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“Can they still play in this weather?” Allie asks, frowning at the mud all up her wellies.
“Yeah, they can, but Cole did say that if it gets too much for us to go home.” I shiver, thankful for remembering to bring my gloves with me.
“I’m alright. It doesn’t seem like anyone else is bothered by the weather either,” she points out, and gestures to the crowds of people standing around the field. Some have brought their own chairs with them. “I thought this was a friendly game.”
“It is, but some guy from Wales is coming to watch them play. He’s some hot shot in the rugby world or something. To be honest, it felt like Cole was talking another language when he was trying to explain everything to me. I didn’t realise just how complicated this shit could be,” I muse. When Cole explained who this Wales bloke was and the game to me, I literally just nodded and smiled.
Allie laughs. “Must be why CJ has talked a mile a minute anytime he’s seen me. He’s even text me a million times to make sure I’m coming to see him play,” she admits.
“You have to admit that all this is exciting. I might not have the slightest clue about rugby or what’s so special about this guy, but I have to say, I’m pretty pumped up to cheer them on today.”
“Seems you’re not the only one,” Allie teases, and with a flick of her head, she gestures to a group of girls that just arrived at the main gates.
Glancing briefly over each girl, my body freezes when my gaze lands on Christie. Something about seeing her doesn’t feel right, and my palms begin to sweat, my body beginning to heat all over.
“She’s the girl who went to school with Alec,” I remind Allie, leaning in closer so I don’t have to shout. Christie’s presence has me feeling on edge, and for reasons I can’t explain, I have the urge to flee. It grows stronger with each passing moment.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Allie questions, rubbing her hand down my back. “Are you okay?” She steps under my umbrella, shaking hers out before putting it away.
“I don’t know,” I admit shakily. “I don’t know what’s going on. My whole body is on fire and I can’t stop shaking. It’s because of her, though. I just can’t figure out why.”
My breathing becomes laboured and my eyes widen when I struggle to catch my breath. I place my hand around my throat, and as I’m about to take a step back, Allie grabs my arm. My vision begins to blur, black spots clouding my vision.
“Willow, take a deep breath,” she orders, squeezing my hand. “Count to ten in your head. Everything is going to be okay. I promise. It’s probably a trigger, seeing a familiar face who reminds you of Logan.”
I exhale heavily as my vision returns. “Yeah, probably,” I breathe out. Yet the dreaded feeling doesn’t leave the pit of my stomach. I just pray like hell that she doesn’t see me and that I manage to keep out of her sight. With that thought, I pull the umbrella lower, covering my face from view.
“There they are,” Allie gasps. I turn my head towards the changing room building and gasp myself.
Holy shorts!
Cole is wearing red shorts that show off his thick, muscular legs. Until now, I didn’t realise just how big he truly is. They’re like tree trunks, his thigh muscles thick and on show. His T-shirt clings to him like a second skin. Every muscle, every curve, and every ridge shows through the thin material. He looks like a god. With his trim waist, bulging arms, and wide shoulders, nothing can overpower him.
My body heats all over, all flustered and flushed, liking him way too much in his rugby gear.
Even his bright red mouth guard doesn’t deter from his good looks. It only makes his jaw look stronger, more defined. His messy hair is soaked, and the second he runs his fingers through it, my knees knock together.
“Oh my,” I breathe, feeling faint for a whole other reason.
“This game just got a whole lot better,” Allie whispers, and from her tone, I don’t think she intended to say that out loud.
I don’t realise I’m staring so hard until the chest I’ve been staring at becomes larger. “God, he’s getting bigger,” I murmur in amazement.
“That’s what she said,” CJ teases. I shake my head, my face heating when I realise Cole and CJ have walked over to us.
Gulping, I look up, finding myself lost in the pair of deep blue eyes I’ve become accustomed to. “Hey,” I whisper, my voice croaky.
Cole’s lips twitch, seeming amused. “Hey. Glad you could make it.”
“Glad you could make it too,” I say, then shake my head. “I mean, I’m glad I’m here too.”
He chuckles lightly. “We need to get back. We just wanted to say hi before we start,” he tells me, and I nod, still too stunned to say anything else. He smells so good, mixed with the scent of rain. It’s intoxicating and riveting.
“Have fun,” I tell him lamely.
“We will. Cheer for me, Cupcake.” CJ winks at Allie.
She scoffs, trying to look pissed and put out for being dragged here. Not that she was dragged. She practically skipped. “I think you’ve got enough cheerleaders cheering you on,” she bites out.