Dr. Pathak placed his hand against his chin, glancing at the clock in the back of the room. "Let's stop our discussion there. We'll pick back up where we left off on Monday. I hope everyone has a great weekend." He closed his laptop as the rest of the class scattered from the room.
I slid my chemistry book into my backpack before standing from my desk. "Have a great weekend, Dr. Pathak." With a wave of my hand, I crossed the room to the door.
"Allyson, may I talk to you for a minute?" Dr. Pathak asked as he strolled across the front of the room and stopped beside me.
I pulled the strap of my backpack higher on my shoulder and took a deep breath. "Yes sir. Is everything alright?"
Dr. Pathak placed his hands behind his back as a large white smile spread across his face. "Everything's fine. I just have a few questions for you."
"I'll try my best to answer them," I offered with a meek laugh.
Dr. Pathak was slender, despite his years, and his shoulders didn't stoop at all as he stood beside me. "I was just curious if you've picked a major yet, or decided what you wish to do after college."
I glanced at my shoes and tucked my hair behind my ears with a small smile on my lips. Dr. Hawthorn had asked the same question in my therapy session last Sunday. A few months ago, I never would have been able to give either of them an answer. But I've come a long way since then.
"Yes sir. I plan to major in chemistry and get a minor in biology. I've made the decision to pursue a career as a doctor. I want to work in an underserved community to help improve the quality of healthcare in those areas. There are people out there suffering because they can't afford to take a trip to the doctor, and I want them to know someone is there for them, too." My eyes rose to meet his brown ones.
Dr. Pathak nodded as he watched me. "I'm so happy to hear that. You've become one of my top students. I think you will go on to do great things in the medical profession. Your motivation seems to come from your heart, and that's a trait you can't teach." He cleared his throat as he glanced out to the hallway.
"Thank you, Dr. Pathak. The journey hasn't been easy, but I think everything is finally starting to fall into place for me." I smiled as I gripped the strap of my backpack.
"If it's easy, it isn't worth it." He opened the door for me. "I won't keep you any longer, but Allyson, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I love to watch my students fulfill their potential."
"Yes sir, of course. Thank you." I gave him a smile and stepped through the door.
The empty hallway of the science building was quiet except for the sound of my shoes against the tile. A poster of the football team slipped from a thumbtack and floated into the middle of the hallway. I picked it up to pin it back to the wall, and my thoughts wandered to Daxson. The Tide didn't play a game this weekend, which meant Daxson could make the drive home to see Malik play in the first round of the state playoffs. He had been giddy all week because he couldn't wait to cheer his little brother on. I was happy he got to go, but my selfish side wished he would've stayed here with me.
As I exited the science building, I grasped the strap of my backpack tighter and slung it further up my shoulder. A cold breeze whipped across the parking lot and sent colorful leaves flying into the air. My hair swirled around my face, so I tucked my chin into the collar of my Remington hoodie as I stepped off the sidewalk. I was determined to keep my head down until the honk of a horn caught my attention.
When I looked up, Daxson's black truck was parked in the middle of the parking lot. He slammed his door and jogged in my direction with the widest smile on his face. His black baseball cap was flipped around backwards on his head.
"What're you doing here?" I asked, tilting my head as the distance between us closed.
Daxson stopped in front of me and rubbed his hands together. "My momma said I couldn't come home if I didn't bring you with me."
"What?"
Daxson chuckled as he tucked his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "You heard me, Ally. We're going to Mississippi."
He can't just show up and tell me where I'm going. I'm a grown woman.
I tucked my hair behind my ears and shook my head. "Daxson, I already have plans."
His expression fell, and it left him looking like a hurt puppy. "Oh." He was quiet for a moment as he leaned back on his heels. "What kind of plans?"
I shrugged. "Just some stuff I planned to do while you were gone. I do have a life apart from you."
Daxson cleared his throat. "Yeah, of course. I'm sorry." His eyes focused on something behind me, but he couldn't hide the disappointment across his features.
Maybe that's enough toying with him for now.
I pushed his shoulder. "Hey, Dax." I flashed a teasing smile. "I'm just kidding."
Daxson laughed and pointed his finger at me. "You got me good."
The smile remained on my face as I shrugged my bag off my shoulder and handed it to him. "Did your mom really say you couldn't come home without me? Or would you have just missed me too much?" I raised an eyebrow.
