Page 61 of Broken Rivalry
I roll my eyes, smirking. “Worry about your own game, Captain.”
Cole chimes in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yes, Ethan. Listen to the wise words of our captain.”
I shoot him a playful glare. “Don’t worry, with Poppy here, I’ll be on top of my game. Though I’m already perfection, there’s not much room for improvement.”
Liam snorts, shaking his head. “Your ego, man.”
Cole smirks. “Your ego’s almost as big as my cock.”
I scoff, “At least my girl’s here willingly. Yours, on the other hand…”
Cole’s expression hardens briefly, but then he sighs. “She’s… stubborn. I’m ready to forgive the past, but she’s not ready to let go. But she will. She’ll come around.”
I nod, understanding his frustration. Relationships are complicated, and each has its own set of challenges. But today, on the field, we’re a team. And nothing will stand in our way.
The whistle blows, signaling the start of the game. I take a deep breath, pushing all thoughts aside. It’s game time, and I’m ready to give it my all. For the team, for the win, and for the girl in the stands who’s captured my heart.
As the game progresses, each goal, each save, pushes us closer to victory. I look at her every time the team scores, and she cheers like her heart is on the field with me, and I hope that part of it really is.
She disappears for a few minutes during the second half, but she’s back soon, and her smile is radiant.
When the final whistle blows, signaling our crushing win, the euphoria is overwhelming. But amid the team’s celebration, my eyes seek out Poppy. Her face is lit up with genuine joy, and it amplifies my own happiness tenfold.
Without a second thought, I break away from my teammates and sprint toward her. She looks up, her beautiful eyes wide with surprise, perhaps not expecting such a public display. But before she can utter a word, I vault over the barrier separating us, closing the distance in mere moments.
“Eth—”
Cutting her off, I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close, and our lips meet in a passionate kiss. It’s a statement, a proclamation to everyone around that she’s mine. It’s as close to being “official” as I think she’ll allow it to be.
Pulling back, I’m met with her flushed face, her breath coming in short gasps. “I’m going to hit the showers. Mind waiting for me by the locker room?” I ask, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.
She glances briefly at Nessa and Eva, who are both grinning knowingly, then nods. “Sure, I’ll be there.”
Bounding back to the pitch, I feel invincible, as if I’m floating on air. My teammates’ cheers and playful jabs only add to my high.
“Whipped much?” Cole teases as I rejoin them in the locker room.
“Just marking my territory,” I retort with a smirk.
Liam chimes in, “Man, you’ve got it bad. Never thought I’d see the day.”
I let out an amused huff, rolling my eyes. “Neither did I, but here we are.”
After a quick shower and change, my anticipation grows. Exiting the locker room, my heart rate spikes when I spot her.
She’s engrossed in her phone, but the moment she senses my presence, she looks up, her lips curving into a soft smile. The dim lighting of the corridor casts a gentle glow on her face, making her look even more beautiful.
“Hey,” I greet, my voice low, the adrenaline from the game still coursing through my veins.
“Hey yourself,” she replies, her voice teasing. “Quite the show you put on out there.”
I give a self-deprecating smile, rubbing the back of my neck. “Well, I had to make sure my number one fan was impressed.”
Her smile turns sly, her interest clearly piqued. “Oh, I’m your number one fan now?”
“Always have been,” I reply without hesitation, taking a step closer to her. “You only need to admit it to yourself.”
She laughs, a melodious sound that warms my heart. “You’re something else.”