I see the players on the field warming up, and it’s not hard to spot Tate. I take a seat off to the side but near the front. I think for a moment it’s going to be awkward to sit alone until a woman takes the seat next to me. She’s got a small dog with her, and I recognize him instantly.
“Walter?” Tate wasn’t lying. He really does wear his number.
“My son talks more about Walter than his own mother.” I can tell from her tone she’s teasing, and the giant smile on her face helps. “You must be Rosie.”
So this is Tate’s mom Abby. It should freak me out that she knows me, but with the way he’s talked about her and the expression on her face, I’m totally at ease.
Now I’m wondering how much Tate has told her about me.
Chapter Ten
TATE
“I told you!” Shaun says after we enter the locker room. “State championship, here we come!”
“Let’s focus on next week before you get carried away.” I laugh as he jumps on top of the benches and gets everyone riled up. Not only did we win tonight but we played incredibly. It was like everything was in sync, and now that it’s all over, there’s an excitement for the rest of the season.
“Hey.” I look up and see Jack walking toward me, holding out his hand. “Great game tonight.”
“You too,” I say, bumping his fist.
“Seriously.” He leans in and then takes the seat on the bench next to me. “You were the right man for the job and I’m sorry I wasn’t better about you taking over as captain.”
His confession surprises me. Jack isn’t one to apologize or admit that he’s not better at something. I’m so stunned I’m not sure what to say.
“I know I’m an asshole, but I’m being for real. All I want is for the team to win, and if that means you as captain then so be it.” He pats me on the back before he stands and then smiles down at me. “Come by my house tonight. All the guys are over to celebrate, and the captain should be there.”
“It’s not really my scene.” I think about Rosie and wonder if she’s still out there with my mom. Seeing the two of them in the stands together made me feel like I could have taken on the whole team by myself. Proud wasn’t the right word, but it’s something close to that.
“You don’t have to drink or party if you’re not up to it, but the whole team is going. Right, Shaun?”
“What?” Shaun calls from the other side of the room.
“After-party at my place,” Jack calls out, and the team gets even more amped up. “See? Come over and hang with us. You can even bring your girl. I promise to keep my distance.” He holds his hands up in surrender.
Jack was acting like a dick with Rosie earlier this week, but he hasn’t done anything since I told him to stay away. In fact, he’s pretty much avoided her since the confrontation in the cafeteria and Coach made the final decision about team captain.
“Yeah, we’ll swing by.” I nod, and the players around us that are listening get excited.
I’m not going to love being at a party because it really isn’t my thing, but I can stop by and show my support to the team for a little while. Who knows, maybe with Rosie at my side, it won’t be so bad.
After we shower and get changed, I grab my bag and hurry out to the field. Jack reminds everyone again about the party at his place before he takes off, and I go in search of my mom and Rosie.
As soon as they see me, Rosie comes running up and jumps in my arms. I feel her press a kiss to my cheek as I wrap an arm around her back and hold her off the ground.
“You were amazing,” she whispers in my ear, and I turn my head to kiss her on the lips. It’s over far too quickly for my liking, but now is not the time.
Reluctantly, I put her on her feet but keep her hand in mine as my mom comes over and gives me a hug while Walter jumps at my feet.
“The whole team was great, but I’ve never seen you play like that, Tate.” She picks up the little dog, and I scratch him behind the ears. “You were the star on that field.”
“The team did great tonight,” I say, trying to brush off the compliments, but then I feel Rosie nudge my side.
“She’s right; you're all they’re going to talk about. The local news came over and interviewed your mom while I was sitting with her.”
“I told them you were still holding out for the best scholarship before signing your commitment letter,” Mom says and winks at me.
“That’s smart,” Rosie agrees. We’ve talked a little about what we’re doing after school is finished. She wants to play music but thinks it will be too hard to get a scholarship on her own since she’s missed a lot of opportunities to perform.
“We’ll see if it pays off. Could blow up in my face.” I shrug, and Mom and Rosie share a look. “What?”
“Nothing,” they both say in the same tone, and I start to laugh. “All right, maybe sitting together at the game was a bad idea.”
“Or the best one ever,” Rosie says and wiggles her eyebrows at Mom.
“Agreed.” Walter barks, and my mom sighs. “I guess this is my cue to leave. Walter is ready for dinner. We were in a rush to get to the game before the crowd, and I made him wait. Clearly, he’s over it.” Mom gives me another hug before turning and doing the same to Rosie. “You two have fun tonight.” She looks at Rosie and nods her head toward me. “Make sure he has some fun. He’s such an old man sometimes.”
“I’ll do my best,” she laughs, and they hug again before Mom leaves. “I really like her,” Rosie admits when we’re all alone.
“I think she really likes you too. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her so happy. Mom’s always liked coming to my games, but since Dad died, it hasn’t been the same.” I turn to Rosie and wrap my arm around her waist. “Thank you.”
“For what?” She puts her hands on my chest as she looks in my eyes, and I see the corner of her lips turn up in a smile.
“Coming tonight and sitting with my mom. Watching me play. Being you.” I shrug as I bend down and brush my lips against hers. “Take your pick.”
We kiss, and this time it’s different. There’s more heat behind it, and when her lips part, I don’t hesitate to slide my tongue over hers. The softest moan leaves her mouth, and I swallow it like it’s the only medicine that can heal my soul.
“Wow,” she breathes when I pull back and look down at her.
“Yeah,” I agree, and I feel myself grinning. “Want to get out of here?”
“Immediately.” She wraps her arms around my neck, and I lift her off the ground.
Chapter Eleven
ROSEMARY
My lips still tingle from Tate’s kiss. It was both possessive and sweet, which is exactly like him. When Tate and Jack almost came to blows, I knew Tate could easily take him out. Jack is the same height but leaner, whereas Tate is a freaking tank. I understood their differences in theory, but then I saw Tate on the field.