End Game

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Nate

When I got to the Football House, the place was already lit. Bass thumped so hard the walls rattled, the porch was overflowing, and the whole yard was alive with people celebrating. The guys had earned it—big win tonight, energy through the roof.

But I wasn't here for the party.

I was here for Aurora.

I'd spotted her in the stands during the game, standing with Callie, and I'd been wired ever since. I knew she'd show up tonight. And sure enough—there she was. By the kitchen bar with Callie, Samuel, and TJ.

She looked... detached. Like she was there, but not really present. Maybe still pissed about being exposed, maybe trying to play it cool. Didn't matter. My pulse kicked up the second I saw her.

Then fingers slid around my arm.

"Nate, hey," a familiar, syrupy voice purred. Isla. "You were unreal tonight. Total MVP."

I turned and found her staring up at me, blue eyes shining, lips glossy. And for the first time in a long time, all I felt was irritation.

"Hey," I muttered, clipped.

She leaned in closer, pressing herself against me like she owned the right. "What's with the mood? You just had the best game of your life. Let me... reward you. Upstairs?"

I didn't take my eyes off Aurora. "No thanks."

Isla's smile faltered, then curved sharper, her tone laced with disbelief. "No thanks? Since when do you turn down sex?"

I finally looked at her, jaw tight. "Isla, we're not together. We hook up when it works. Tonight's not one of those nights."

Her eyes narrowed, her hand still tracing my arm like she could remind me what I was missing. "Whatever, Nate. We'll see whose bed you end up in when this party's over."

Normally, I might've caved—let Isla be Isla, let her fill the silence. But not tonight. Not with Aurora ten feet away. Isla didn't matter. Not anymore.

I pulled free and cut through the crowd, zeroing in on Aurora. Callie caught my eye first, flashing me a quick smile before turning back to Samuel. Aurora, though? She didn't even glance my way. Like I wasn't standing right there.

That only fueled me.

I smirked, stepped into their circle, and let my voice carry just enough to make sure it landed. "Hey, Ginger."

I gave the others a nod, but my focus was locked on her. "So—did you like the show tonight? Had to be a perfect view of all my touchdowns, right?"

Samuel snorted, shaking his head. "Here he goes."

TJ didn't laugh. He stepped in closer to Aurora, arms crossed like he was guarding her. "We get it, man. You killed it. Coach already said it enough. Do you really need Aurora to stroke your ego, too?"

I ignored him. My eyes never left hers.

She finally glanced up, calm, smug, lips wrapping around her straw before she answered. "Touchdowns?" she said, feigning confusion. "Didn't notice. I was too busy chatting with Callie."

Callie burst into giggles. "Honestly, same. Samuel's ass in those football pants? Way more entertaining."

Samuel grinned, proud as hell, and bent to kiss her.

And Aurora? She kept her cool, sipping her drink like she hadn't just sliced me open with that shrug.

I arched an eyebrow and leaned in, letting my grin do half the work. "Looks like you missed the show, Ginger," I said, the arrogance easy in my voice. "You missed me—kinda the star out there tonight."