The juniors, this year’s seniors, got my blood pumping. Hayley and I found six possible candidates. I knew most, but I never thought about being attracted to them until Hayley gave me permission. I didn’t know if any of them were actually gay, but Hayley was convinced most were.

“Shut the fuck up! Sienna is totally wearing rainbow dog tags!” Hayley held the book close to my face as though I hadn’t already zoned in on it the second she pointed it out.

“It’s a black-and-white photo. We don’t know if they’re actually rainbow,” I said.

“Of course they are. This is so exciting. Maybe she’s the one. You should ask her out. Then maybe we can double date. You should be dating and kissing and doing all the things that lesbians do.” She wiggled her fingers in front of me.

I laughed. “That’s probably not how it’s done, but it would be nice to have a girlfriend.” Sienna was quiet, nice, cute, but she wasn’t my dream girl. For years I had a description, but never a face. Not until Parker O’Neal showed up with her long blond hair, bold blue eyes, and quiet disposition. I turned to Hayley. “This feels weird. I’ve always wanted an organic meeting. Like I see this girl across the football field and she’s stunning. And she’s impressed that I’m a football player. She doesn’t care that I get banged up and bruised because she knows it’s my passion.”

Hayley looked crushed. She leaned her head against my shoulder. “I can’t wait until we’re older. We’re going to be so fucking happy and married and our kids will play together and be as close as we are.”

“It sounds so far away.” I wasn’t desperate for a girlfriend, but I was ready for one. I knew Hayley meant well, but it was different for me. Since we were thirteen, Hayley had dated at least a dozen guys. Not only was she an incredible person, but she was straight. I was just going to have to wait until a girl walked into my life who was ready to start something with me.

Chapter Twenty-four—First Touch

Present

“Hey, how are you?” I couldn’t tell Hayley anything about what was happening, and I hated it. I knew she would be hurt, but she would understand. It had been ten days since the Moatses dropped their bomb on me, and honestly, Grayson was doing better. An obvious weight had been lifted and he had done a one-eighty on the field. I texted Parker regularly to see how she was doing. I kept my texts short, but with feeling.

“I haven’t heard from you in forever. Are you okay?” Hayley asked.

“I’m good.”

“You’re great! I swear you’re going to the playoffs.” Hayley was always my biggest cheerleader.