"No, she really said it. I can show you the text. She said Alexis hasn't stopped talking about you and Caleb all week." He tossed my backpack onto his shoulder and slung his free arm around me.
I leaned into his side as we walked to his truck. "That's so sweet."
"You made a good impression on them."
A heavy sigh escaped me. "Except Demarcus. He wouldn't even talk to your family while I was there, Dax. He seems so angry."
Daxson nodded. "Just know it's not because of you. He's mad at me because he thinks I've moved on from the incident. He thinks it doesn't bother me anymore, and the reason I never come home is because I don't want to be around those memories."
"You'd go home every weekend if you could. You just can't because of your football career." I wrapped my arm around his waist.
"You know that, and the rest of my family knows that, but Demarcus is hardheaded. He got that from our Dad." He gave me a weak smile at the mention of his father. "It'll be fine though, Ally. He'll come around eventually."
I didn't want my presence to cause a rift in their already broken family. Daxson didn't deserve to lose his brother too. My stomach churned as the guilt threatened to surface.
"You good?" Daxson asked as we came to a stop by the passenger door of the truck.
I nodded. "I'm fine. Are we going to the dorm so that I can pack before we go?" I asked, focusing on the flecks of gold in his eyes.
"Nope. If we're going to make it in time for Malik's game, then we have to go now." He pulled the door open and tossed my backpack into the backseat.
"But I need clothes," I protested.
"Camila already packed your bag for you. She had some time before her sister got to town." Daxson grinned.
My jaw hung open as I folded my arms across my chest. "So, you had all this planned, huh?" I rolled my eyes and climbed into his truck. "You're ridiculous."
Daxson chuckled as he closed the door and strolled around the front of the truck to get into the driver's seat. "Don't pitch a hissy fit, Ally. It's going to be a great weekend." He started the truck and pulled out of the parking lot.
I found Daxson's free hand that rested on the console and interlaced our fingers with the sweetest smile I could muster. "Any weekend I get to spend with you is a great weekend, Dax."
Daxson chuckled as his left hand tightened on the steering wheel. He opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but closed it. His golden eyes focused on the road as he turned the radio to the highest setting and rolled the windows down. I settled into the leather seat with a smile and sang the lyrics to the song on the radio.
The words to the song flowed from Daxson's lips too as he glanced at me. Once the song was over, Daxson turned the radio back down.
"Can I tell you something?" He asked, focusing on the road again.
"Of course."
Daxson squeezed the steering wheel tighter. "I didn't know exactly where thisâ" he motioned between us, "â was going a few months ago, but I couldn't be happier with where I see it going now."
I touched the side of his face with my hand, enjoying the rough stubble along his jawline against my skin. "You know, I have to agree."
He caught my hand in his larger one and brought it around to his lips. His warm breath washed across my skin as he gave my hand a soft kiss. "God might have taken things from me, but he also gave me you. You've helped me heal, Ally. You brought me back from the depths and showed me that I don't have to go through this life alone."
Is he trying to melt me? To make my heart burst, maybe? I traced his lip with the tip of my finger. It pouted slightly, and I had such an urge to bite it, to kiss it, to show him exactly how he made me feel.
"You seemed like you were on the path to recovery without me. You had your family to keep fighting for."
"I had my good days before you came along, you know, the days everyone thought I was getting better. But most of the time, I was still angry. Angry at myself for being so far away from my family. Angry at Jacie's father. At racists. At white people in general. I felt guilty for letting it happen. I got kicked out of a few practices for getting into it with some of my white teammates. There was no way for me to control my emotions, so I shut everyone out. I wouldn't let anyone get close to me. I would play the part I needed to play, and that was it, until you showed up in the hallway that day. That encounter is what gave Dr. Hawthorn the idea for my next therapy goalâspending time with a white girl. Lame, I know, but I needed it. After that night on the field, I realized you were broken too. You reminded me so much of Jacie. I wanted only the best for you, but if I wanted to help you heal, I had to heal myself." He exhaled a deep breath before a small smile pulled at the corners of his lips. "Well, here we are now."
I dropped my hand from his face and ran it along his forearm until I interlaced our hands again. The tears brimmed along my eyelashes and stung my eyes. I couldn't believe that little me helped him through something so dark without even realizing it. I always thought that he was the one helping me.
