Hard & Deep: A Football Romance

“Sir, the ride is over, please step out.” The greasy-haired teenage boy who was working the ride opened door of the cart. He looked annoyed.

“Whoops,” Ollie said, flashing a smile toward Elsie.

“Sorry,” Elsie said to the attendant. She was bright red. “We'll be on our way now.”

“Well, that was awkward,” Oliver chuckled, as he took Elsie's hand and walked

away from the Ferris Wheel.

“That kid looked a little bit freaked out,” Elsie said, giggling. “That was a fun ride, though. I think maybe that's how I can get over my fear of heights. I just have to do everything while kissing you.”

“You know, I think that could be arranged.” Oliver smiled and squeezed her hand. They made their way across the dirt path that weaved through the events and the multitude of food stands. For being a smaller fair, it still had everything. Lots of rides, tons of food and an entire town of people scurrying throughout enjoying themselves, but the only thing that really had Oliver's attention was Elsie.

She looked incredible. Her tight jeans hugged her curves and accentuated her long legs. The smell of her perfume was intoxicating and the taste of her kiss lingered on his lips. He wanted her. He wanted her so badly it made his whole body ache.

“Hey, Mr. Quarterback,” Elsie said, pointing toward one of the stands along the path. “Look, it's a one of those ball throwing games. You think you can win?”

Oliver glanced over. There were two stands to their right. One of them was a dunk tank. Next to that, was a stand with a wooden sign above it that read “milk bottle toss”. That was the one Elsie was pointing to. His eyes lit up as soon as he saw it. He popped his knuckles and nodded. “I can certainly give it a try.”

A group of kids were standing in front, and they had just finished their turn. One of them spoke to Ollie as soon as he approached.

“I wouldn't even bother with this game,” the kid said. “It's impossible. I swear, it's rigged.”

“I'll give it a try,” Ollie said said with a shrug. “I'm just here to have fun.”

“I guess. Good luck, man.” The kid shrugged as he walked off. “I'm pretty sure those bottles are glued together or something.”

“Don't listen to him.” The game's attendant, a young blonde girl in a yellow summer dress, spoke up. “He's just bitter because he didn't have a good throw.”

Oliver laughed, turning toward his girl. “Elsie, I'm going to win you that giant teddy bear.”

Elsie grinned, bringing her attention toward the giant stuffed bear that was seated on a stool next to the game's attendant. The bear was bright pink and nearly as tall as she was.

“If anyone can win this game, it's you,” Elsie said, stepping close to Oliver.

I hope she's right, he thought. How embarrassing would it be to lose this in front of her?

“You get three balls to throw,” the attendant said, handing the balls to Oliver. “If you're able to knock them all down with just those balls, you can have the giant teddy bear. I'll tell you right now, though, it's harder than you think. Not one person has pulled it off today.”

Okay, I got this, Ollie thought, as he lined up to throw. I hope that kid wasn't right about the bottles being glued together.

The milk bottles were arranged into a giant pyramid and were a surprising distance away. Nothing he couldn't handle, but pretty far for a kid's game. Oliver figured it to be at least fifteen yards. Good pass for a first down.

“It's been a while since I've thrown a ball,” he said, glancing toward Elsie. “Don't judge me if I don't get this.”

“You'll get it,” she assured him. “I know you can.”

Ollie let out a slow breath and then threw the first ball. It rocketed out of his hand, careening toward the milk bottles. He was used to a throwing a football, though and the spin he put on it caused this ball to curve, crashing into the very top bottle. It fell off the stack, but the rest of the pyramid stayed put.

“Damn,” he whispered. Second down.

“It's okay, you've got two more tries,” Elsie said, encouragingly. “Hit the bottom of the stack.”

Ollie wound up and threw the second ball, this one took out the lower right of the pyramid, leaving just two bottles standing. He was understanding what the kid had said about it being nearly impossible. Here was Oliver, a professional quarterback, and even he was unable to get it as easily as he had hoped. He thought he could get them all down in the first ball, but that was clearly not the case.

Alright, he thought. One more ball. I'm not leaving here without that teddy bear.

He tossed the final ball, watching as it dropped down directly onto the remaining milk bottles. They split apart, flying in opposite directions and crashing to the ground. Elsie yelped in excitement and wrapped her arms around Ollie's neck, kissing his cheek.