As Jack tossed the ball back to Archer, Archer’s muddy face paled. “Hold on a second,” he called out, then he ran over to his jacket. His hand shook as it fumbled in his pocket. He took out his phone and held it up to his ear. Then he turned back to the guys. “Sorry, guys. I totally forgot—something. I have to go.”
One of the other kids ran over to Archer. “I’m going with you. I… I was supposed to help you, right?”
Archer looked puzzled at first, but then he quickly nodded. “Yeah. Sure. You have to come with me.”
Two other guys from Warner’s team walked off the field. “We should just call it then,” they muttered.
Warner threw his hands up. “Come on, guys,” he whined.
“Hold up, Warner.” Jack strode over to him. The two stared each other down. Jack lowered his voice and leaned in. “Are we done?”
Warner looked at the grass. “You mean with the game?”
“All the games,” Jack growled. “Look, this is how we’re going to handle this. I’m dating Kelly now. You’ve got a problem with that, you tell me, and we’ll settle it right here, right now.”
Warner swallowed. He looked over to Preston, but Preston didn’t move.
Jack straightened up.
Warner’s shoulders slumped. “I get it. I’m done.”
“Game’s over then.” Jack strutted over to his crew like a pirate on a captured frigate. “Looks like we won, boys!”
Cheers, jeers, and high fives were quickly exchanged. The guys went over and mingled with the ladies.
“Hey, Jack,” Lori called out as she ran up to him. “Nice touchdown.”
“Thanks.”
“I haven’t gotten to tell you yet. Guess who got indicted a few days ago?”
Jack broke into a wide grin.
She nodded. “Yep. They gave Leland Chambers the walk of shame out of the building—in handcuffs and everything. Do you know how many employees he’s made miserable over the years? He had it coming.”
“Speaking of which, have you heard from Jeremy?”
“He’s doing great. He came back home. After it came out what Leland had done, they reinstated him, and Betty even made sure they gave him a few extra weeks’ vacation to try to make up for it.”
“That’s great to hear. How did Betty pull that off?”
“Oh, Betty knows her way around. Besides, she’s the new director of finance.”
After everyone ate some barbecue and hung out for a while, Chandler, Michelle, and Makayla walked over to Jack. “The girls want to go get some ice cream,” Chandler said. “You coming?”
“I’ll catch up with you. I gotta say bye to Kelly and swing by home before I come over.”
“We’re watching the game at Estoban’s later, right?”
“I have one stop to make first.”
“You’ll be late.”
“I won’t.”
“Wanna bet?”
Chandler reached for his wallet, and Jack laughed. “Get outta here.”
As Jack’s friends piled into their vehicles and drove off, Kelly appeared beside him. “Well, that was a slaughter.”
“I’m glad Preston quit before Chandler started to really play.”
She laughed. It was light and happy.
Jack smiled.
“Thanks for saying something to Warner.”
“Who?” Jack pulled her close.
She grinned and kissed him. He tasted cherry. He loved that flavor.
Their heads shifted, and so did their hands. Jack’s breathing sped up, but Kelly pulled away. She cast a quick glance at her house and tipped her head seductively.
Jack kissed her again.
She pressed into him and then, after another round of intense kissing, she pushed back. “You’re so bad,” she purred.
“Can you come over tomorrow night? My mom’s having a belated birthday thing for me.”
She nodded. “Can I bring a present?”
Jack’s breath hitched. “It might be difficult wrapping yourself. Maybe just put a bow on top of your head.”
She giggled.
Jack held her around the waist. “Seriously, you don’t have to get me anything. I’m just doing it for my mom.”
“I want to.” She bit her bottom lip. “Besides, you just gave me an idea.” She pouted. “I’m just bummed I have to wait until then.”
“Maybe we could go out tonight then? I’m watching a game with the guys, but that’ll be over by eight.”
Kelly bit her lip and slowly twisted back and forth. “I’ll convince my mom.”
Jack leaned in.
“No, no, no…” She wagged her finger. “I’ll never let you go if I kiss you again.”