Page 32 of Heartstruck

Jared

The roar of the crowd is deafening, but I tune it out.

My breath fogs in the chill fall air as I crouch into position, eyes locked on the ball.

It's the final drive of the game; everything comes down to this. Troy’s shouting orders, but I already know the play like the back of my hand.

We’ve practiced this a thousand times. It's automatic.

The center snaps the ball, and I explode off the line.

My cleats dig into the turf, propelling me forward.

Bodies clash around me, the crunch of pads and grunts filling the air.

I push past a linebacker, spinning to keep my route clean, eyes scanning the field.

I catch a glimpse of Hunter cutting across, his defender a step behind.

Troy rolls out, and in that split second, I see the window. He’s going for it.

The ball soars through the air, a perfect spiral cutting through the sky. It hangs there, suspended for just a moment, and I hold my breath.

Come on, come on…

Nate leaps, arms outstretched. Time seems to slow as he pulls it in, landing just inside the end zone.

Touchdown.

The stadium erupts. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, hands shooting into the air as I sprint toward Nate. My teammates are already piling onto him, shouting, grabbing his helmet, and pounding his back.

We won.

The final whistle blows, and the scoreboard tells the story: 34–27. Our win. Our hard-fought win.

I’m still buzzing with adrenaline as we all jog to midfield for the obligatory handshake with the Westend University Bobcats.

Sweat clings to my skin, the thudding of my pulse still strong, but there’s this calm beneath it all.

Victory feels good, but it feels better with the guys who’ve been through the grind with me.

They took me in like I’d been here since freshman year.

From day one, they had my back. No hazing, no bullshit, just a team that cared about winning and treated me like I was part of the family from the beginning.

Troy, Chase, Nate, Kevin… they aren’t just teammates. They became my brothers instantly.

I mean, Nate’s still the same pain in the ass with his endless trash talk and 'look-at-me' attitude, but that's Nate. You either deal with it or go insane.

Chase was my first real friend on campus and on the team. You’d think with his cool-guy, too-cocky-for-you act, he’d be tough to crack, but nah, he’s basically a teddy bear. When I’m down, he just knows . No questions, no hesitation—he just steps in, like it’s second nature.

Troy’s the natural-born leader. Confident as hell. Calm in a storm, like nothing fazes him. He’s the guy I turn to when things go sideways, unless it’s something too serious. Like, if I’m stranded on the side of the road and about to be eaten by wolves, I'm not sure he’d handle it the way I need.

Kevin? Well, Kevin’s my go-to if I need someone with size—literally.

The guy’s built like a freaking house. But his heart’s bigger than anything.

Maybe he wouldn’t be the one I’d turn to for emotional support, but I’d trust him to have my back if things ever went physical.

He’s loyal, always has been. It’s the kind of loyalty you don’t question.

Honestly, I don’t know how I would’ve survived the transfer without them. Football? Yeah, it’s what brought us together, but it’s more than that now. We push each other, celebrate each other’s wins, and give each other shit every chance we get. In a weird way, they made this place feel like home.

And in some twisted irony, transferring here might’ve been the best thing that happened to me.

It led me to these guys.

And then… it led me back to Alli.

Troy comes up beside me, grinning like a maniac. “You see that throw? Pinpoint, man.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I smirk, clapping him on the shoulder. “Nate did all the work.”

He laughs, shaking his head. “You’re never gonna give me credit, are you?”

I grin, watching as the crowd cheers, some fans already flooding the stands to get closer to the field. I wonder if Alli’s still up there or making her way to the closed-off area of the athletic center for family and friends.

“Good work, Jared,” Jason, our left tackle, says as he passes by, ruffling my hair like I’m some rookie. “We’re hitting up the bar tonight to celebrate.”

I give him a nod as we make our way toward the locker room, the cold air finally hitting me now that the game’s over.

But inside, I’m still warm. Warm from the win, yeah, but also because Alli’s on my mind.

She’s been on my mind a lot lately after the night at the beach.

