Dating Mr. Arrogant

chapter 23 - i was your first kiss?

ACE

We kept the game 2-0. It was an easy win after that first goal; their players tired out and their passes turned sloppy. They weren't sore losers like the last team we faced, but I can tell they weren't happy with how they played.

Our team is getting the hang of working together. Our passes and communication are better on the field than the practice scrimmage. Sometimes the guys groan when I repeat things or put them through drills, but it's part of being the captain. They joke that it's worse than military training. The coach trusts me to lead the team and steps in to give pointers when needed. He tells me it'll strengthen my leadership skills if I decide to go pro. Not that I plan on it, but he's right about the leadership part.

I've turned down many offers to jump straight into the professional leagues. I played soccer since I was a kid, inspired by watching my uncle play for the U.S. team. Going pro was my dream for a while, but as I got older, my priorities changed. Now, I'm focused on getting my business degree in college and eventually taking over the family business.

"Alright, keep that up for the next few games. The goal right before halftime was a game-changer. Good work there, Mason." Coach Reid announces, turning to Mason with a hint of pride and everyone applauds the sophomore kid who filled in for our regular midfielder, Thiago.

Coach Reid goes on about ways we can improve for our next game. "Make sure to thank your family and supporters for coming out." He finishes, before heading over to the other team's coach for a chat.

"Bro, we should check out that new wing place. I'm starving." Justin suggests, kicking off his cleats and slipping on a pair of slides.

"That place with the challenge called 'Twelve Minutes in Hell'?" Rohan pipes up, pulling on a pair of black sweatpants over his shorts.

"Yeah, we can bet on how fast you can eat them," Justin responds with a playful smirk.

"What? Why me?" Rohan exclaims, throwing his hands up.

"You eat Indian food that's probably spicier than those wings," George chimes in, joining Rohan's side.

"True, I do like my spicy food," Rohan shrugs.

I glance over to the area where Elle and her friends were standing earlier, only to find them gone. Even a quick scan of the stands turns up nothing.

"I guess Ace has to check with the girlfriend," Justin quips. "Why don't you text her to meet us in the parking lot?" He also begins scanning the area.

If only he knew the real reason was that I didn't have Elle's number. "My phone is dead." I lie, not wanting him to push the situation any further.

I start walking away; the boys trailing behind. I dodge conversations and quickly acknowledge people congratulating us with, "Good game," or "Great teamwork."

Eventually, I spot Elle. She stands in a circle with her friends on the grassy area just outside the stadium's walkway. Her laughter echoes through the night air. My steps come to a slow stop, an unexpected feeling of swelling spreading in my chest at the sound. It's followed by a smile—a real, carefree smile that sparks a strange, protective urge in me like I want to guard it from anything that can dim the light in her eyes. Like that time, she walked through the hallway with confidence. I tell myself it's because I'd never seen her like this, so unguarded and full of happiness.

Jade had mentioned her friends from her old high school were coming to the game. Something about how one of them has a crush on a guy from the team we played tonight. Either way, Jade practically begged me to be the best boyfriend ever, stressing how much these friends mean to Elle.