"I love you, Dax."
Daxson's body tensed as the words left my mouth, and he lifted our hands from the console. "In an 'atta boy kinda way, right? Like, you'll always root for me kinda way."
I meant what I said, but I wasn't expecting his reaction. My cheeks flushed red as my eyes flickered from our hands to his face. I guess he wasn't ready for that yet.
"Yeah, of course." I cleared my throat and pushed his shoulder lightly with my free hand. "In an 'atta boy kinda way."
Daxson flashed his bright smile as he rested our hands back on the console. "You know I'll always root for you too, Ally."
I nodded. He let out a sigh of relief after I didn't push the subject further and leaned back into his seat. A long silence overtook the car as I settled into my own seat and watched the rows of freshly turned fields fly by the window. I couldn't believe I just told him I loved him. Stupid move, Allyson. I knew he was still working on getting over Jacie, so it was selfish of me to rush him that much, but I couldn't ignore the emotions he stirred inside me.
Daxson turned the music up and sang along to the lyrics of the song. I shifted my body and leaned across the console to rest my head against his strong shoulder, enjoying the deep tone of his voice and trying to forget all about the 'I love you' catastrophe.
In a few short hours, the wide open fields and colorful sunset were replaced with lines of thick trees. When we passed a green county sign with fading white letters, Daxson leaned forward in his seat. "We're close, Ally." He glanced at the dash of the truck to check the time. "With a few minutes to spare, too."
I sat up in my seat and stretched my arms above my head with a yawn. "Looks a lot like home." I smiled as the trees gave way to a small town square with dark, brick buildings.
All of the shops were locked up early for the night with white paper signs that read "Closed for the playoffs" fluttering in the light breeze. High school football was the life of all small southern towns. If the team made the playoffs, well, the whole community showed their support.
There were only a few other cars on the two lane street as we drove through the quiet town where Daxson grew up. He waved at people as we passed, but when one old white man didn't wave back, the muscles in his forearm flexed.
I ran my fingertips along his arm. "Are you worried about what people will think?"
His eyebrows pushed together. "What do you mean?"
I shrugged as I picked at my nails. "I mean, after what happened... This is the first time you're bringing another girl around, and she's white."
"I'm sure we'll get some looks, or even some words said, but this is my chance to really put the past behind me. I can't let it control my life forever. We're here to support my brother. It's his night to shine, and I'm not going to let anything, or anyone, ruin that."
The corners of my lips pulled into a smile as I studied his handsome features. I was proud of Daxson for how he'd come to terms with everything that had happened to him. His strength was something I hoped would rub off on me. I interlaced our fingers on the console, and Daxson glanced at me.
"What?" He questioned.
I shook my head. "Nothing. I'm just happy to be on this journey with you."
Daxson laughed as he turned down a small neighborhood road. "I'm happy you're here too." His eyes flickered back to the road as we passed by the packed parking lot outside of the high school.
People dressed in blue and white weaved between cars on their way to the brightly lit stadium. Young boys threw footballs back-and-forth over the top of crowds while young girls waved their pompoms in the air. News tents were set-up at the entrance of the stadium as camera men scanned the parking lot to broadcast the thrills of playoff football to the whole state of Mississippi. Daxson parked the truck off in the ditch on the other side of the road from the stadium because it was one of the few open spots. When I opened the door, it flung open from the angle of the ditch and almost sent me tumbling from the truck, but Daxson appeared to catch me. Having him around is like having my own personal super hero.
Daxson laughed as his arms snaked around my waist and pinned me against the open door of the truck. My back pressed into the leather seat when he pushed his body against mine.
"You know, I don't think I'll ever get tired of having to save you from busting your face." His warm breath washed across my skin, his lips pressed to my collarbone.
A shiver rushed through me as he continued to leave a trail of hot kisses along my neck until he came to my ear.
"You think you're funny, don't you?" I asked.
Daxson's strong hands grasped at my hips and lifted me until my legs wrapped around his waist. His teeth nipped at my earlobe before he chuckled. "No, I know I'm funny, and I dare you to tell me otherwise."
