Page 42 of I Don't Need Your Love

I’m about to tell him that I never once called him “awesome,” but Coach Moreno, who also couldn’t stop gushing about what a great job we did, ushers us back to our seats. Addie and I settle down next to each other, and Ryder snags the seat next to me. I glance at him for a second and he throws me a huge grin.

His close proximity causes a chill to run down my back. I have no idea why. It has to be because of all the emotions coursing through my body, right? Emotion overload.

I ignore it and focus on the game. The Harrington Bay Academy Eagles are owning the other team. When I peek at Ryder, I find him watching the game with a look of awe and longing. It must have been so hard for him to give up football because of his injury. Football meant the world to him.

Before I know what I’m doing, I say, “Is there any chance you could ever play football again?”

His eyes snap to mine, full of surprise that I’m actually talking to him, let alone asking him a personal question. A dash of pain pops into his eyes, but he gives me a small smile and says, “Well, if I want to risk never being able to walk again.”

I look down at his injured leg. “Oh…I didn’t realize it was that bad.”

He turns his head toward the field. “Do you know anything about me?”

I tear my gaze away and watch the game. Of course he’s right. I’ve always been so focused on the fact that he’s my enemy that I actually don’t know who the guy is. But do I want to learn who he truly is?

“I miss it,” he says after a bit.

I look at him and find him staring at the players with the same longing.

His eyes shift to mine and he smiles. “But I’ve come to terms with it. If this is the path I’m supposed to be on, then I embrace it.”

I can’t help but just stare at him. He’s being very mature about it. I know a lot of people would be depressed or angry if their dream was snatched away from them.

“So…what do you want to do in life?” I ask.

He lifts his shoulders. “I don’t know.” He grins. “Maybe join you on your dance journey?”

I purse my lips. “No.”

He chuckles.

The Eagles win! The crowd erupts in cheers again, including Ryder and me. I jump in place as I clap, accidentally knocking into him. It’s such a strong force that I bounce off of him like I’m a ball and he’s a brick wall.

“Careful.” He grabs hold of my arm before I tumble to the ground and steadies me. “You okay?”

“You should come with a warning sign,” I mumble.

The area where his hand clutches my arm burns, and it grows more intense with every passing second. I stare down at it, wondering when was the last time he touched me like this. Maybe never?

I think he doesn’t realize he’s gripping my arm because he glances at it and quickly lets go, muttering an apology.

“You were amazing, honey!” a familiar voice says. I look to my right and see Mom and Dad standing a few feet away.

With a smile, I race over to them and fling my arms around them. “Thanks so much for coming!”

“We’re so proud of you.” Mom kisses my cheek. “Did you choreograph that all on your own?”

“Some of the other dancers had their input and Coach Moreno gave us some pointers, but yeah, it was mostly me.”

“You’re so talented, sweetie.” She hugs me again.

“I’m so proud as well,” Dad says as he kisses the top of my head. “You shine the brightest when you’re dancing, and that makes my heart sing.”

“But…?” I prod.

He shakes his head. “We don’t have to argue about this all the time, Carly. You know I support your dream to be a professional dancer or choreographer. It’ll just calm my heart if you had something to fall back on. You never know what could happen in life and it’s always good to have a backup plan.”

“I know you’re right.” I sigh as I hug him again. “I just wish you didn’t force me to take an advanced class.”