Chapter Thirty-Eight
I want him more than anything… could a person major in Weston Michels? Because I’d for sure pick that major over kinesiology any day!
Kiersten
“Just put on the damn shirt.” Gabe thrust it into my face again and sighed. “We’re going to be late.”
I felt my face flush with embarrassment as I stomped over to my room and threw on the shirt. Team Wes had been printed in red across the front surrounded by giant hearts. Why had Gabe done that? I still didn’t get why I had to wear it. But Gabe had insisted, saying it was Homecoming tradition and that it would make Wes proud to see me wearing something with his name on it. He said it would give him courage. I was still stuck on the idea that a guy like Wes would need courage to do anything but I left it alone. Besides, it seemed Gabe was already irritated with me though I didn’t know why.
“Better?” I walked out of the room and did a quick turn. I wore a pair of cute Nike shoes, ripped jeans, and the t-shirt. My hair was in a ponytail and I had paint on my face with Wes’s number on it — thirty-two in Husky purple and gold.
“Awesome.” Gabe pumped his fist. “See? Was that so hard?”
“Listening to you?” I jutted out my hip. “Always hard.”
“Love you too.” Gabe rolled his eyes. “Now grab your shit we gotta go.” He slapped my butt and called for his cousin. “Get your ass out here, Lisa, or so help me I’ll—”
“Coming!” She bounded out of her room. Since Gabe was taking a timeout from all the crazy girls, he’d agreed to take Lisa to the game, only if she behaved and didn’t go home with some psycho dude. She must have had a more checkered past than I realized, because he always seemed super concerned about her and guys.
I checked my phone. Wes would be warming up still. I sent him a text anyway.
Go Thirty-Two!
“Let’s go!” I ran to the door, giddy with excitement. I’d never been to a college game before, and honestly I’d known Wes was popular — I mean, look at him. But the fact that he was the star quarterback at a school like University of Washington? Yeah, that was some crazy stuff. Gabe said ESPN was covering the game because they were playing the Cougars. Huge rivalry. Apparently they still hadn’t let go of that whole Rose Bowl fiasco all those years ago — at least according to Gabe.
We followed the crowds to the stadium. Electricity buzzed in the air. Cameras and people were everywhere. It was overwhelming to say the least. I hadn’t expected it to be like that. Lights blinded me and suddenly I was extremely anxious for Wes. He played like this all the time? How did he not have a nervous breakdown?
Gabe grabbed my hand and walked me to our seats. Wes had secured seats for us really close to the field so we could see the players. We were still in the student section, but it was better than nothing.
“There he is!” Lisa screamed and pointed at the field as Wes threw a football back and forth with some other guy.
“Good Lord, you’ve done good with that man.” Lisa shook her head and whistled. “He’s freaking gorgeous. Tell me what he kisses like, please, Kiersten! I beg you!” She grabbed my shirt and pulled me against her.
“And I think I’m going to sit between you guys.” Gabe moved to sit in the middle while Lisa stuck out her tongue.
“Pardon my cousin.” Gabe sighed. “She’s been single for way too long.”
“Wonder who’s fault that is,” she sang.
“Protecting your reputation,” he fired back.
I laughed and patted Gabe’s arm. “Thanks for making me wear the shirt.”
Gabe gave a jerky nod and pointed at Wes. “Look, he’s watching us. Hurry and stand so he can see your shirt.”
I stood and pointed at the middle of my shirt where there were hearts and his number.
He probably should have told the guy he was playing catch with that he wasn’t paying attention because the football hit him in the chest.
“Epic.” Gabe laughed. “Do yourself a favor, Kiersten, just sit throughout the entire game. Wouldn’t want him getting a concussion.”
I bit my lip to keep from smiling like a lunatic — it didn’t work. I was gone, done for, I was his. And I wanted everyone to know it.
The announcer came on the loud speaker as the players lined up.
By the time the color guard played the National Anthem I was an absolute nervous wreck. I’d picked off every last bit of my nail polish and was starting in on biting the nails completely off, when Gabe grabbed my right hand and put it under his leg so he was sitting on it.
“Seriously, you’re making me nervous and I have to stay sober tonight, so for the love of God stop fidgeting!” He glared.
“Fine.” I took a few deep breaths and concentrated on the players as they ran out onto the field. I knew football. I mean, not super well, but I knew enough to know what was going on. The team kicked, they returned, and then when it was time for the offense to go out, Wes would run out, get some plays done and win the game. End of story.
The team kicked and with that my heart soared. How was I ever going to make it through more than one game with Wes playing out there? My hand fidgeted under Gabe’s leg.
He swore and reached into his pocket and thrust a stick of gum in my face. “Chew. It’ll help, promise.”
I greedily took the gum and began chewing like my life depended on it.
“Right.” Gabe took my trash. “Try not to bite your tongue off. Wes will never forgive me if you aren’t in shape for kissing.”
I elbowed him but didn’t take my eyes off the game. The offense ran out. Wes turned quickly and waved in my direction.
He was fine. He looked fine. Everything was going to be fine.