Chapter Five

Duke

"What the fuck!" I yell out, causing several of the reporters hovering around to put their cameras on me.

"Hammond!" Coach yells.

We just won and I should be riding high, basking in all of the post-game adoration, but all I can think about is her —my princess.

When our eyes met, everything else faded away. For that moment, it was just the two of us, a world apart from the chaos swirling around us. But the moment slipped away as quickly as it came and now she's gone.

"Dude, great game!" Ryan slaps my back, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah, thanks," I mumble, looking for her, even though I know she's gone. I feel a pang of disappointment mixed with urgency. I need to find her.

"Hey, you good?" Ryan raises an eyebrow, noticing my distraction.

"Just…looking for someone," I reply, yelling over the crowd.

I hear him ask who, but I'm already walking away. I'm done. I know I'll find her again, but right now I just need to be away from all of these happy people celebrating.

I rush through my shower, the hot water washing away the sweat and the noise from the game but not the thought of seeing her. I dress quickly, pulling on a Tornadoes hoodie and jeans. My princess had been wearing our team jersey and she looked fucking amazing. I can't wait to see her in one with my number and name on the back.

"We've got press," one of the guys reminds me, but it barely registers. A fine doesn't matter right now. I need to get out of here.

Once I'm out of the locker room, I head toward the player's lot. My mind spins with questions. Who is she? Why did she run away? Did I scare her?

I approach the parking lot, slowing down and scanning the area. I feel the hair on the back of my neck rise. Then, I see her. She stands by the edge of the lot, her figure outlined against the fading twilight. Is she waiting for me?

I move closer, my heart thundering in my chest, each step feeling like an eternity. I finally reach her, the world around us fading into a quiet stillness.

She takes a tentative step forward and I pull her into me. Our lips meet in a sudden rush of heat and instant connection. It's electric, and for a moment, I forget everything else —my worries, the game, even the fact that I still have no idea who she is.

Her lips are so soft, and the kiss reignites the spark that's been smoldering since the night of the party. I pull back slightly, searching her eyes. "Princess…"

She's looking down, a mix of emotions flickering across her face.

"What's wrong?" I ask, concern creeping into my voice.

"I shouldn't have run away," she admits, her voice barely about a whisper. "I just—"

"Don't," I say, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I thought you were leaving for good."

"No, I just panicked. It felt…intense, seeing you again."

"I know what you mean," I reply, my heart racing at the thought. "I've been thinking about you since that night. I don't even know your name."

"It's Matilda, but everyone calls me Tilly." She looks up at me, and I can see the vulnerability in her eyes. "I didn't know if you would recognize me."

"How could I not?" I ask. "My heart knows you."

Her gaze softens, and I can feel the tension between us shift. Someone walks up behind us and Tilly takes a step away from me.

"Hammond! What the hell? You need to get back in there and do press. You can't score the game-winning goal and then skip out," Ryan comes up behind us yelling.

Ryan looks between us. I'm about to introduce her to my friend, when Tilly says, "Hey, Ryan. I got overheated and was waiting out here. I told Paisley where I was going. I hope you weren't worried."

Ryan wraps his arm around my girl and I feel the urge to punch him in the face. "Have you met Duke?"

She slightly shakes her head. I don't think it's in answer to Ryan's question, but to tell me not to give her away. "Hi, I'm Duke." I hold out my hand to her.

She shakes it and quickly lets go. "Nice to meet you," she says so quietly is almost impossible to hear.

"This is my little sister, Tilly. She just moved to town." Ryan squeezes her. "We need to go back in Tilly. Text Paisley and tell her you're ready to go. Stand under the light over there so she can see you when she comes out. It shouldn't take her long. I'll see you guys at home."

"Ok," she says with a smile.

There's so much I want to say, but Ryan walks away and then turns back to make sure I'm following.

"This isn't over," I tell her and then I walk away. My princess being Ryan's little sister might make this situation a little more complicated. She obviously didn't want him to know we knew each other, but that doesn't mean she won't be mine. I just have to make a game plan.

I quickly answer questions in the press room and wait for my turn to give one last interview. I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to see Tuesday, Simon's wife, standing there. "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?"

I nod, "What's up?"

"I know about you and Tilly," she says her sing-song voice letting me know how much she's enjoying this. "Paisley and I did a good job with her costume, huh."

"What?"

"Nevermind. I'm texting you her number. Don't fuck this up," Tuesday says with a smile.

"I don't plan on it."

"You guys never do," she sighs, "just don't hurt her, okay."

"I promise, Tuesday. I'm not going to hurt her."

Tuesday looks me over and must believe what I'm saying. She pats me on the shoulder and walks off. I feel like I passed some sort of test. My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out to check the message.

TUESDAY : Here's her contact information. Go get her, Hammer!

TILLY INFO