I tilted my head as a soft gasp escaped my lips. My hands gripped onto his t-shirt that framed the curve of his muscular shoulders. I wanted to protest. To tell him he wasn't funny, but the heat he stirred between my legs was enough to keep me silenced. My fingers drifted to his face as I forced him to look at me and his eyes were like candles in the night, their light a spark of passion... of desire.
I urged his lips toward mine, begging him to kiss me. The need to taste him right now was stronger than ever. My body ached for him in such an unfamiliar way that it scared me, but I was comforted by the fact that I knew he would never take advantage of me.
Daxson leaned forward until our lips brushed together, but he hesitated. "Ally, you have no idea how bad I want to continue, bu it's almost time for kick- off. We're here for Malik, remember? Let's not be selfish." He tilted his head up to kiss my forehead before his hands released me.
I unwillingly unwrapped myself from him. My body tingled, and was lined with goosebumps when the heat of his body left mine. I stuck my bottom lip out. "But I don't get to be selfish that often." My fingers grasped at the bottom of his t-shirt, trying to pull him back to me.
Daxson chuckled as his hands grabbed mine. "I know you don't, but please, do this for me." His eyes remained locked on me.
"You know I'd do anything for you." I smiled playfully and released his hands, turning to start up the steep hill.
He caught my hand and pulled me back to him again. His free hand grasped my chin firmly as he forced me to look at him. "I promise, I'll make the wait worth it."
The gentle threat in his voice stoked the fire inside me even more, but all I could manage was a stiff nod. He released my chin with a smile before rushing past me up the grassy ditch. When I caught up to him at the top of the incline, he locked the truck and we walked shoulder-to-shoulder toward the stadium. The announcer's voice echoed in the distance, rambling on about some type of fundraiser the high school was participating in right now.
"So, this is your old stomping grounds, huh?" I asked, glancing up at Daxson.
His eyes scanned over the crowd of people and focused on the field on the other side of a black metal fence. "Yeah, I have a lot of memories here."
"Good ones, right?"
Daxson glanced at me with a soft smile. "For the most part, yes. This place was basically my home away from home during my childhood, but it was also the last place I got to see Jacie happy and living the life she deserved." The pain overtook his features.
I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Dax, I'm sorry. I didn't mean tâ"
He cut me off. "It's not your fault, Ally. It's just a strong memory, but Dr. Hawthorn was right when he said coming back here would be good for me."
"Just remember I'm here for you if you need me." I smiled at him.
Daxson focused on me. "I know, and I can't thank you enough."
"Ally, Dax!" The sharp voice brought us back out of our bubble.
We both turned to see Alexis running at us from the entrance gates. Her braids flapped in the wind and smacked her in the face as she made her way over.
"Hey, sis. What's up?" Daxson asked, lifting her into the air when she crashed into him.
I laughed as Alexis' legs kicked out behind her and took a step back. "Hey, Alexis. Long time, no see, girly."
Alexis giggled wildly as Daxson sat her down, throwing her skinny arms around my waist. "I'm so happy you guys are here."
"We're really happy to be here," I responded, straightening her black glasses for her.
The commotion of the reunion caused a few people around us to stop and stare, and it didn't take long for them to realize who Daxson was. Hushed whispers and sharp screams of excitement filled the air before some people ran forward to ask for his autograph. He'd shake hands with some people and snap pictures while other people he'd greet by name and pull them into a tight hug.
"This is the first time he's been home since Daddy's funeral." Alexis squeezed the tips of my fingers.
I tore my eyes away from Daxson to gaze at Alexis. "I know, but it isn't because he doesn't love you."
Alexis nodded. "Of course not. Football keeps him busy, and I think he just wasn't ready to be here."
I focused back on Daxson with a smile as some of the local officers moved in, warning the crowd to back off. Daxson motioned for Alexis and I to follow him as he entered through the metal fence to step onto the field. The yellow goalpost towered over us as we stood at the edge of the end zone. Malik, who wore the same number across his chest as Daxson, caught a pass from his quarterback and tucked the ball to run it into the end zone. When Malik looked up and saw Daxson clapping his hands excitedly, he dropped the ball onto the field and stopped in his tracks.
"You're actually here." Malik pulled his helmet off and stared at Daxson.
A smile formed on Daxson's lip as he held his fist out to Malik. "I wouldn't miss this moment, lil bro."
