Page 32 of Jockstraps & Newspapers

She giggled cutely, nuzzling her nose against his wet one. "I know, look at us, fucking like responsible adults for once."

He barked a laugh, resting his horns against the headboard. Staring down at her, memorizing every inch of her face, Elliot let out a shaky laugh. "I like doing this."

"Being responsible? Or…going slow?" She arched a brow. Always so fucking smart.

He smiled warmly, "Both."

"Me too," she croaked. "You know you can ask for this, right?"

His face fell, studying her. Head cocked, smile soft and tender, fingers clenched around his, she gave him the space. He should have confessed but it was like trying to let the ball loose before he was ready to score. Elliot inhaled sharply through his nose. "I do now, thank you."

"Of course, have to take care of my boy, right?"

He smirked, "My girl is the best."

She grinned smugly, pushing up to capture his lips. He groaned into her kiss as she stole the air from his lungs. "Damn right, I am."

E lliot woke to the screaming alarm of his phone and his stomach nearly bottomed out.

Game day. He cleared the technological terror of its noise before looking to where Cassie was supposed to be.

Normally, she slept snuggled up against him and a leg wrapped around him.

However, he was the only one in the bed.

Elliot shifted to sitting up, the world settling into him, and he heard the shower.

His heart ceased its hammering. He tossed his legs over the side of the bed and ruffled the top of his hair.

The faucet cut off and a few moments later, as he was working through all his sleep logged muscles, Cassie stepped out.

Her curls were shiny and damp, her face was freshly scrubbed, and her body was wrapped up in one of his towels.

She smiled, "Sorry, needed a head start on you. "

They'd spent the whole day off sleeping. In and out of bed, lounging on the couch, going to grab quick but small meals, and sleeping some more. It was time for the game, and he knew his heart was bound to rocket out of his chest.

Cassie squeezed her curls once more before hanging her towel, skipping over to her bag. "All the sisters are coming. My parents have yet to confirm, which means likely they won't go. Which is fine." Her voice was tight in her throat as she ripped on panties and her bra in quick succession.

"That's fine, I mean, start small, right?" He cocked a brow from the bathroom doorway.

"Yeah, start small, it's fine, besides, they're the important ones. I'm not worried about my folks." She tugged on a silk camisole, fidgeting with her slacks.

Elliot reached a hand out and put it over her frantic fingers. They were both nervous, but for different reasons. He smiled warmly, catching her gaze. "Hey, I'll meet them, don't worry."

"Worried? I'm not worried," she flat out lied, laughing sheepishly.

Elliot didn't call her out on it as he knew it was better for her to pretend than to face the situation head on right now.

There were still eight plus hours before they met up for dinner.

Best not to worry about it till closer to time.

He ducked into the shower and left her to get dressed alone.

By the time he left, she was fully dressed with her sneakers on.

Elliot pulled on his game day practice outfit, a pair of short, black shorts and a very loose black hoodie, and jogged down with her.

She'd crafted up a shake for him and coffee for her.

It was strange how easily she adapted to his life.

Elliot took a heavy gulp, wincing at the grit.

Okay, she's not perfect, but she tried. He'd done worse than choke down some gritty protein in the morning.

Besides, fiber is fiber, right? They met Toad by the sidewalk.

The two athletes stretched while Cassie applied sunscreen to her cheeks and checked on her article.

The 'SportsBall for Dummies' article was out and gaining numbers, she said.

Apparently, everyone liked her teasing tone.

For everyone who, like me, had no idea this existed until the moment a hot SportsBall player flashed me a smile, let me tell you it's a real thing!

Elliot listened happily as she read through it on the way to the field.

There were already some bystanders, sitting by the ticket stand and waving to the three as they were let in by security.

Ninety percent of the time, there wasn't a need to watch the gates.

Then, on game days, Elliot actually had to dig out his I.D.

Cassie wore her press badge like a medal of honor, reveling in the scowl from certain on lookers.

The ones close to the McMattersons, no doubt.

The pack met up in the locker room, Coach Renner already in there getting everyone riled up.

After a rowdy session of hooting and hollering, Trainer Lee and Tens both walked in with massive suit bags for everyone.

Elliot took his first, at the front of the stack and held it up.

Everyone got ahold of theirs and held it up, clinking the clothes hangers together.

Then, slowly, one by one, everyone tucked them away into their respective lockers.

The sea of athletes charged from the locker room, followed swiftly by their coach.

Elliot lost Cassie for a moment before he found her in the stands, talking with their announcer and marching band director.

She spared him a smile before waving. He waved back, angry butterflies filling his chest. This was going to be a good game.