The Girl Next Door

20. Game Night and Aftermath

ASTRID'S POV

The stadium was electric, the crowd going wild, but all I could focus on was him. Alex, sprinting toward the end zone like his life depended on it. My heart raced as I stood, screaming along with everyone else.

When he dove into the end zone, securing the win for his team, I couldn't help but cheer at the top of my lungs. The intensity of the game, the way he played—it was all so captivating.

I watched his teammates patting his back, his smile unstoppable, and then his eyes found mine.

I watched him pull off his helmet, his hair messy and damp from sweat. Even like that, he looked... amazing. His confidence, his determination—it was magnetic.

As he started walking toward me, my stomach flipped. Was he really coming this way?

But then Melanie Hawkins happened.

She intercepted him like it was part of her game plan, throwing her arms around his neck in that overly familiar way. I felt a pang in my chest, something sharp and uncomfortable. Anger, maybe? Jealousy? I didn't want to admit it, but yeah, I was annoyed.

Who was I to feel this way, though? Alex wasn't mine. We were barely friends, really. Still, watching her cling to him like that made me feel small.

But then he moved her aside, his eyes never leaving mine as he continued walking in my direction. My heart thudded harder with every step he took.

When he finally stopped in front of me, he smiled—this genuine, boyish smile that made him look even more attractive. His dimple showed on his right cheek, and I couldn't help but notice how perfect it made him look.

"Hi," he said, his voice slightly breathless.

"Hey," I managed to say back, trying not to sound as flustered as I felt.

He tilted his head, his grin widening. "Did I tell you I was going to win this for you?"

My cheeks heated instantly, and I looked away, trying to hide my smile. "No, but I guess I'll take the credit."

He chuckled, running a hand through his messy hair. "Good. Because it was all for you."

And just like that, "Is that right?"

He smiled. Then his teammates called for him.

He jogged over, still catching his breath, and said, "Wait for me out front. I'll change real quick and meet you there."

Before I could protest, he was already back in the crowd, laughing and celebrating with his teammates.

I walked toward the front of the stadium, the sound of the crowd fading behind me, when a strong scent of perfume hit my nose. I knew instantly it wasn't a guy's cologne—it was definitely a girl's.

Turning around, I saw Melanie and her cheering squad approaching, all smiles and eyes full of judgment.

"Well, well, if it isn't the nerdy girl," Melanie sneered, her voice dripping with condescension.

I rolled my eyes and stood my ground. "Nerdy? Well, if I was, I'd wear it like a badge of honor." I crossed my arms, refusing to let her words get to me.

She glared at me, her eyes narrowing, and I could practically feel the anger radiating off her. I didn't need to be a mind reader to understand why—Alex.

I remembered the night at Geoff's party, when Alex had dumped her in front of everyone. She had looked so hurt, and a small part of me felt bad for her. But as I watched her now, her attitude so bitter and condescending, I couldn't help but feel like maybe she deserved it.