The Red Zone (A Big Play Novel Book 2)

by Jordan Ford

  “Yes!” Colt slams into me from the other side, slapping my helmet and laughing.

  Finn wraps his mammoth arms around us all and we jump in a circle like some tween girls at a One Direction concert. We’re too hyped to think about the fact that we probably look like a bunch of knuckle-nuts.

  The Bears stalk off the field, throwing us evil glares that I’m only just aware of. They can look at us however the hell they want. I’m tempted to turn to Derek and give him the finger but our parents are watching, not to mention a row of eager scouts. I don’t want to come across like a complete douche. I flip him off in my head when he shouts some insult over his shoulder. As soon as the f-bomb leaves his lips, I tune out and turn my back on him.

  Colt whips off his helmet. He’s freaking shining right now. The Boise State coaches told him if he played well today, there’d be a verbal offer coming his way. I muss his hair then wrap my arm around his neck. “We’re gonna be Broncos, man!”

  He whoops to try and hide his emotion, but I’m pretty sure the second he gets alone or with his girl, he’s gonna start blubbering like a baby. His dreams are finally coming true.

  Our future’s set.

  Too bad that thought feels more like a gunshot wound than an excuse to party.

  I will the thought away and look into the stands. Mom’s cheering and smiling at me. Martin wraps his arm around her shoulders and says something to make her laugh. She gazes up at him and they start kissing. I roll my eyes and look to the other stands where I last saw Kaija. She’s standing between Tori and Dana Foster, laughing down at the girls jumping on either side of her.

  Whipping off my helmet, I shake the coaches’ hands and nod at their congratulations. “Thank you, Coach… Thank you… Thanks.” I don’t really hear what they’re saying to me. The crowd is still going for it, and I’m too buzzed from the win to absorb anything more than smiling faces right now.

  My cheeks heat with color when Coach Watson reaches me. He shakes his head and mutters, “Just like your father, kid. You’re gonna go far.”

  “Thank you, Coach.” I swallow, then step aside so he can keep congratulating the team. I turn to watch him, my chest swelling with Papa Bear pride. I’ve been working with these guys for years now and we’ve all come so far. This win has been epic…and Kaija saw the whole thing.

  I spin to seek her out again. She’s collecting her things and chatting with Tori as if they’re long-time friends. I nudge Colt’s elbow and point to the stands as Tori fights the departing crowd and heads for the front row. Dana’s doing the same and Kaija is forced to follow them.

  Yes!

  The coaches and local news reporters are waiting for team photos, but I’m sure they can spare a minute. I follow Colt as he grins and heads to the sidelines, stopping by the concrete wall to chat with Tori. “Hey, baby. You enjoy that?” he calls up to her.

  “Once I got my heart out of my throat.” She laughs, then stretches down to touch his hand.

  He jumps up and kisses her fingers.

  Kaija’s hovering behind her, trying not to look at me. I approach the fence with a confident smile. “Hey, Kiwi Girl. What’d you think of the game?”

  Her narrow nostrils flare slightly. She flicks her hair over her shoulder and crosses her arms. “It was okay, I guess.”

  “Aw, come on, you can do better than that.” I wink. “I saw you watching. You liked it.”

  “Maybe.” Her full lips fight a smile. “But certainly not because of you.”

  Colt goes still beside me, frowning up at the new girl while Dana’s mouth opens in horror. Tori bites her lips together and looks at the ground.

  I smirk. “You don’t like seeing men pushing it to the max on a field? I thought you’d be into that kind of thing. You know, with your rugby warriors and all that.” I don’t mean to sound quite so condescending.

  Kaija’s eyes light with a playful sparkle as her lips purse to the side. She’s fighting a grin, I can tell. Clearing her throat, she manages to regain control of her expression and gazes down at me with her own little smirk. “Unlike you, our rugby warriors don’t prance around a field in padding, helmets, and ballerina tights. We breed them tough in little ol’ New Zealand. You know, real men, playing real sports.”