Malik lifted his hand to touch his knuckles with Daxson's and a wide grin appeared on his face. "Thanks, Dax. This means everything to me."
Daxson folded his arms across his chest. "I just want to see you put your heart into it tonight. Just like dad always taught us."
One of the referees blew hard into his whistle to signal the start of the game. Malik pulled his helmet back on and nodded to Daxson before jogging back over to his team dressed in white. Alexis tugged at my hand and pulled me over beside Daxson.
I glanced up at him. "That was cute, almost like a scene from a movie."
Daxson chuckled. "If it's like a scene from a movie, my presence will motivate him and his team to win, right?"
I gripped Alexis' hand tighter. "It should, but don't let your head get too big." I winked at him.
Daxson's golden eyes focused on my face. "You keep my ego reigned in."
Alexis let go of my hand to grab onto Daxson's leg. "We need to go see Momma before the game starts."
Daxson lifted Alexis onto his shoulders and held onto her feet. "You lead the way, oh Tall One."
Alexis giggled as she pointed her index finger in the direction of the bleachers. I smiled and followed along beside Daxson. My eyes scanned over the crowds of teenagers that lingered beneath the bleachers. A group of guys showed off their muscles to gain the attention of a few girls in tight jean shorts who were obviously ill-dressed for the cooler weather.
"Did you used to be one of those 'cool' kids?" I asked as we walked up the ramp to the creaky bleachers that were packed full of people.
Daxson peered through the bleachers to see the teenagers I was talking about before a grin twisted onto his face. "I'm not going to lie to you, Ally. I did take a girl beneath the bleachers one time my freshman year of high school."
"Mmhm. How'd that go for you?"
Daxson set Alexis back on the ground and placed his hands around her ears. "It went pretty well. Let's just say she wasn't the only girl who wanted some of me." He flashed a cocky smile.
I should've known he was that guy in high school. The home crowd cheered when the opposing team kicked the ball into the air. Daxson turned his attention to the game as the guy set to receive the ball returned it to the twenty-five yard line.
Alexis pulled Daxson's hands away from her ears. She turned to look at him with her hands on her hips. "I hope you know I still heard everything you said. You don't have to cover my ears. I'm not a baby. I know what 'going under the bleachers' means." She flicked her braids over her shoulders and took off running toward their mother, who sat in the front row behind the home team's bench.
Daxson stared after her with his mouth open. "You're too young to know what that means!" He called behind her.
I rolled my eyes and folded my arms across my chest. "Kids know everything these days. The internet has really changed the world."
"So, you'd be okay with Caleâ" He started.
I held my finger up and shook my head. "Caleb is only eleven, but I know he already knows about that stuff."
Daxson chuckled. "What did you find in his room?"
I rolled my eyes. "I just found some websites on the family computer. Nothing too embarrassing, but that's when I learned I have to let him grow up."
He threw his arm around my shoulder and pulled me against his side. "I'm not ready for her to grow up yet."
I wrapped my arm around his waist and smiled. "You can't control it. You just need to enjoy the time you have with her while she's still young."
"Looks like I need to make up for lost time." He waved to a couple of people in the stands as we strolled down the bleachers to Alexis and his mother.
His mother wore a white t-shirt with a blue tiger on the front and number eleven on the back. Her thick braids were pulled back into a ponytail to keep her from getting too hot when she cheered for her youngest son. She focused on the field, swaying back and forth as she clapped her hands, until she noticed us coming up the bleachers.
"Allyson!" His mother flung her arms open and pulled me into a tight hug. "It's so good to see you again, babygirl."
The embrace warmed me to my core. It reminded me of the way my mother used to hug me before Caleb was born; before I had to be perfect. It was full of love and acceptance for me.
"It's so good to see you again. Thanks for allowing me to come visit." I released her and returned to Daxson's side.
"Of course. We're all family around here. Plus, I know Daxson wanted you to be here." She winked at me before hugging Daxson.
"Way to spill all my secrets, Momma." Daxson squeezed his mother with a bright smile.
"That's what Mommas do, child." She patted his cheek with a soft smile before leaning around us to look onto the field. "Just in time for the first play."
Daxson and I moved to stand beside her on the bleachers, clapping when Malik's team ran onto the field. They huddled in the middle of the field as they prepared for the first play of the game. The bright stadium lights reflected off their blue helmets as they exited the huddle to line up on the twenty-five yard line. Malik swung out wide and pointed toward the sideline as he waited for the snap of the ball.
