I’d planned the set up just right, knowing there wouldn’t be enough time for questions from the guys before we’d be called on the field. This was just a little taste to get them talking, to get the word back to Maliyah — who would be on the field with us and the rest of the cheerleading squad for the first time this season.

I hadn’t seen her since the breakup.

My stomach lurched at the realization that that streak would end today. I’d have to face her while also holding my shit together on one of the most nerve-wracking days of the season. I had no doubt that I’d made the team, but that didn’t make the nerves any less — especially when I knew my ex would be there watching when Coach hung the chart.

When Giana and I made it to the arch of the open locker room door, I lifted her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to the back of her palm.

“See you after practice,” I whispered against her skin, and I didn’t know if she faked it or if it was real, but the shy, seductive smile she threw back at me was pure art. She ducked her chin, squeezing my hand once before she peeled hers away and jetted down the hall to where the admin offices were.

I watched her go, smiling, and when I turned to head into the locker room, at least a dozen eyes were watching me.

Some had the decency to look away when I realized they were staring, pretending to re-tie their cleats or stretch or whatever they were doing before I showed up. But others couldn’t be bothered, like Zeke Collins and his girlfriend, Riley Novo, who were both watching me with mirrored expressions of concern. Holden was doing the same, and meanwhile, Kyle Robbins wore a shit-eating grin.

“Well, well,” he said, popping over to throw his arm around my shoulder. “What’s going on there, Big C? You going steady with the skirt now?”

I shrugged him off like I was annoyed, but also planted a sly smile on my face that only made him more eager to pry information out of me. Fortunately, my timing was spot on, and our assistant head coach gave a short blow of his whistle to let us know it was time to make our way out onto the field.

I was last out, letting everyone file past me as I quickly pulled on my practice jersey and cleats. Then, I jogged out with my helmet in hand.

And for the moment, Giana and Maliyah were the absolute last things on my mind.