"Okay."

"I'll call you and let you know. You can come with me if I go - if you want to."

"Sure," she smiles.

I walk toward the bedroom door.

"Jax?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for last night. I had a good time."

"Just good? I'll have to try harder next time." He winks, "see you later sweet tits."

Sydney laughs and throws something at me behind the closed door. I expect she'll be going back to sleep. She's got to be tired - and sore. Syd was right, she's not like other girls - not at all - and I love it.

Chapter 18.

SYDNEY.

"Tell me everything," Kelly insists before closing the front door behind her.

"Oh, hello to you too."

"Who cares about 'hellos'? Dish it, girl," Kelly says, sitting down at the kitchen table.

"You're crazy," I laugh, "how was your night?"

"Stop stalling."

"Jeez, my night was fun. We had a good time."

"Cool. Now stop talking to me like I'm your grandmother and tell me what really happened."

I laugh and take a seat across from her, "it was amazing."

"Ha! I knew it. Tell me more."

I stare off into space as I relay some of last night's events to Kelly. I don't get into every detail though. Some things are meant to be private.

"Well, did he have a rattler or an anaconda?" she asks when I'm done.

"Oh my God!" I yell. We both laugh.

"Holy shit. The rumors are true aren't they?"

My face turns bright red.

"Rattler on the green, anaconda in between," Kelly chants.

"You should be a cheerleader," I quip.

"Oh yeah, totally."

We laugh some more and then settle down again.

"I'm happy for you, Syd. You look like a new woman already - seriously."

"Thanks. I just hope I'm not falling into some trap. I really like Jax. I don't want to look like an idiot."

"You won't. He's totally into you. Even Tim thinks so."

"Well, if Tim thinks it, it must be true," I joke.

The subject of conversation changes. I'm glad we're not talking about me anymore - although I kind of want to. What I felt with Jax - what I feel about him - it's real. When he was inside me last night, I know he felt it too. It wasn't just sexual, it was emotional. There's something there - something meaningful. He has to feel it too - right?

I want to talk to Kelly about it, but I'm not ready yet. She wanted me to go out and have fun - and I did. I haven't been with anyone since Ryder and I broke up. I don't want her getting worried now that I'm falling for the first guy to give me the time of day. I'm not exactly sure that's what's happening, but I don't want anyone else making that call. I need to be more certain of how Jax and I feel first. It's hard to believe we've only spent one night together. I should slow down and be a little more careful - but I think it's already too late.

Chapter 19.

JAXSON.

"Dam, bro. You went out without me?" Jake says.

We just got out of the showers after practice. He's looking at the nail marks in my back.

I laugh, "no. It was a date. It would have been weird if you were there."

"I don't know, looks like things got a little crazy. I probably would have enjoyed it - oh wait! Is this the chic?"

"I guess you can call her that," I try to hide my smile. I don't want to look like I've already gone too soft.

"Guess you finally boned her."

I don't answer. Sydney deserves more respect than locker room gossip.

"And from the looks of those claw marks, she enjoyed it."

"Pretty sure she did." Well, I have to say something. It was too good not to.

"Good for you, bro. Just don't get all emotional and shit. You need to have your head in the game."

"Football first - always."

"Bros before hoes and all."

"Right," I joke.

"Ladies," Coach Taylor announces, "put your panties on. I need you all front and center - now."

Jake and I look at each other. When Coach talks, we listen. We hustle over to the center of the room and give him our attention.

"Nixon, you need get your head out of your ass."

Oh. So it's going to be that kind of post practice meeting. Coach continues pointing out what we were doing right as a team - and what we did wrong. Luckily, he only calls out a couple of guys by name. Coach Taylor is a hard ass, but he gets his point across and the job done. I look around and note that this may be the first group of men he's had that really play well together. We've trained hard on the field and off and it shows.

"...tomorrow is going to be tough. Jax, you were on point today. Whatever it is you're doing, keep it up." Jake laughs quietly and nudges me. I give him a look. "stand tall in the pocket. You know how to read these guys - you know the plays. Stay confident and if you need to make a snap decision, your team knows you'll deliver. Follow up with one of your super accurate throws and we will take this game tomorrow. We've never beat the Tigers - we've come close, but always drop the ball in the end. Not this time. We're going to slaughter those fuckers tomorrow. Go home and get your beauty sleep ladies - you're going to need it."

The meeting ends with some shouts and chants from the guys. I head back to my locker and check the time. Shit. It's late. I think I can make the second half of the Mesquite game if I run out of here. I know the boys will be disappointed if I don't show. I pick up the pace and get myself together.

"Where are you rushing off to?" Jake asks, "your woman calling?"

"No, dick. The high school team I coach has a game tonight. I want to be there."

"I feel like I don't even know you anymore, Jax," Jake kids.

"Yeah, shit is just different right now."

"Want some company? I bet those boys would love to see a real football star at one of their games." He waggles his eyebrows.

"Sure, why not?"

"Cool, bro. Can we stop for some food? I'm starved."

I check the time again, "sure, we should eat anyway. We'll pick something up on the way."

I shoot a text to Coach Johnson on my way to the car to see how the game is going. I'm not sure if he'll answer, but it's worth a shot. I don't know if we'll make it, but even if I get there for the last few minutes, at least the boys will know I tried.

Chapter 20.

SYDNEY.

I haven't done much of anything today. I'm still floating on air from last night. My phone rings - It's Jaxson.

"Hello," I answer excitedly. I realize I must sound like I've been waiting for him to call all day so I take it down a notch.

"Hey, babe."

"How was practice?"

"Rough, but over now. I'm going to head over to the school to catch the rest of the game. Want to come?"

I think quick. I told him this morning I would, but I don't know if I'm ready to be seen at school with Jax. Once the students see us together, we'll never hear the end of it. I don't want to risk that until I'm sure he's going to stick around. I do want to see him though. I'm sure Kelly will come with me if I ask.

"How about I meet you there?"

"Are you sure? We can pick you up."

"I'm sure."

"Okay," he replies, sounding a little disappointed.

"Wait, we?"

"I have my buddy with me. We'll be down on the bench. Let me know when you get there."

"I will."

There's an awkward silence, neither of us sure what to say for a moment.

"See you later, babe."

"Later, babe," I say, mocking him.

I know he's smiling even though I can't see him.

Kelly and Tim had ordered take out and are watching television in the living room. I'm sure a high school football game isn't high on their list of Saturday night activities, but it won't hurt to ask.

"Hey. Would you guys want to go to a football game with me?"

"The Rattlers? Hell yeah!" Tim says excitedly, sitting up on the couch.

"Um, no. The Bobcats."