Axel's Daisy

52 • Destiny

  "Are we matching skirts for the game?" Jade asked, her bed cluttered with outfit options. "I don't know what to wear." She slumped her head on my shoulder.

  I patted her cheek. "You'll be fine. Yes, we can match skirts." Her excitement was palpable as she leaped up and grabbed the pink mini skirts.

  "We'll look hot and shaggable," she said with a devilish grin, tossing the skirt at me.

  "You almost blinded me," I gasped as the skirt nearly hit my face. She rolled her eyes playfully before heading to the bathroom to change.

  With just forty minutes left to get ready, I felt butterflies in my stomach. The exhilaration of having a boyfriend for almost two months and getting to watch him play—especially since he was the best quarterback in Wisconsin—was overwhelming.

  I shook out my hands and took a deep breath before changing into the skirt, cursing Jade for choosing such a short one. My pale legs were fully exposed down to my white sneakers.

  The light pink tank top looked great with the skirt, and I wore the jersey over it for the game. Axel had mentioned there would be an afterparty, and my dad had texted me about a 'hangout' with the neighbor. I stifled a laugh at his embarrassed tone.

  Jade emerged from the bathroom, her figure accentuated by the pink skirt and a white off-shoulder top, paired with the jersey and black boots. She looked like a rockstar as she joined me for a mirror selfie.

  "Is it late to say I love you?" I asked.

  "It's never too late, my sister from another mister," she replied, pinching my cheek. We hugged quickly before twirling in front of her full-length mirror.

  "Time for the sparkles," I reminded her.

  She widened her eyes and dragged me to her makeup table, where glittery compacts in various colors were laid out.

  "Pick a color."

  "I like the silver one," I chose, and she clapped her hands in approval.

  "Perfect, lucky Axel," she said, applying silver sparkle to the side of my cheek.

  "Lucky Brady," I winked back at her. She blushed furiously at the mention of his name.

  We finished our makeup, squealing and fangirling over our boyfriends. I never expected Jade's earlier prediction to come true—that I'd be with Axel and she'd be with Brady. Damn, Jade could be a fortune teller.

  I smiled at Jade, who was focused on the road. She returned my smile with a cheeky wink.

  The parking lot was packed with people from other schools—girls in revealing outfits and jocks mingling with students. I was not a fan of high school's superficial social ladder and the constant drama. I couldn't wait for the week to end, with finals, graduation, and college applications looming. I hadn't decided yet, wanting to work as a florist for a few weeks before applying to college. Axel hadn't made his choice either, but I knew he wouldn't be leaving Wisconsin.

  Jade parked near a dumpster, and we carefully exited the car to avoid exposing ourselves. The smell of Axel's cinnamon cologne from the oversized jersey was comforting, and the outfit was adorable with the skirt.

  I hoped they'd win today. Axel's determination throughout senior year was one of the things I admired most about him—he wasn't like the other guys who chased after girls. That's what drew me to him.

  Jade held my hand as we navigated through the crowd. We managed to find seats before the game started, and despite the early arrival, the stands were already packed.

  "Let's surprise them. There's a shortcut over there," Jade suggested, standing up. I followed her, and we made our way to where Axel and Brady were.

  I spotted Axel with the rest of the team, and recognizing his jersey number, I hugged him from behind. Jade went to surprise Brady.

  Axel stiffened in surprise before turning around and lifting me into his arms.

  "Here to give me my good luck kiss?" He asked, his breath warm on my lips. His amber eyes sparkled with affection as he nuzzled his nose against my jaw, inhaling my natural strawberry scent. His lips brushed against my neck.

  "Do you need it?" I teased, taking in his structured face, freckles, and high cheekbones.

  "Yes, without it, I wouldn't win now," he whispered, his eyes glistening with love.

  "You look so beautiful, baby," he said, his lips brushing mine.

  Our kiss deepened, the intensity making my stomach flutter.

  "I'll see you, Daisy," he murmured, placing his forehead against mine as we gazed at each other longingly.

  "I'll be the one with your jersey," I promised.