Forever Dark(79)

As was I.

“Worth it?” I ask looking at him as he watches the crowd stand and applaud for her.

“So fucking worth it.” And then he’s gone and heading for the field.

Macy and Landon return right before kick-off, more like as they are kicking off. Texas won the toss so they’re kicking off first. My eyes are on Cash in his white uniform, green helmet and socks. He’s adorable and so sexy in that uniform. He sees me when I scream his name and hold up a sign we made that says “Lucky 13” and then turns back to watch the kick-off.

When Macy returns, Landon isn’t with her but I see him coming down the steps.

Macy’s eyes are wide, like she’s holding her breathe. “Jay is here.” Macy says, sitting beside me, but looking over her shoulder to watch Landon approach us. “He’s so creepy, Mad. I can’t believe you slept with that guy.”

“Here? In Texas?” I exhale shakily, flinching because I can’t believe it either, my eyes dart around the stadium looking to see if I can spot him anywhere. I don’t.

My skin crawls when I think of him as a pain deep inside presents itself. I should be terrified but for some reason, I feel safe here with my sister and Landon.

What I worry about is Cash.

Landon leans over and whispers in my ear. “Relax, okay?” he pulls back and I nod trusting him. “He is here looking for Cash but he’ll never get near him today. There’s security everywhere and he’s not stupid. He’s probably just here watching him.”

I want to believe that, but I’m not so sure. He doesn’t know Jay like I do. He hasn’t seen what I’ve seen.

Landon pushes my side a little with his elbow. “I mean it, Madison. Relax. He’s got nothing on a bunch of football players. He’d never stand a chance.”

I stare at him.

I hope he’s right.

I hope.

Landon smiles and wraps his arm and Macy and I, it’s a forced smile but he’s trying. “Let’s watch our boy win.”

This is the first game I’ve actually been to since that championship game in high school. I’ve seen him play on television, but since that night, never live.

The calmness he has on field is unheard of. He’s always like that too. Sometimes I think the world could crumble around him and he’d still be able to throw a football. He plays with more passion, more commitment than I’ve ever seen.

It’s not all easy though. He takes a couple rough hits that leave me a little on edge.

“That was a rough hit.” I slouch uncomfortably in the hard plastic chair. “I hope he’s okay.”

“Yeah, it was.” Landon replies leaning forward, his hands restless.

“Oh God.” I frown wondering what that meant. Is he okay?

“I saw Cash’s penis.” Macy blurts out. She’s nervous and high on adrenaline and talks inappropriately when that happens. The ride to Cannon Beach proved that.

“When?” Landon and I both ask.

“He peed on my fern in my room.”

“Is that why it’s dead?” Landon asks.

She nods and Landon starts choking on the water he just took a drink of.

Macy hands him a napkin only it has cheese all over it from my nachos. She shakes her head when Landon can’t stop laughing. He’s nervous.

Landon laughs. “It’s a wonder that you’re not scarred for life.”

Macy shakes her head. “Stop it, Landon.”

That seems to ease Landon a little, his head rolled back against the seat as sharp laughter rings out.

I sigh watching Cash. “He’s got a nice ass.” I say when he’s running mid-field to the line of scrimmage after Oregon picked off a pass giving them the ball.

Landon shakes his head. “I’m going back down there. This is too much.”

The game was a blow-out, 30-7. Cash dominated the game. He’d thrown for over two-hundred yards.

Macy hugs me when Cash takes a knee and the crowd goes wild. “I can’t believe this!”

“Neither can I!”

Much like the championship game in high school, it’s a whirl of students rushing the field. Landon is the first down there with his team, in Cash’s arms. They seem to share a moment and Landon points to the sky. I smile knowing what he’s doing.

Macy and I make our way through the throngs of people and try to get closer to the boys but there’s really no way. They’re surrounded now.

So I wait.

I want his attention to myself anyway. When I talk to him now, congratulate him, I want it to be just us where he isn’t being pulled in every direction.

This time I’m waiting.

He knows I’m here, I can see him looking over at me, smiling.