Chapter Twenty-Four

Reed

"Am I going crazy, or are Tate and Everly nowhere to be found?" I ask.

Hayes exhales, dropping to the bench beside me, and pulls off his helmet.

"I can't find them. I swore she said their tickets were in the visitor student section behind the sidelines." He turns, scanning the crowd.

It's a sea of teal and blue, making it tough to spot anyone.

My stomach knots at the thought.

This morning, Tate was passed out next to me when I got up. I kissed her goodbye before heading to our game against Keaton. The last I heard from her, she was riding with Everly to the game. Now, the fact that neither of them has shown up is worrying. It's unlike Tate not to come, and Everly's never missed a game since they started dating. I can't shake the fear that something might be wrong.

I'm having a hard time focusing. We had a rough start in the first quarter. Beckham threw an interception, leading to a touchdown for their defense. Our passes were off—either Keaton's defenders were breaking them up or Beckham was overthrowing. When we tried to run, every yard was a battle.

We managed to score in the second quarter, tying it at seven. Beckham faked a pass and lobbed it to me, but I dropped it, forcing us to settle for a field goal. At least we avoided another three and out.

During halftime, I check my phone and see three unread messages from Tate.

Coach is laying into us about what we need to fix, which is pretty much everything if we want to have any chance of winning this game. Trying to stay discreet, I turn away from him and quickly read her messages.

Tate: Good luck, baby. I hope you kick ass today!

That one was sent about an hour before kickoff.

Tate: You probably won't see this until after the game, but we got caught in traffic. There was an accident, and the highway is at a standstill. (crying emoji)

Tate: We're listening to the game in the car, though, and I'm cheering you on from here.

Relief washes over me as I read her messages, knowing she's safe. My initial worry was that they'd been in an accident, but now it's clear they're just stuck in traffic. My mind briefly jumps to Perry, but Tate assured me he wouldn't physically harm her. If he did, he'd be signing his own death wish.

Me: You had me worried when I didn't see you in the stands. How far out are you?

As much as I selfishly want her here, if she's backed up still, they might as well turn around and head home. The drive from Braysen to Keaton isn't far despite crossing the Savannah River into Georgia.

Keaton is one of our biggest rivals. Hallyn's ex is their quarterback, so the fact we're only up by three must be driving Beckham crazy. This game means more than just a path to another conference championship.

My phone vibrates again with another message.

Tate: We finally got here. Walking in now.

After Coach Ferentz finishes giving us a pep talk, we head out to the field to warm up. I send Tate a quick message telling her to meet me down by the tunnel near the away team's locker room.

I hang back from the team, waiting anxiously until I hear a security officer's voice.

"I'm, um, meeting my boyfriend quick. His name is Reed Hendrix, and he's a running back for the Braysen U." I overhear Tate say.

I wave the officer off before he can radio for backup. "She's with me, man. I got it."

He gives me a once-over and steps aside, leaning against the wall.

"Boyfriend, huh?" I pull Tate into a hug over the barricade. Her face flushes red, and I glance behind her at Everly, who stands off to the side.

"What do you want me to call you? My situationship? Or maybe you're my roommate I like to fuck. Probably a bit TMI," she teases, and I notice the security officer's amused expression. "Maybe he wouldn't care, though."

There's no doubt the laugh that comes from behind me is from the officer. I pull Tate closer and bury my face in her neck.

"You're right. I don't particularly like referring to you as a situationship or my roommate I enjoy fucking… a lot. " I kiss a path along her neck, pausing on the flowers inked on her shoulder.

She sighs. "Well, what would you call me, then?"

"Girlfriend is good. I like girlfriend. Better than friends with benefits, although it's breaking one of your rules."

Tate narrows her eyes. I glance behind her at Everly, who lifts her brow and tilts her head.

"This conversation is bringing back memories for me. Where is he anyway? You couldn't drag your teammate with you?" Everly jokes.

"My bad. I'll give him a message for you, though," I offer.

"Tell him to get his head out of his ass and put some points on the scoreboard if he wants to score again tonight." Everly crosses her arms over her chest.

I should've expected that one from her. Tate smacks me on my pads and laughs.

I've been waiting for the moment when I'd see the smile she's wearing on her face. It reminds me of the one I saw in those photos of her on her social media.

This one is real, genuine. I've been waiting for some sign that she's happy here in Braysen ever since. I pull her into my arms and press a kiss against her neck.

"I should get back out there before one of my coaches come searching for me, and I get my ass reamed."

"All right, well, listen to me. I want you to go out there and kick some ass, baby."

I swat her on the ass and pull her close again. She leans up on her tiptoes and kisses me, playfully smacking my chest.

"Wait for me when you and Everly get back to Braysen, okay? Ride home with me from the game."

"I'll be waiting. I love you," she says.

I knew the moment the words passed her lips that she hadn't meant to say them out loud. Her eyes flash, and she presses her fingers to her lips, cutting off her low gasp. Or maybe it came from Everly. I can't be too sure.

I grin. "What was that, sweetheart? Can you say it again for me?"

"Reed, I didn't mean—it's not, you should know I…" She pauses, taking a deep breath. "You know, right now isn't the time. Let's talk about this later, along with the little breaking the rules comment."

Her face is redder than the day I caught her using her vibrator.

I chuckle. "I know, sweetheart. It's okay." I nod, kissing her one last time.

She presses her hands against my cheeks, and I lean my forehead against hers.

"Thank you for being here," I whisper. "You should know I love you too."

She inhales a sharp breath and nods. Hearing her say it, even by accident, makes it all the more meaningful.

"I love you," she whispers low enough for only me to hear.

I walk backward, keeping my eyes on her, and give her a final wink before putting on my helmet.

"Don't worry, Ev, I'll pass along your message to Hayes too."

"Tell him I love him too," Everly calls out, her voice cracking.

I chuckle and shake my head. Leave it to her to get emotional.