thing whenever I panicked. I appreciated her helping me.

“Erin and Maya, they said it would—”

“Get the fuck away from me.” He growls at the mention of the two girls’ names. I should’ve known. Nick swims over to the ladder and tugs himself out of the pool, equally as wet as I am.

You can see his ripped abdomen through his sopping wet shirt, and I know that’s what most of the girls were looking at. Once he’s out, Haley gives him a towel too. He grabs it and makes his way over to the two perpetrators, content with themselves in what they achieved tonight: embarrassing me and pissing Nick off even further.

“You happy? Are you both fucking happy? You’re both desperate enough to get her hurt to make yourselves look good, huh? Well, you look just as fucking stupid as he does”—he points to Trumer—“and pathetic too. Get over yourselves and stay the hell away from me and my girlfriend. I never want to see either of you again. Don’t look at us, don’t talk to us, don’t breathe the same goddamn air as us. I don’t want to see your desperate faces anywhere near her or me. Is that clear?” he rips into them as they cower in the corner, embarrassed that he called them out in front of everyone.

What did they expect? For him to laugh along with them?

He wipes his face, eliminating the water and chlorine. He then walks back over to me and scoops me up into his arms, kissing me delicately as he carries me through the house, the people inside staring at how drenched we are. We’re leaving half of the pool trailing after us.

It’s then I realize how much he actually cares about me. He dove in after me in a heartbeat and rescued me when I was struggling. He stood up for me too, which isn’t anything new, but he’s also carrying me away from everyone because I don’t like them staring at me, which I think it’s weird. This guy carrying me is the first guy outside of my family to actually care about me. That makes me feel euphoric.

As he transports me along the street, he has this determined look in his eyes as he carries me out of the house. The fire in his eyes leaves once our gazes connect. It’s then I release my breath.

I have fallen so deeply in love with this guy. Not the way he looks, or what he buys me. I’ve fallen in love with him, flaws included, and I wouldn’t want him any other way. Time stops, and it feels like the world has stopped spinning around us, time exploding before my eyes at the speed of light.

My heart collapses into the ground so it can grow into an everlasting tree to shelter us from the world. He’s beyond perfect for me, it’s like someone cut our hearts in two at the beginning of life and now we found our way back to one another, beating to the same beat. I feel like I’ve found my other half.

This love—this sensation—is just between me and him. The sound of my heart pounding is for him and nobody else. Thank God, I’m in his arms, because I would have collapsed onto the pavement and couldn’t explain why, other than tell him this; it’s him. He’s the one.

“Thank you.” I lean in to kiss him. I feel an electric shock. The simple kiss has me in a daze with him. I rest my head on his shoulder as we make our way back to his house, towels wrapped around us. There’s only one thought rushing through my mind.

I’m in love with Nick Jackson, and I always will be.