"Go Malik!" I shouted, bouncing up and down between Daxson and his mother.
Daxson chuckled beside me. "You got this, little bro!"
Silence overtook the field while the ball was snapped. Malik took off up the sideline, easily beating his defender and waving his arm in the air. The quarterback stepped back to throw the long pass to him.
"Throw it!" Daxson's mother yelled as she grabbed onto my arm.
The ball soared through the air. The crowd was silent. Daxson's body was tense with excitement. When the ball landed in Malik's hands, he coasted into the end zone for a brilliant opening touchdown. The home crowd erupted into loud cheers as the cheerleaders waved their pompoms in front of us and jumped up and down. Oh, how I remember those days.
Daxson's mother clapped wildly and gave high-fives to all the other player's mothers who sat around her. "That's one. Many more to come! We got this boys."
Daxson stepped forward to lean against the rail. "That's how you do it, Malik! I see you, boy!"
The rest of the team swarmed his brother and patted him on the back as they jogged back to the sidelines. My eyes roamed across Daxson's body as he remained bent over the rail, cheering for his little brother. A mixture of love for his brother and passion for football oozed from him in the most attractive way. The muscles in his back flexed beneath the thin fabric of the t-shirt and the stadium lights highlighted the colorful tattooed ink on his arms as he gripped onto the metal rail. My thoughts returned to earlier when he had me pinned against his truck, causing the fire inside me to reignite.
Even though I'd always been told to save myself for marriage, I couldn't get rid of the desire to have sex with Daxson. There was something about the way he made me feel. Or maybe it was just because he was so damn sexy. Or maybe you're being a slut, Allyson.
I bit my lip and folded my arms across my chest. I've really got to get it together. I turned my attention to the game again. The other team had driven the ball to the ten yard line, and Malik's team had to fight to keep them out of the end zone.
The cheerleaders beneath us chanted 'Defense' to pump up the crowd. When the center snapped the ball, the opposing quarterback fumbled the ball, allowing the defense to recover. The crowd erupted into cheers.
"You good?" Daxson asked as he stepped back over beside me.
I looked up at him and nodded. "I'm better than good." I stretched to give him a soft kiss on the lips.
Daxson flashed his white smile. "So, does that mean you'd be okay with me watching the game from the sideline? Coach Harper invited me down to give the boys some motivation. Maybe even coach a little." His eyes seemed to sparkle with a happiness I'd never seen from him before.
He did say he wanted to be a teacher or a coach one day. This was his dream.
"Yeah, Dax. I'll be fine. Your mom has my back."
Daxson pressed his lips to my forehead. "I'll see you after the game."
I closed my eyes and inhaled his familiar scent. "I'll be here. You go do you." I pushed his chest playfully.
He smiled before turning to climb over the metal rail and drop onto the field. Once he got to the sideline, he was greeted by a few of the coaches. His mother leaned toward me and continued clapping as Daxson took over the huddle for Coach Harper.
"I can't thank you enough for giving me Daxson back," she whispered.
I glanced at her. "You've always had him. He's just been a little broken."
His mother's eyes never left Daxson, following him as he patted a few of the high school boys on the shoulders. "I know, but you put his pieces back together. You gave him the strength to come back home."
"That was all Daxson. He gathered that strength on his own."
I'd come to the conclusion that Daxson had used football as an excuse to avoid coming home. So, I guess Demarcus was somewhat justified in his anger. My eyes flickered around to see if Daxson's second oldest brother had showed up to the game, but he was nowhere to be found.
His mother laughed softly and shook her head. "I was scared to see him with another white girl, especially after what happened with Jacie," she hesitated. "But I'm a firm believer in the heart wants what it wants. All I ask is that you take care of him."
My heart sank into my stomach as the last words left her lips. I wanted to take care of him with every fiber of my being, but the guilt resurfaced. My stomach churned at the thought of standing up to my racist parents about my love for Daxson. I could only imagine how they'd react, because luckily my father had missed the last football game to work in the fields. He never saw me on the sideline with Daxson's family. I focused on Daxson, who was calling plays for Malik's team on the sideline. It didn't matter how they'd react because I knew I'd have him.