  Her dark eyebrows rise while my lips part in slight wonder at her insult. She looks like she’s fighting a laugh—like she can’t believe she just said that. Her gaze shifts away from mine, hitting the fence to our right before diving down to the concrete at her feet.

  I glance at Colt, who is now glaring at her. Tori lets out a nervous, high-pitched titter. Slapping her hand over her mouth, she looks at Colt and gives him a silent apology. He shakes his head and winks at her then throws me a what the hell kind of look before starting to snicker himself.

  “See you around, tough guy.” Kaija spins on her heel, dashing away like she’s running from a tornado.

  All I can do is stand there and stare at the way her hips sway from side to side as she ascends the concrete steps. Dana scrambles after her while I gaze at Kiwi Girl’s backside, a slow smile spreading on my lips.

  “Feisty,” I murmur.

  “I was thinking bitchy, but okay,” Colt mutters.

  My smile grows even wider as I glance between the sweet couple in front me and compare their gag-worthy interactions to mine and Kaija’s.

  “She’s only bitchy ‘cause of me.” I start to laugh. Maybe it’s the high of winning, or the exhaustion of playing the toughest game I ever have, but I can’t help feeling like those insults were said in jest, and the main purpose was to try to put me off.

  It’s not going to work.

  She wants me…just like I want her. But, hey, if she likes to flirt dirty then so be it. I can flirt dirty too.

  This challenge just got that much more enticing.

  #8:

  And So It Begins

  Kaija

  I can’t believe I spoke to Mack that way. I was in defense mode and it just popped out of my mouth. I clench my jaw as I follow Anderson into school. I hid out with him all Sunday, hoping not to bump into the star quarterback. Mack Mahoney has an unnerving effect on me. He’s so sexy, yet arrogant…full of himself, but there’s something in his eyes that tells me it’s all for show.

  As much as I want to figure him out, I won’t go there. My snarky comments after the game (although said somewhat in jest) are simply proof that the guy brings out the worst in me. I’ve no doubt made an enemy of Colt and his sweet little girlfriend Tori, as well.

  Sigh.

  I shouldn’t be sighing. I should be happy.

  I don’t want to be part of that crowd. After how rude I was, I’m sure I’ve put them all off.

  So why can’t I get over this biting disappointment?

  “Do you remember where your classes are for the morning?” Anderson distracts me with his question.

  “Uh.” I blink, slow to process it, then nod and force a smile. “Uh-huh. I’m good. Plus, I can always ask for directions if I get lost, right?”

  Anderson gives me a kind smile. I can tell by the tightening in the corners of his eyes that he was kind of hoping I’d ask him to stick with me and show me around, but I spent the whole day with him yesterday and quickly discovered he’s the kind of guy that’s way more likable in small bursts. There’s only so much general knowledge I can handle in one day.

  “Did you know that…?”

  Ugh. I was fighting a serious case of snarky backchat by the afternoon. I had a feeling Anderson wouldn’t cope with my contemptuous teasing as well as Mack did. If anything, Mack looked like he enjoyed it.

  Yet another reason to like him…and another reason to stay as far away from him as possible.

  I don’t need any excuses to play my mean girl routine.

  “Well, enjoy your first Monday.” Anderson tentatively pats my shoulder, then waves his long fingers at me.

  I smile back and wave, then head for my locker. I don’t have much time before the bell, but I f
orgot my notepad on Friday—thanks to Mack distracting me—and I want to re-read my U.S. government stuff before class. Hopefully I won’t be so lost today.

  Busting around the corner, I duck and weave through student traffic until I reach my locker. I actually pass it and have to backtrack three metal doors before finding it. Punching in my combination, I swing open the door and let out a loud scream.

  There’s a humongous, hairy spider dangling in front of my books.

  This thing is a mother, with vibrating legs and red, beady eyes.

  Pressing my hand into my belly, I expel my breath, my racing heart stumbling back into rhythm as logic kicks in and tells me it’s a fake.

  A smile tugs at my lips. Reaching for the spider, I unhook it and show the concerned citizens around me that it was just a prank. A few of the girls start muttering OMGs and saying they could never cope with that.

