End Game (Bellevue Bullies 4)

Chapter Twenty

Ryan

I scored.

I scored in a game that not only matters to my career but also a game Sofia attended.

I fucking murdered that game.

I was awesome, I was confident, and I was loud. All the things Coach wants. All the things I want. Man, I feel good. I feel really good, and part of it, I think, is because of Sofia. Seeing her up behind the glass, her brow furrowed and looking crazy confused, I wanted nothing more than to impress her. Amelia is loud and knows when to cheer, but Sofia was reserved. She didn’t follow suit; she observed. I don’t know why that turns me on, but it does. I love it. I loved watching her face. I was so worried she’d be a distraction, especially since I’ve been dying for her to text me for the last couple days, but she didn’t. She fueled me. I wanted to be the best, like her.

I can’t wait to see her.

As I sit in my locker, I lean on my legs as Coach goes on and on about how great we played. We lost to Lipsome last season, so beating them this time is badass. They have a lot of skill on their team, but ours is over and above theirs. We are going to go all the way; I can feel it. In the end, that will look great as I try to go into the draft. For the first time in a while, I feel good. I’m ready.

“As everyone knows, we lost Ackerman,” Coach starts. A few of my teammates nod their heads, but my heart stops. Is he about to announce who the captain is? “Playing a game like this without a captain could have taken down a team. I wanted to talk more with Baylor and discuss who we should replace Ackerman with. After tonight’s game, though, I know who should be captain.”

A hush falls over the locker room as I scoot to the edge of my locker. Moon does the same, his eyes intent on Coach while I hold my breath. “So put your hands together for the new captain of the Bellevue Bullies, Chandler Moon.”

My heart drops.

Damn it.

Moon stands as the room erupts with approval, the guys all letting out whoops and clapping loudly. Meanwhile, I just sit there, racking my brain for what I did wrong. When Moon looks down at me, I stand immediately, shaking his hand and giving him a manly hug. “Attaboy, Moon.”

He flashes me a quick grin before walking up to Coach and shaking his hand. I hadn’t realized how bad I wanted the captain spot until Coach hands Moon his new jersey with the “C” on it. I bite the inside of my cheek and clap along with my teammates, but I’m not here. I’m in my head, going over and over everything, trying to figure out where I went wrong. Was I not vocal enough? Did I not lead the guys the way they needed to be led? Moon is a natural. He yells and he directs, but I don’t like to use my voice like that. I want to guide, I want to lift, and while Moon is going to be a great captain, I really thought I would be better.

Guess I’m wrong.

When we’re released, everyone wants to go out to celebrate Moon, but I somehow get out of it with the excuse of getting my sister home. I think Moon knows I’m bummed, so he doesn’t push, thank God. Once I’m away from them, I pull out my phone to call Shea, but then I’m locked in the gaze of the girl who has been starring in all my dreams. As I tuck my phone into my pocket, a slow grin comes over my face no matter that I feel like I’ve just failed once again. Sofia walks with such confidence, wearing leggings and an oversized sweatshirt that hangs past her thighs. Her hair is down, still bone straight, and her lips are glossed to perfection.

Man, I’m hooked on this girl.

“Hey, you,” I call to her, and her little grin grows.

“Hey,” she says as she stops in front of me.

“You look amazing,” I say softly, leaning toward her and kissing her cheek. “I like teal on you.”

Her cheeks warm as she waves me off. “I’m a bum. I was working on a paper when I realized what time it was, and Amelia was rushing me out of the room.”

I reach out, taking her hand in mine. Her eyes darken as I lace our fingers together. I love the feel of her callused hands, and I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and take that mouth with mine to forget what just happened in the locker room.

Her eyes search mine as she takes a step toward me. “Are you okay?”

I nod quickly. “I’m good. Did you enjoy the game?”

Her eyes widen while her thumb moves along mine. “Are you sure?”

I squeeze her hand, plastering a huge grin on my face. I refuse to admit to her that I’m a failure, that I couldn’t even land the captain position when I’ve been on the team for four years and Moon has only been here going on two. My heart feels like a vise grip is around it, and I can’t breathe. Am I wasting my time? Why do I even care, if I can’t succeed? I won’t say that, though, not to the girl who is the best at everything she does. No way.

“I’m great now. So tell me, are you now a hockey fan?”

She doesn’t seem convinced. “Well, I have no clue what was going on, but it looked super cool, and you’re badass.”

If I were badass, I would have made captain. I don’t say that, though. Instead, I give her a bashful grin. “Aw, thanks.”

She beams up at me, her fingers squeezing mine. “I need you to teach me this sport. It’s awesome.”

“It is, and it’s a date.”

Her lips purse, her gaze narrowing. “You’ve been waiting to say that.”

“Since the moment I met you,” I say as I step closer to her. Her breath catches audibly as I lean in, my lips coming to her ear. “How embarrassed would you be if I kissed you right now? My sister is coming, so answer quickly.”

I feel her smile. “You can kiss me as soon as you tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing.”

“You’re a liar. Tell me.”

Amelia stops in her tracks, a silly grin coming on her face before she points to where the bathrooms are. I don’t know what she is trying to tell me, but one thing is for sure, I’m getting drunk off Sofia’s sweet scent. It’s a mix of flowers and maybe apple. I don’t know, but I don’t want to move. I sure do want to kiss her, though. “How about we agree that something is bothering me and kiss anyway?”

She giggles lightly. “Or you can tell me.”

My eyes drift shut as I draw in a deep breath, taking in her scent. I feel fuzzy, a little light-headed, but in a good way. “I thought I would get captain, but I didn’t.” She pulls back, her face concerned, but I bring her back in, wrapping my arms around her waist. God, she feels so good. “Don’t move.”

She presses her hands into my chest, but not to push me away as she leans her cheek to mine. “Okay. Did you want it?”

“I did.”

She smiles gently. “So why didn’t you get it?”