“I’m just a girlfriend who’s proud of her boyfriend!” I reply, unable to hide my smile. “We won,” I exclaim and exhale deeply, a lump forming in my throat. The joy is overwhelming, and I realize just how much this victory means.
He doesn’t have to leave basketball now. I watch as Daniel joins his teammates, their arms thrown around each other, slapping backs and exchanging high-fives. He breaks the huddle and looks toward the crowd, scanning it.
When his eyes meet mine, I wave at him excitedly. My heart races as he weaves through the throng of people, his focus unwavering. I can’t help but admire the way he moves, so confident and alive. He’s dripping with sweat, hair plastered to his forehead, his chest rising and falling with every breath. He grins widely. My eyes burn with unshed tears.
Without a word, he pulls me into his arms, lifting me off the ground in a tight embrace. I cling to him, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against my own. I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in, feeling his skin slick with sweat. I can hear his pulse racing, his heart beating fast. “You won,” I whisper. My voice wavers. “I am so proud of you.”
He kisses my hair. “Thank you, baby.” He puts me down, his grin disappearing as he looks at me. “Are you crying?” He frowns.
“No.” I laugh. A lone tear escapes my eye. “I am just very happy.” I hug his torso.
“Well.” He kisses my cheek where the tear fell. “Find another fucking way of being happy,” he huffs. “Because this one is hurting me.” He rests his forehead against mine.
I chuckle lightly, but my throat feels thick with so many emotions. “Okay, guys.” Soph pokes me in the ass and I gasp. “People are watching. If you plan on keeping your relationship hidden, you are not doing a good job.” Shesmiles sheepishly. Has it ever been hidden? I don't think so considering how open he is about it. I smile.
Daniel lowers his head slowly and looks into my eyes before he presses his lips on mine. His tongue parts my lips as he kisses me deeply. “I guess that will be enough of an answer.” He smirks against my lips before pulling away. “Right?” He cocks an eyebrow at Sophia.
“More than enough, I think.” She shakes her head but grins widely.
“I will go get changed,” he says, pecking my lips. I nod. I watch him stride away, but he turns on his heels and jogs back.
“What’s wrong?” I frown.
“I just wanted to remind you that you kept your part of the deal.” He leans down and mutters in my ear, “So, I will keep mine. I am going to make you scream my name.” His words make me shudder. “You look beautiful in my jersey, by the way.” He winks and jogs off again.
I stand there, heart racing, my cheeks flushed. “What just happened?” I whisper to myself, still reeling from his playful confidence.
“Are you okay?” Siya asks, her eyes wide with amusement.
“Your blush makes me curious about what he said.” Soph nudges me. I swat her arm.
“Let’s leave her alone.” Siya chuckles.
∞∞∞
41
DANIEL
“Alright, who’s up for some beer pong?” Ethan calls out, slamming down his drink. He’s already a little tipsy, his usual shyness nowhere to be seen.
“Count me in!” Louis shouts, pumping his fist in the air. He’s grinning like a fool. It’s not a huge party, but it’s wild with jocks and cheerleaders around. It was Caleb’s idea of partying. It was necessary, according to him. Whether we lost or won, it would be a good stress buster, but I know all he wanted was drinks and chicks. The moment Elsa entered the party, he vanished. I swear the tension between them is so insane. I am rooting for him, but I am not sure if it is going anywhere.
“Are you going to play?” I ask Anya. She shakes her head.
“I am going to keep the scores with Siya,” she says, squeezing Siya’s hand. I can see the look of gratitude on her friend’s face. I love how protective my girlfriend is of the people she cares about. I’ve gathered that Siya isn’t comfortable in big groups.
“Fair enough,” I say, giving Anya a quick peck on the cheek before I grab a few cups and start setting up the game. “But you two better keep it fair!”
“Just watch us!” Anya replies with a teasing grin.
Sophia and Louis are against me and Ethan. Ethan goes first. He grins confidently as he aims his ball, but it hits the rim of the cup and bounces off. Louis jeers loudly. Ethan sneers at him, already reaching for another ball.
“For a basketball player, you sure know how to take your shots.” Sophia smirks.
“Woah, dude, that was hard,” I tease. He glares at me. Sophia snorts leaning against the table, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She tosses the ball with a smirk,and it glides through the air before landing perfectly in one of the cups.
Louis cheers while Ethan lets out a string of curses. I chuckle. This is going to be too easy. Ethan aims the ball again, his brows furrowing in focus, but the ball hits the rim again with a soft thump.