  I have three older brothers. A fake spider in my locker is child’s play.

  I mean, my heart is still pounding like crazy, but I’m not about to show anyone how close to the verge of fainting I got. Whoever played this prank is not going to get that kind of satisfaction from me.

  Glancing around, I scan the halls and spot Mack leaning against the wall at the end of one. His handsome face rises with a playful grin.

  I narrow my eyes at him and shake my head, wishing like crazy that my mouth would control itself and stop smiling! I should be seriously pissed right now, but all I want to do is burst out laughing and yell, “Nice one, dickhead.”

  It’s as if Mack can read my mind. His sexy mouth blooms into a full grin, and then he has the balls to give me a two-fingered salute.

  I cock my eyebrow.

  Challenge accepted, mate. You better watch your back.

  Squeezing the spider in my hand, I smirk at him and enjoy the twinkle in his eye as he snickers and saunters out of view. I throw the spider into my locker and pull out my notes from Friday. The bell starts to ring as I slam my locker shut and head to class. My mind is racing with ideas of how to get Mack back, each one sending a sizzling sparkle right through my center.

  I shouldn’t be reacting this way. After everything I went through in New Zealand, I should be ignoring the spider. But it’s a funny prank, and unlike my jerk ex-boyfriend, Mack only did it for a laugh.

  I can’t fight my smile as I picture his cocky little salute. His brown gaze had been bright and playful, not narrowed and sinister.

  He isn’t out to hurt me…get my back up, maybe, but not take me down. I’m pretty sure I can tell the difference, which is why I’m also pretty sure that I won’t be able to resist getting him back.

  #9:

  The Prank Back

  Mack

  Kaija’s reaction to my spider prank yesterday was just what I expected. Seeing her fight that smile and then grin at me with a challenging glint in her eye told me everything I needed to know.

  Whether she wants to be or not, she’s the girl for me…and things are going to get interesting.

  I was on high alert for retribution all of Monday, but nothing ever came. I then vacillated between confidence in Kaija taking my prank well and wanting to play to thinking, I went too far and killed my chances.

  I can’t tell you how good it felt to get into my Camaro on Tuesday afternoon and have it start acting up. I punched the gas and a loud whistle sounded. I jerked to a stop and looked at my dashboard, the offending whistling making my forehead wrinkle.

  “What the hell is that?” Layla’s pretty face scrunches with a frown.

  I snicker and scan the dials and electronics, convinced Kaija is behind this. “Not sure.”

  I gently accelerate toward the school exit and the whistle hits a crescendo.

  “Seriously. What is wrong with your car?” Layla’s voice pitches with a small touch of fear. Not many people would ever notice it, but I’m hyper aware. She’s basically been scared of her own shadow since Dad died. She’s really good at hiding it, but her veneer is paper-thin when you’ve watched her try—and fail—to process the loss of her greatest hero. I’ve attempted to fill the space as best I can, but it’s hard. I’ll never be my father and, like I said before, it’s damn hard living up to his epic legacy.

  I give her a reassuring smile and pat her jean-clad knee. “It’s all good, Lay-lay. I’m guessing it’s just a prank.”

  “Who would prank you?”

  A broad smile stretches across my face.

  Pulling to the curb, I jump out and walk around the car, trying to figure out what Kaija’s done. I have to admire the fact she’s had the balls to mess with my car. This thing is my pride and joy. Dad handed me the keys on my twelfth birthday and told me the day I turned sixteen, it was all mine. I wish he could have been there to see me drive his beloved Camaro for the first time.

  The whistling noise is fading as I wander around the back of the car, but I’m pretty sure it’ll start up again the second I hit the gas.

  “Gutsy move, Kiwi Girl.” It only makes me like her more. She isn’t afraid of anything.

  Colt pulls up behind me and gets out of his truck with Finn on his tail.

  “What’s up, bro?” Finn lifts his chin at me.

  “Not sure.” I scratch the back of my head. “My car’s doing this whistling thing.”

