Page 7 of Full Court Love

Here we go.

CHAPTER 4

JORDAN

Ican’t take my eyes off Lucy. She’s in the opposite corner of the gym, but her eyes flicker over in my direction, and I see the realization dawn on her face. It almost looks like she smiles, although it’s impossible to tell from here. Maybe I’m just hoping.

I’m standing next to a ball rack with five balls on it–each of the five spots has the same count, for a total of twenty-five shots. I feel the familiar thrill of competition coursing through my veins. My heart picks up–though this could also be tied to the fact that I’m finally in the same room with Lucy again.

Even though this room is massive.

And filled with other people.

I shake my head, trying to chase away the image of Lucy pushing the hair from her shoulder and grinning as she splashed threes in my face. Somehow, she looked adorable while doing something that should’ve embarrassed me.

The clock begins the countdown.10, 9, 8…I glance to the side and see a group of girls giggling, whispering, and very obviously looking my way. When they see me notice, the giggling gets louder.

The old me loved that kind of attention. I might have evengiven them a wink. But now, the only girl I want to impress is trying to beat me. And if I’m being totally honest, even that fact is a major turn-on. I love a girl with some edge.

Damn. I need to focus.

3, 2, 1… BEEP.

I start launching. Normally, I’m a one-track-mind kind of competitor. Win or die trying. But today my mentality is more “impress Lucy and then figure out a way to get her number.”

I go 3 for 5 on the first two spots. Then 4 for 5. By the fourth spot, I’m finally hitting my stride. I make all five shots and hear the crowd begin to roar. As I run to the final corner, I glance up and see that we’re tied at fifteen makes each, with one spot left.

Lucy got the better of me at the YMCA game. Now I need to even the score. The thought of a one-on-one type of competition with her sends a jolt down my spine. I can think of some other one-on-one things I would like to do with her.

I make the first shot–I hear the girls sitting on the sideline squeal.

I make the second shot–what would it feel like to have Lucy cheering for me like that?

I make the third shot–or see her wear my jersey?

I make the fourth shot–or see her wear even less?

I let the final shot go. It rims around and drops in.

Oddly, no one rushes to congratulate me. I look up at the board and see why.

We tied. We both went 20 for 25. Not a bad showing, but obviously we need a clear winner. A tie is not an acceptable result in a contest like this, which means there’s going to be a tiebreaker.

The announcer beckons us both to half-court. I meet Lucy’s eyes as I get closer and see that her subtly cocky smile has made its return. Her eyes are slightly narrowed, though–there’s a cutthroat competitor underneath that beautiful exterior.

The announcer gestures to both of us.

“How about that performance? One of the most exciting we’ve ever had in our three-point contest! Give them a hand, folks.”

Lucy beams and waves at all the cheering fans. No wonder she’s a fan favorite. I follow her lead, giving a big smile, and I hear that same posse of girls go crazy. Lucy shoots me a sideways glance, and I definitely see her roll her eyes.

Not exactly a great sign.

“However, we still need a winner,” the announcer continues. “So, we are going to have a sudden death shoot-out. First person to miss loses. Last man–or woman–standing is our champion.”

We both walk over to the top of the key, and I gesture with a giant sweeping motion. “Ladies first.”

Lucy’s eyes narrow once again, but she matches my borderline flirtatious energy with a smirk as she answers. “Fine by me.”