He professed his love? I'll have to find out more about that later.

I laugh, "well, who's better than you?"

"No one - and don't ever forget that." Jax winks.

"It may be hard to remember because you're also so humble, but I'll do my best," I reply sarcastically.

"Don't worry, I'll remind you once in a while."

"I'm sure you will."

"Anyway, I did get some good advice from Kelly this morning. She suggested I take you on another date - like a real one. Dinner and a movie or something. How does that sound?"

"Sounds fun. It would be nice to go out again - maybe get to know a little more about each other."

"Sure, as long as you don't change your mind about me."

"Who says I've made it up yet?" I kid.

"You should be careful how you speak to me, Ms. Hayes, or I'm going to bend you over that desk of yours and give you a spanking."

A shiver rushes through my body at the thought and my cheeks flush.

"Oh, maybe you would like that. Good to know," Jax says after seeing the expression on my face. "I have to get to practice. These boys have another big game this week. Call me later, okay?"

"Sure," I smile sweetly, "thanks for stopping by to see me."

"No, thank you. Haven't seen you dressed like 'porn teacher' in a while. I missed it." I blush again. "See you later, babe."

"Later, babe," I mock him.

Both of us are wearing a huge smile when Jax leaves my classroom. Not being able to touch each other is just as much fun as actually doing it - well, almost.

I'm going to have to drill Kelly later and find out what Jax told her. She'll tell me - and she'll also tell me if I should believe it or not. She's been rooting for Jax since day one, so I don't expect to hear anything negative, but you never know.

Chapter 27.

JAXSON.

The last few weeks have pretty much been the best time I've ever had. How one girl can change the way I feel about all the others blows my mind.

Syd has been to all of my games, and even attended a couple of the Mesquite games. As hard as it is, we haven't been affectionate at school at all - not that it matters. Thanks to small town living and social media, everyone knows Syd and I are a couple now.

We've spent so much time together that the last month has felt like much longer. I wouldn't want it any other way. I want to be with her whenever I can. Somehow, she still wants to be with me too. Sydney can go toe to toe with my ridiculous sense of humor any day. She's like a preppy school teacher by day and sexy seductress by night. She's everything I never knew I wanted all wrapped up in one. She's perfect.

I've been taking a lot of abuse from my friends and teammates. It's all in good fun, but I'm sure some of them are truly bummed that I'm not hitting the party scene anymore. Then again, maybe not, more pussy for them. My agent and coach are both pleased with my new found love life - it's done wonders for my image. Of course, Nadia is getting most of the credit. It seems like they almost don't believe my relationship is real - like it's all this big act for their benefit - and mine.

The couple of times Nadia has called to check in on me, she too acts like I'm seeing Syd for her benefit. I can't help but keep what Syd said about Nadia's feelings for me in the back of my mind. I always kind of thought it, but I still don't know if I agree that it's true. Nadia is all business, but she's also not shy. If she wanted to get in my pants, she wouldn't hesitate to make a move. I just don't believe Nadia would risk her reputation to do so.

Being a pro football player and star quarterback, I really thought I had it all. I never realized there was a part of me missing until I met Sydney. I still laugh when I think about some of the stories she's told me over the last month - about how she used to follow me around in high school, hoping I would notice her. How she used to fantasize about being my girlfriend. I just find it impossible that I never knew she was there. I was so wrapped up in myself and football, and the girls that openly threw themselves at me, I didn't know she was right there the whole time.

I remember now, meeting her that night ten years ago. I remember thinking how pretty she was, and how she looked so different with her hair down instead of up in a bun like she usually wore it in school. I guess even back then she had the same look as now. At least things didn't work out that night for a good reason. Janie needed me and I was there. I didn't just leave Sydney to fool around with someone else. I don't know if I'll ever get over the fact that I didn't recognize her the first time we ran into each other again - although at this point - it doesn't seem to matter.

Funny how the world works. I thought that being brought back to Mesquite was going to be the worst season of my life. Turns out, it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

Chapter 28.

SYDNEY.

I'm sitting behind the home team bench at the Bobcat's game. As much as I was hoping to keep my relationship with Jax a secret from my students, that has proved to be impossible. I don't know how celebrities deal with having people in their business all of the time. It's annoying and intrusive - and definitely not something I will ever get used to.

Case in point - we are at a high school football team and the paparazzi are here. Well, a couple of them anyway. It seems wherever Jax goes, someone with a camera isn't far behind. It's hard to keep our relationship a secret when the entire country now knows. I'm sure the public are watching and waiting for Jax to screw up though. Being bad always gets better press.

By now, the faculty and students are used to Jax and I as a couple. Even though I was hoping they wouldn't, I'm kind of glad the media outed us. It's better than hiding. We still don't kiss or touch at school. It's just inappropriate.