  “Yeah, we can hear that.” Colt gives me a teasing grin before crouching low and looking for the cause of the noise.

  The passenger door opens and slams shut. Layla stalks around the car, her arms crossed as she scowls at my blue and orange baby. The guy who owns the paint shop was good friends with my dad and had the car painted midnight blue with orange racing stripes for my birthday last year. Mom was so excited, she nearly peed herself when Martin pulled off the white sheet to reveal my new car. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that I kind of liked the original grey-steel paint job.

  “Have you figured it out yet?” Layla’s tone is still laced with worry. I can’t decide if she’s more concerned for the safety of my car or her reputation. People are slowing down as they drive out of school, checking out the situation.

  I wave my hand at one offer of help, shaking my head with a “Thanks, anyway.”

  Layla glances over her shoulder before shuffling closer to us, hiding herself from view in front of Finn. He glances down at her, his lips pursing. It’s no secret he’s not Layla’s biggest fan. He’s never rude to her or anything, but his quiet looks of disapproval are enough. If I asked him to, he’d protect her at any cost, but that doesn’t mean he has to like her.

  Colt starts laughing and points to the back of my car. “I think I’ve found the problem.”

  I bob down beside him and grin. A whistle has been slotted into my exhaust pipe and duct-taped into place. “Nice move, Kiwi Girl.”

  “She did that?” Finn’s eyebrows flicker as he moves to turn off the ignition.

  Layla’s high boots click into view. “How are you so sure?”

  I squint up at her. “Because I left a fake spider in her locker yesterday.”

  A loud laugh pops out of Finn’s mouth while Layla’s upper lip curls. I stand tall to look down at her. “What?”

  “Why would you go pranking her?”

  I can’t help a smirk as I shrug and try to play it down.

  She rolls her eyes. “Why mess with the new girl? Don’t you think it’s a little mean?”

  “It’s not mean.” I point down at my exhaust while Colt unwinds the tape and pulls the whistle free. “She obviously wants to play.”

  “Don’t mess with fire, Mack. You need to stick with your people.” Layla flicks a lock of sleek hair over her shoulder like a snotty-nosed princess.

  A sharp frown dents my features. “What is it with this ‘your people’ crap? You’ve been hanging out with Roxy too long.”

  Her gaze shifts to the ground, a red hue burning her pale cheeks. “You know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, I know exactly what you mean…and I think it’s bullshit. You girls need to get
over yourselves.”

  She doesn’t say anything, just shrugs and clips back to the car. I glance at Finn, who’s gazing after her with an unimpressed frown.

  “I hate this, man.” I spread my arms wide. “Why do the lines have to be drawn in the first place?”

  “You don’t have to tell me.” Finn rubs his short Afro curls and glances at the whistle Colt’s holding. “She’s on point with one thing, though. Do you really want to mess with the new girl?”

  “Yeah, man.” Colt throws me the whistle. “It’s not like we’re in the third grade anymore. You don’t have to be mean to get her attention.”

  “Hey, I tried the conventional method and it didn’t fly.” I tuck the whistle into my pocket. “Besides, gentleman, she retaliated…and she wouldn’t have done that if she didn’t want to play.”

  My chest buzzes with giddy anticipation as my mind starts burning with ways to pay her back. Oh man, I am going to enjoy this.

  #10:

  The Sammy Alliance

  Kaija

  I hide around the edge of the main school building, watching Mack scratch the back of his head and chat with his friends. Much to my disappointment, they found the whistle easily and Mack didn’t seem flustered at all. I’d seen him lovingly touch his car as he walked around it after school yesterday. He was probably one of those guys who didn’t let you put your feet on the dashboard and who got off on washing it every weekend. But from the glimpses of his face I managed to catch, he almost looked pleased that someone had tampered with it.

  Which meant only one thing.

  He knew it was me. I guess I should have seen that one coming. Of course I was going to pay back the spider scare; I practically shouted it at him when we were playing eye-flirt yesterday morning.

  Because of his whole I love, and most likely name, my car thing, I was hoping for a little panic and frustration. But bloody hell, he looked triumphant!