I grabbed her hand. "I'll always take care of him. I can promise you that."
She smiled before erupting into a screaming fit when Malik's team moved the ball down the field. We watched the rest of the game together in harmony, cheering at the same times and booing at the refs for every bad call. After an exciting end to the game and a win for Malik's team, we made our way down to the field where Daxson stood with his arm around Malik.
"That was an awesome game. I saw some great catches from you." I pushed Malik's shoulder with a smile before grabbing Daxson's hand. "And some great coaching from you."
"Thanks, Allyson. I'm just stoked we won. We get to move on to the second round." Malik shook his helmet in the air.
His mother threw her arms around both of them and smiled. "I'm so proud of my boys." She rubbed their shoulders with her hands. "So, what are we going to do to celebrate?"
Alexis stood beside me with her head cocked to one side. "Daxson might take Allyson under the bleachers." She stuck her tongue out.
Malik stifled a laugh.
"Little miss lady, behave yourself." His mother smacked her hands together before she glared at Daxson. "Will you watch what you say around her?"
"She already knew what that meant, Momma."
His mother shook her head. "I know, but I'm still going to scold you because I know you talked about it around her." She motioned for Malik to follow her and Alexis as they headed to the parking lot. "You guys are probably tired from the drive. Let's get you some rest and celebrate tomorrow."
Alexis nodded as her eyes lit up with a glint of excitement. "Allyson is staying at the house?"
"I was planning on it. Is that okay with you?" I asked, watching Alexis as she followed her mother off the field.
"Of course. I can't wait to show you all my stuff." She squeezed her mother's hand.
Daxson and I followed them toward the parking lot with the mass of other people that came to visit the small town to watch the football game. The whole town buzzed with a sense of purpose after their small football team made it to the next round of the state playoffs.
An older lady with dark skin and short black hair stepped in front of us in the parking lot. Her eyes were wild and shifted from person to person before focusing on me. She tightened her hands into fists. "Who do you think you are, bringing another girl around after what happened to my brother? Are you trying to lose your children too, Jasmine?"
"Why'd you have to bring this up in front of them, Debbie? Really? That's how you want to be today? Just let me enjoy time with my children and their guest." Jasmine glared at who I assumed was Daxson's aunt.
"My brother could be enjoying time with you guys right now if it wasn't foâ" Daxson held his hand up to interrupt his aunt Debbie.
"That's enough." He exhaled sharply. "Auntie, I know you're still hurting from the loss... We all are in our own way, but you can't blame any of that anger on Allyson. She didn't do anything. Being hateful toward her isn't going to bring Dad back."
Debbie sighed and shook her head, glaring at her nephew with malice in her eyes. "You're the one to talk, Daxson. It all happened because of you, and you've been too scared to come back here."
Daxson's mother cleared her throat as her eyes bounced from Daxson to Debbie. "We aren't about to do this right now. Would your brother like you talking to his kids like this?"
His aunt's expression went blank before she looked to the ground.
"That's what I thought. How about you call me once you've had time to calm down and think things through." Jasmine pulled Alexis' hand and pushed past Debbie.
Daxson glared at his aunt as we walked by. "It's good to see you too, Auntie."
We split from his mother and siblings, heading across the street back to his truck.
"Hey, thanks for standing up for me," I said, watching his back as he walked in front of me.
Daxson sighed and yanked the door to his truck open. "I'm tired of people holding onto something they can't change. Why can't they just let us be happy?" His shoulders tensed.
I stepped in front of him and made him look at me. "There's always going to be people out there who don't want us to be happy... it's just how the world is, but we can't let them control our relationship." My fingers trailed along his cheek. Was I trying to convince him, or myself? "We knew this would be hard, but I think today was a big step for both of us, Dax. Let's focus on the victories instead of the losses."
Daxson's golden eyes locked onto mine through the darkness. "You're right."
"Of course, I am." I smiled and pulled his face down to mine.
One of his hands rose to my neck, his hot fingertips searing my skin as he held me close. Our breath mingled in small gap between us. As our lips crushed together, I felt like I was walking on air. It was magic, the way his lips connected with mine. His mouth so warm, the caress of his lips soft, and I opened my mouth with a low moan.
He broke the kiss with a soft chuckle. "I think it's time I take you home."