I cheer along with the rest of the fans in the stands as Jax and Coach Johnson lead the team closer to victory. Since I've been coming to these games, I can see why Jax was so concerned about helping Mikey Simms. He's definitely got potential to go far with a football career. No one on his team, or the opposing teams they've played can keep up with him. I think it's awesome that Jax is still tutoring him, and now another handful of boys from the team. They're grades continue to get better and their interest in their actual education is apparent. Jax has gone above and beyond with them and it shows.

The game is just about over and the Bobcats are still ahead, but only by a couple of points. Mikey dodges any attack, pulls some great play with the assistance of his defensemen, and scores a touchdown. The people in the stands cheer and shout as Mesquite takes the win. This victory guarantees them a spot in the finals.

Jax looks at me and I give him a thumbs up and smile. I probably look pretty silly, but he knows it's the best I can do. He's proud of these boys and his coaching on and off the field truly helped them get here today.

The bleachers start to clear out and Jax makes his way over to me.

"Hello, Ms. Hayes. Did you enjoy the game?"

"I did." I smile. Jax still makes me blush. I know when he calls me 'Ms. Hayes' it's his way of being flirty - well - one of the ways. "Congrats on another win."

"Thanks. Pretty cool, right?" Jax says excitedly, "I'm going to go back to the locker room with the team. Want me to stop by on my way home?"

"Sure, if you can. Don't you have to get up early tomorrow?"

"I do, but just because I'm going to come doesn't mean we have to stay up all night." Jax puts an exaggeration on the word 'come', giving it a whole other meaning. It makes me tingle. Not many people would read into his sentence like that, but I know him well enough now to know what he means.

"I guess we'll see about that," I reply in a sultry voice.

"Easy now, Ms. Hayes."

"I don't know what you mean," I say innocently. I purposefully bat my eyelashes.

"You know exactly what I mean," Jax answers. He gazes at me with those smokey eyes. His look tells me everything I need to know. An impish smile curls over my lips.

"I'll see you a little later."

"Okay. I'll be waiting."

Jax winks at me before walking back toward the school. Funny, I used to picture scenes like this between Jax and I when I was in high school. I walk back to my car wearing a big grin.

Kelly is at home eating dinner out of a take out container when I get back.

"How was the game?"

"Great," I answer, putting my sweater and keys down, "they won. They get to go the finals now."

"Cool. I'm sure Jax is psyched. He seems to like those little punks," Kelly jokes.

"They're good kids - and he does." I open the fridge to look for something to eat.

"Whatever. I don't know how you deal - working with kids all day."

"I don't know. I just like it. I'm making a difference. I hope I am anyway." I take out some leftovers and pop them in the microwave.

"Good for you. Someone's gotta do it. Better you than me."

I laugh. Kelly throws her empty container in the garbage, "I'm going over to Tim's tonight. You have any plans?"

"I think Jax is stopping by in a bit."

"Oh. Late night for him during play offs. That's unusual."

"We haven't spent too much time together this week. His practices have been pretty intense."

I start eating my dinner while we talk. I was much hungrier than I thought.

"Uh huh. Late night booty call is in order then. I get it."

"It's not like that," I reply. I can't keep a straight face though, "well, maybe it's a little like that."

"It's okay, Syd. No need to be shy. It's not like that's all he's looking for. It's just a bonus."

"I know. It's a big bonus," I joke.

We both laugh.

There's a knock on the door. I wipe my hands on a kitchen towel and walk to the front door. Even if we didn't make plans, I would be able to tell it's Jax by the size and shape of the silhouette in the window.

I open the door. Jax is standing there in jeans and a tee shirt. He has a new jacket on and is leaning against the door jam, clearly posing for me. I chuckle, "hey."

"Hey, babe. What's going on?" he asks, strutting past me.

"Not much, just cleaning up. How was the post game celebration?"

"It was awesome. Notice anything different?" He turns slowly so I can see what he's talking about. He's wearing a Mesquite football jacket. It's exactly the same as the one he wore in high school except this one has the word 'coach' embroidered onto the chest.

I whistle, "nice. Looking sharp."

"The team got it for me as a thank you. It was so nice of them. I feel like a teenager again."

"That's so sweet," I smile.

"Oh, hey, Jax," Kelly says, entering the room. She notices Jax's jacket. "Whoa, what year is this again?"

"Cool, right?" Jax beams.

"Very cool. You should let Sydney wear that to school. All the other girls would be so jealous," Kelly jokes.

"I just might," Jax laughs.

Kelly puts on her own jacket, "I'm going to Tim's. I'll see you kids later."

"Good night."

Kelly leaves. Jax and I are left standing in the living room.

"So, what do you want to do tonight?"

"Promise not to laugh?" he asks.

"No, but tell me anyway."

"I want to go down to the field and toss a ball around."

I look at him, waiting for an explanation.

"I know, it's stupid. This jacket just took me back," he explains, "when I was in high school, I used to go down to the field at night when it was empty and throw the ball around. It always helped me clear my head."

"That sounds like fun."

"Really?"

"I don't know, but I'm willing to go and give it a try. I've never played football."

"Oh, baby, you just said the magic words." Jax pulls me into his arms, "A football virgin. I'm going to teach you so many new things."