Is this what happens when you finally get a girl? They live rent-free in your head?

Part of me can’t believe we’re official.

I mean, who fucking knew the girl I met in sixth grade would be the one I’m head over heels for?

I never thought anything of it. She was just…

Alli. We were always in each other’s orbits.

We had the same friends and always saw each other at parties and school occasions.

Then, coincidentally, my dad married her best friend’s aunt, which only meant seeing more of her in my house when they would hang out together.

As I unclip my helmet, Nate jogs over, his face red from sweat and excitement. “Did you see that catch? Did you?”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Yeah, you pulled it off. Barely.”

“Hey,” he grins, slapping my back, “you’re welcome.”

We file inside, the buzz of victory still hanging in the air.

Someone cranks up Congratulations by Post Malone to amplify the energy, and the entire team is riding high off the win.

Guys laugh, throw towels, and discuss what bars we’re heading to after…

but my mind is already somewhere else. Or rather, with someone else.

Troy’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. “Yo, Earth to Jared! You coming out tonight or what?”

I blink, shaking off the image of celebrating with Alli in bed. “Huh? Yeah, man. I’m in.”

He smirks, throwing his arm around my shoulder. “Good. After that win, we need to celebrate.”

Hunter sidles up next to us, nodding. “Bet it’s the girl. Saw her in the stands tonight.”

“Girl? You settling down?” Nate questions, wrapping the towel around his neck.

“Sure did,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual, but I can’t help the stupid grin that spreads across my face.

Nate lets out a low whistle. “Damn, didn’t think you were the type. I heard you dodged girls left and right.”

“Yeah, man. I remember when we first met Jared, he wouldn’t even say the word ‘girlfriend,’” Troy chuckles, shaking his head.

“Yeah, well, things change,” I shoot back, tossing my helmet onto the bench.

“So, who’s the unlucky girl you tricked into dating you?” Hunter asks, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

I scoff, throwing a towel at him. “Unlucky?”

The guys laugh, and Nate rolls his eyes. “Right, because you’re such a catch.”

“Hey, I’m a fantastic catch,” I defend, flashing a smirk.

Hunter leans in closer, a conspiratorial grin on his face. “We need to set up a meeting. You know, see if she can handle you.”

Chase, who’s been quiet the whole time, finally speaks up. “If she can deal with your ass, she’s gotta be tough.”

The locker room erupts in laughter again, and I can’t help but join in. They’re not wrong.

Once we finish getting ready, I grab my bag and throw it over my shoulder, ready to head out.

As we make our way toward the exit, the anticipation of the night wraps around us, and just before we step outside, I catch a glimpse of someone waiting by the entrance.

I contain a smile like the Joker’s and press a hand over my heart, as though it would stop it from thumping.

Alli’s leaning against the wall, wearing a CCU maroon top emblazoned with our mascot, Benny the Bear, and a black mini skirt that shows off her legs.

The way her hair catches the light has me mesmerized, and that feigned innocent smile she wears lights up a dark hallway like it’s the only thing that matters.

“Hey, wide receiver! I heard you won,” she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I did. The power of my girlfriend being in the stands helped me out quite a bit in the first half.” I reply, a grin spreading across my face. I pull her closer, my hands settling on her hips.

“Girlfriend buff, you say?” Alli arches an eyebrow.

Before I can respond, she wraps her hands around my neck and leans in for a quick peck, completely unbothered by the sea of people around us.

“Definitely girlfriend buff,” I confirm, returning the kiss but pulling back just in time to keep it from getting too R-rated. My heart’s pounding, and I can feel my cock getting harder by the second, but I know I need to keep things light for now.

Just as I’m savoring the moment, a familiar voice breaks through the crowd.

“Look who’s all cozy!” Kevin calls out, striding over with a smirk plastered across his face. Nate follows right behind him, feigning shock. “Didn’t know you two were getting all lovey-dovey on us.”

Alli steps back, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks, but she laughs it off. “Just congratulating him.”

