Page 23 of Fighting Fate
A part of me wants to say he'd help me relax, too, but I bite back the words.
Instead, I nudge him. "You're sweet for getting me this. But you know I've already read it, right?" His face falls for a second before I burst out laughing. "Kidding. Never heard of it."
He relaxes, joining in my laughter.
I tuck the book away, regretting not having his gift. "I'm sorry I didn't get you anything for game day."
He smiles, that boyish charm never fails to quicken my pulse. "It's fine, Mills."
But, before he can finish, his friends barrel in, roughhousing in that typical guy way. "Lay off, Cam," Miles grumbles, fixing his now messy hair.
I secretly admire the look—the tousled, just-got-out-of-bed style suits him. Should I tell him?
No way, Milli. Not a chance.
Yeah, you're probably right. It's for the best.
"Okay then, I'll see you later. On the field tonight, right?" His eyes connect with mine, a twinkle of shared excitement evident. The idea of both of us on the same field tonight ignites a flutter in my chest, an innocent giddiness like a child's laughter.
It's just a sporting event, Milli.
Yet, it feels significant, more than just a mere game. This thought warms me from within, gently soothing the fluttering nerves. This comforting sensation only amplifies later that afternoon when I leaf through the book from Miles and discover a neatly folded, crisp white note.
"Baby Sutton, can't wait to see you kick ass tonight. Make sure the dancer's outfit is appropriate for all eyes. Except mine, of course."
It feels like fate is playing some twisted joke on me, like I'm trapped in this surreal echo from six months ago. Except now, it's not me hounding her for her whereabouts or sneaking around just to catch a glimpse of her flawless self.
It's as if the universe is taunting me with a cruel joke: "Look, but don't touch, buddy." I got burned pretty bad last time, and I'm pretty sure Luke hasn't forgotten it either. Whenever we'd talk about Milli coming to The NorthRidge University, he'd give me this knowing look, a warning glare that silently screamed, "hands off."
Completely off-limits.
Watching her at the game tonight—or should I say, our game?—she was like lightning, igniting the sidelines and the halftime show with her energy. My gaze couldn't help but gravitate toward her, as if I was spellbound. Yet, incredibly, this didn't distract me from delivering one of my best performances on the field. The sound of my dad's cheers, his fist punching the air, my name on his lips, was the sweetest form of validation. I was more than just on my game; I was dominating. High completion rates, controlling the offense, and nailing that decisive performance that clinched our win with a solid two-touchdown advantage. It was a night where everything clicked, on and off the field.
So, yeah, the game was epic, and I can't decide if it was Milli's magic in the air or just that she did remember our first game day ritual after all. Walking into mine and Luke's place from the library, I spotted it—a note chilling with a stash of Powerade. "Forgot your gift, but thanks to DoorDash, crisis averted ;) Stay hydrated, Sunshine." That note, with its cheeky charm and the thoughtful stash beneath, had me grinning like a fool. It wasn't just her words that got to me, but the care tucked between those lines. Milli's always there, making sure I'm looking after myself—well, next to my parents, but that's a given. Her gesture was a small reminder of how well she gets me, and just like that, my day was made.
But, as I stand here, seeing Milli at one of my frats parties, again...is well...unexpected. I heard from Luke that they were throwing one due to our celebratory win, and I was all in for some celebrating. One thing I wasn't expecting tonight? Milli to be here, because she doesn't do parties. And the way she is dressed...
Fuck, I'm getting hard just looking at her.
Milli, Miles, just Milli.
I commit it to memory, repeating it several times internally, making sure the message is unmistakably received by every part of me. Luke would likely flip over her outfit and then hold me responsible for not extricating her from this situation. Yet, I find myself irresistibly drawn to my best friend.
The shy, nervous, down-to-earth Mills I know? Nowhere in sight, because right now, Milli looks incredibly seductive. I spot her across the room, standing by the drink table, casually chatting with some familiar faces from last year's classes. She's breathtaking in her form-fitting, black cropped top and tight skinny jeans, hugging her curves in all the right places. Loose waves frame her face, and her minimal makeup accentuates her natural beauty. I try to compose myself, but my palms grow sweaty.
It feels wrong to be so affected, but it's beyond my control. She has this unique power over me, making me feel like an awkward teen all over again...and here I am, twenty-one years old.
Get it together, Chasen.
It's a whole lot harder than it sounds. Every time I see Milli in a place like this, it's like the devil himself is taunting me, reminding me of that night at the club. That kiss, her against me, those moans...
Suddenly, I'm jolted from my thoughts by a sharp nudge.
"Hey, what the hell, man," I snap, turning to Cameron, our freshman linebacker. The guy's a beast on the field, but he can be a real pain. We've been acquainted since the summer training camp.
He nods his beer at her. "Who's that? She's smokin' hot." His words linger in the air, heavy and crude.
I follow his gaze, and there's Milli, laughing like she doesn't have a care in the world. It's a side of her I rarely see, except maybe when she's in her element, dancing or helping someone with their homework. Or that night six months back.