My eyes dance around the players, stretching and practicing with a soccer ball. Our team’s uniform is black with red stripes and red numbers, while the other team’s is all white.
Number five. Where are you, Greek God?
As if he wanted to answer me, Ares appears, walking with his characteristic confidence. My heart flutters in my chest as if to chase after him. His uniform shorts are perfectly tailored to his defined legs and his shirt fits tightly, exposing his muscular arms. He’s wearing some sort of superthin red elastic headband to keep his black hair away from his forehead. And on his left arm he’s wearing the captain’s armband.
My God, why do you make it so hard for me? Why do you get hotter every day? I’m confused enough as it is.
Ares greets another player, who I can only see from behind, but he seems very familiar. They talk, and Ares’s expression grows serious, as if he’s deciding something important. The unknown player turns slightly—it’s Marco. How did I forget that he also plays on this team?
I make a face remembering the dance I did for Marco. God, how embarrassing. But, well, Marco doesn’t look bad at all in that uniform. My eyes go down to his ass, and oh—nice.
Raquel, for God’s sake!
I mentally slap myself. Having sex has definitely unleashed my wild side. Ares laughs and shakes his head at something Marco says, and I stop breathing. He looks so cute when he laughs.
“Raquel?” Yoshi brings me back to reality.
“Yes?” I look at him, and Yoshi’s eyes are narrowed.
“Enjoying the view?”
I let out a chuckle. “A little bit.”
“I asked you if you wanted soda, I’ll get some.”
“No, I’m fine.”
Carlos pokes his head out from behind Yoshi’s back. “Are you sure you don’t want anything, my princess?”
“I’m fine.”
Apolo and Dani appear to be having a conversation down the bench. Well, Dani is talking, and Apolo is just sitting there nodding, red as a tomato. Carlos and Yoshi go down the stairs to get sodas as the announcer’s voice comes over the speakers.
“Good evening! Welcome to the opening game of this year’s municipal soccer championship. Give a warm welcome to the guest team, the Greenwich Tigers!”
The opposing team’s fans are howling, yelling, and partying, while we just boo.
The announcer continues. “Now let’s give a round of applause in support of our home team, the Panthers!”
Everyone is making a scene, screaming and jumping up and down, including me. I take advantage of the guys leaving and slide down to stand next to Apolo. Dani sees me and immediately grabs Apolo by the shoulders to shuffle in between us.
Dani whispers in my ear. “I get why you were going to practice. Everyone is hot. With the exception of my brother, of course, because, gross.”
“Where is Dean?”
Dani takes my chin and moves my face in the direction of the goal. “There. You’re too focused on your Voldemort to notice my poor brother.”
I’m saved from answering by the announcer. “Well, it’s almost time for kickoff, ladies and gentlemen. Let’s give both teams a round of applause and wish them all the best!”
The crowd screams, raising their hands in the air. On my side, everyone starts shouting, “Panthers, Panthers!” Excitement seeps into my veins and for a second, I enjoy it fully, forgetting that arrogant captain who has my heart in his hands.
You can feel the rivalry between the two teams in the air. Greenwich is the closest town and they always belittle us, claiming we’re talentless villagers. We’ve made them swallow their words over and over. The Panthers have won several regional championships, and we’ve even gone to state while they haven’t made it past the first play-offs.
The teams take the field, each player to his position, and the stands vibrate with excitement. I clap loudly, my eyes falling on Ares again. How can I not look at him when he looks so confident, so excited?
You’re an idiot, Raquel, my brain reproaches me. He has hurt me so much, but I can’t stop looking at him and sighing like a stupid girl. I wish feelings had an On and Off button. That would make things easier for so many people. Because I know I have feelings for him, I know I’m fooling myself by saying, “I’m falling in love with him,” when the truth is that I’m already in love. There’s no turning back, even if admitting what I feel doesn’t change anything. He doesn’t feel the same way, so I have to swallow my feelings and go on with my life as if nothing happened.