Chase joins the group then, throwing his arm around Haley’s shoulder as she smiles at us. “Moving on,” he says with a grin, “will you two be joining us tonight? We’re celebrating the big dub.”

I pull Alli closer to my side, her body fitting perfectly against mine, and glance down at her for an answer. “Maybe,” she replies, her lips curling into a smile, “we’ll just meet up with you guys wherever.”

“Gotcha, see you later, lovebirds,” Chase waves us off as he and the group start heading out.

The rest of the team follows, leaving just the two of us standing in the fading crowd. The energy from the win still hums in the air around us, and the chaos feels like it’s melting away. Slowly, we make our way toward the doors, taking our time as if neither of us is in a rush to leave.

“What do you want to do tonight? We don’t have to go out.”

“No, we should. You won the game. It’s celebration time, big boy!”

We walk across the parking lot, the hum of conversation and distant laughter from the stadium fading behind us.

The cool breeze picks up, tugging at Alli’s hair as she adjusts her grip around my waist, snuggling closer for warmth.

I glance down, catching the pale glow of the streetlights reflecting in her eyes, and I can’t help but feel grateful to have her here, by my side.

As we reach my car, I open the door, glancing at her—not just her face—with a grin as she slides into the seat. Her fingers sweep mine in the process, sending a quick spark through me.

“Just say when, and we can leave. I’m fine with staying in tonight too. Win or not, I’m fine as long as you’re there with me.” I say.

“Someone’s attached.”

I laugh, shutting the door and circling around to the driver’s side. “I’m drunk off you.”

“Shut up.” Alli’s laugh bubbles out of her.

We settle in, and right before I can start the car, Alli’s foot hits something in the passenger floor. I immediately reach for the paper bag, but Alli beats me to it.

She looks down and frowns. “What’s this?”

“Nothing, it’s my…”

She widens the space between us as she peeks inside. A slow grin spreads across her face.

“Did you… look in my Amazon wishlist?”

I rub the back of my neck, caught. “I couldn’t help it, you left your laptop open.”

“You bought me a puzzle?” she asks, holding up the box with an amused expression.

“I saw it in your shopping history, and I couldn’t help it. I thought you’d like it.” I reply, feeling heat creep up to my cheeks. Blushing?

“I can’t believe it,” she says, her eyes still on the puzzle. It's a charming cottage surrounded by autumn trees. Warm hues of orange, yellow, and red filled the scene, with a faint trail of smoke curling out of the chimney. I ruffle my hair to hopefully distract her from the redness on my face.

“That I like to make you happy and spoil you?”

“No,” she says, finally looking at me with a smirk, “that you actually bought this legally .”

I throw my hands up in mock defeat. “One time, Allison!”

She smiles, the smile that drives me absolutely insane. “Let’s go out before the homebody in me comes out and changes her mind.”

“Baby, we can stay home.”

“No, no, no, we should go out and celebrate your win. It’s all about you. I’m fine, really.” She leans in, her lips brushing my ear, “then we can have fun later at my place.”

My pulse kicks up a notch as her words hang in the air, so damn enticing. I clear my throat, trying to sound casual even though she’s unraveling me with just a touch.

“Is that so?”

She smirks, pulling back slightly and fixing my hair back. “Mm-hmm. You did win, after all. Doesn’t that deserve a proper reward?”

“Guess I can’t say no to a reward,” I say, trying to stay cool—but my body’s definitely not cooperating as things heat up fast.

“You’d be crazy to,” Alli murmurs, her lips barely grazing my jaw.

I swear, she’s doing this on purpose—playing me like she knows how much I’m dying for more.

She tilts her head, eyes locking with mine, mischievous as hell.

Her hand moves down my leg slowly, deliberately, and just as it almost reaches my knee, she pulls away completely, straightening up with an innocent grin.

“Let’s go before we’re late,” she says, her voice still tinged with that playful edge, like she’s offering something just out of reach. “Before you change your mind.”