Layla’s eyes bug out of her head, and she grabs me by the shoulders. “Oh my god! Norah, that’s amazing! I’m guessing by the big grin on your face that you not only consented but enjoyed it?”
Squealing a little, I nod. “Layla, it was earth-shattering. I know that sounds cheesy, and I don’t have much to compare it with, but I didn’t have an ounce of fear. He asked, actuallyasked, if he could kiss me, and I didn’t want it to end.”
“So wheredidit end?” Layla wags her eyebrows.
“Stop it! He was a perfect gentleman. He was the one to end it, actually.” I blush again, remembering my response to his kiss.
Layla gasps. “Norah! You were going to…”
“No!” I squeak. “I mean, I don’t think so anyway. It was a pretty heated moment, but he said he didn’t want to rush anything with me, so we said goodnight.”
I can tell that Layla is about to bombard me with more questions, but thankfully, the announcer chooses that moment to bellow through the loudspeaker announcing the teams. Since it’s a home game, the Seahawks will be announced last. I know that Eamon is a forward, but other than that, my knowledge of soccer is seriously lacking. If I’m going to be coming to more games, I better start doing my research.
“Introducing the UNCW Seahawks!” the announcer roars over the speakers, bringing my focus to the tunnel where the team will exit.
The crowd goes absolutely wild. Everyone is on their feet, screaming and swinging teal shirts and banners above their heads. As the announcer lists the numbers, positions, and names of the players, I recognize a few of them. Teagan is announced as the goalie, followed by Mac as one of the defenders. Eventually, he announces Rowan Gallagher, and I finally hear the name I’ve been waiting for. I surprise not only Layla but myself as a loud cheer erupts from my lungs. Eamon runs onto the field, and the butterflies come alive in my stomach. Seeing him in street clothes is one thing, but watching him run out onto the pitch in his uniform is downright sexual. He stops by Ro, his eyes roaming the crowd until he finds me. As soon as he sees me, he grins widely and winks. On a whim, I blow him a kiss.
The game is intense. The Seahawks are playing their rivals from Duke University, and the fans don’t hold back on their chants and cheers, sweeping Layla and me into the fray. It’s impossible to take my eyes off of Eamon as he moves around the field, completely focused on the task at hand and moving in perfect harmony with Ro—like they’re of one mind. When a Duke player fouls Eamon with an elbow to the ribs, hitting him hard enough to send him to his knees, I gasp and grab Layla’s arm. It takes him a minute to catch his breath, but he’s soon back on his feet. The offending player receives a yellow card, awarding Eamon a penalty shot. He places the ball in position and lines up his shot, pausing to stare down the goalie before he runs forward and kicks the ball. It flies right into the upper left corner of the goal, and I explode out of my seat, arms in the air, screaming along with the rest of the fans. Layla is laughing at me, but I don’t care. I haven’t had this much fun in ages. Ro charges Eamon and picks him up off the ground, making me laugh. The rest of the team closes in and wraps their arms around him or slaps his butt for a job well done.
There’s a renewed energy in the team, and Duke doesn’t stand a chance. Not five minutes later, the Seahawks score another goal, sending the crowd into a frenzy, and by the end of the game, the Seahawks are up five to one—with three goals from Eamon. The announcer comes over the speakers toinform the fans that this is Eamon’s second career hat trick. I have no idea what that means, but it seems like a good thing, judging by the cheers in the stadium.
“Holy shit, Norah! That game was insane! I’m so glad you invited me.” Layla says as we gather our belongings.
“Oh my god, I know!” I agree. “I’ve never really been into sports, but this was so much fun! We should make this a regular thing!”
“Deal! And, don’t hit me, butdamn! Eamon is on fire! I get why you can’t take your eyes off that man,” Layla says playfully.
I chuckle. “I won’t hit you. Just keep your hands to yourself, and we won’t have a problem. You’d have to be blind not to appreciate God’s handiwork.”
“Speaking of, God’s handiwork is headed this way…”
I turn in time to see Eamon jogging in my direction. He jumps over the barrier and the row of seats in front of me, making me grin stupidly. Especially when he cups my cheeks with his hands and kisses me passionately. I stand there shocked for half a second before sliding my hands up his chest and tangling my fingers into his sweaty hair. He trails a hand from my face down to my waist and crushes me to him. I’m completely lost in the moment, vaguely aware of the people around us catcalling and whistling. Much to my dismay, he eventually pulls away and brushes a thumb across my cheek.
“Hi,” I pant.
“Hi, love,” he chuckles. “I’d apologize for that, but it would be a lie.”
“I wouldn’t accept your apology anyway. Good game, Kennedy.” I beam at him.
“Ahem.” Layla clears her throat.
We slowly come back to earth and look over at the voyeurs watching us.
“I didn’t think they were going to come up for air, did you, lass?” Teagan asks, peering up at Layla from the sideline. She giggles and shakes her head, her cheeks coloring slightly. I file this away for a later conversation.
Eamon’s hand squeezes my hip to get my attention. “I’m not quite through here yet, but I’d like to see you later. Do you have plans?”
“I have some history homework to catch up on, but I’m probably goingto need to call a tutor. Know of anyone?” I tease.
He buries his face in my neck and whispers, “I know someone who gives private lessons. He could probably be there in a couple of hours.”
I shiver in response and nod.
“Oi! Kennedy! You can snog your girl later! Coach wants us in the locker room like five minutes ago!”
Eamon sighs and I catch a flash of red hair running off the field. Ro. Of course. He pulls me to him again and kisses the top of my head. “See you soon?”
“See you soon,” I agree. “I’m sure you’re hungry. Want me to make dinner?”
