“Just someone I owed an apology,” I answer dismissively, happy to be the one to withhold information this time. Devin stares at me for a few minutes, waiting for me to say more. When he realizes I’m not going to, he scoffs and turns his attention back to the field without a word. I don’t even bother containing my smug smile.

Devin and Jessie sittin’ in a tree…

The game is close to being over, a victory within our grasp. I can’t say I understand much of the rules, but I can read the scoreboard and the game clock. I keep my eyes focused on Austin, regardless of where he is on the field. I’ll admit, I do a fair share of ogling. I can’t help it. He is a sexy, sexy man.

I watch him sprint down the field and block a pass effortlessly. The home crowd cheers as he dashes our opponents’ last hope of victory. Out of nowhere, another player hits him at full speed, the most vicious tackle of the night. There are yellow flags flying everywhere and both sidelines clear. It’s pandemonium, but all I focus on is Austin.

He doesn’t get up. He isn’t moving. My heart stops. My mind goes blank. My body goes rigid. I reach out and grab Devin’s forearm in a panic, squeezing with everything I have. I can’t breathe. Tears are forming at the corners of my eyes. The crowd is buzzing at a near-deafening roar and the announcer is rambling about something, but I can’t focus on any of that. My vision tunnels and all I can see is Austin’s body laid out on the field. I shoot out of my seat, the need to get to him the only thought I’m capable of processing.

I can’t move. Something’s holding me back, pulling me back down. I drag my eyes away from Austin to find out what’s stopping me. It’s Devin. He has a tight grip on my arm. I meet his eyes, pleading.

Let me go. I need to get to him. Please.

“You can’t go down there. It’s practically a brawl.” The words don’t register. I try to tug my arm away to no avail. “He’s all right. Look.” Devin nods to the field where Austin has gotten up and is already jogging back to the sideline, albeit a bit gingerly. I’m able to breathe again.

The surge of adrenaline is wearing off, but my hands are shaking. I sink back down into my seat and try to slow my racing heart. Devin eyes me nervously. It’s his job to make sure I don’t do anything too embarrassing for Austin. I try to ignore him and his judgmental gaze.