Free Crushing on the Enemy by Sarah Adams Page A

out, which was more than fine with Alyssa. She didn't want to talk to anyone right now.

    The game started well enough with Jake scoring a touchdown, but went downhill from there. By half time the Rattlesnakes were twelve points behind. Alyssa watched as the coaches called their players to them. She paced nervously back and forth.

    There was only a minute left of half time when she decided to make her move. She sprinted across the field to where the Rattlesnakes were gathered. Alyssa grabbed Jake by the arm and pulled him to her. They had been seeing one another for a few months now, but since they were taking things slower than most, they hadn't shared a real kiss yet.

    Alyssa wrapped her arms around Jake's shoulders and laid one on him. She held tight to him as the kiss continued and only let go of him when she heard the buzzer calling the players back to the field.

    “You can do this, Jake!” She shouted as she ran back to her spot on the sideline.

    “Snake kisser,” Katie hissed when she arrived back over.

    “Better a snake kisser than a poser,” Alyssa said and tossed her pom-poms at the other girls.

    “COME ON, JAKE!” she shouted.

    Their kiss really seemed to turn the tide of the game!

    “Maybe I am his good luck charm,” Alyssa laughed to herself.

    She ignored the dirty looks Coach Bowens was throwing her way when she neglected to participate in cheering for the Panthers. Instead she kept her eyes locked to Jake's number forty-two jersey.

    “COME ON, JAKE! YOU CAN DO THIS! TAKE IT TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP, BABY!” she cheered.

    The last quarter was nearly over and the Rattlesnakes only needed one more touchdown to win the game. Alyssa's heart was thumping hard against her chest and her hands were shaking.

    “Come on, Jake,” she said under her breath, “this is yours! This is so freakin' yours!”

    Alyssa let out a sigh of relief as Jake scored just before the final buzzer sounded.

    “YES!” she cheered leaping off the ground,

    She ran onto the field pushing her way past Ryan and the other Panthers. Jake met her halfway across the field and pulled her into another lingering kiss, but it ended abruptly when Jake's teammates reached him.

    Alyssa moved away to let the team celebrate together. She stood for a moment watching before she dashed to her car, remembering she had less than an hour to get ready for the dance.

    Fortunately, Mattie's Aunt lived near the school and had offered to let her get ready for the dance at her place. She drove like a mad woman trying to beat the after game traffic.

    Alyssa had never before showered and dressed so quickly. Thankfully, Mattie had volunteered to come over and help her with her hair. While Mattie spun her hair into perfect ringlets Alyssa did her makeup.

    “I wish you were coming with me tonight,” Alyssa smiled.

    “So do I,” Mattie laughed, “Some of those Rattlesnake boys are hot!”

    “That's not what I meant, but I have to agree,” Alyssa giggled.

    “You better, or it might hurt Jakie-poos feelings,” Mattie laughed.

    “Don't call him that,” Alyssa said.

    “Why not? Are you not to the pet name stage yet?” she teased.

    “I will never call Jake, Jakie-poo, it makes me think of a poodle or something,” Alyssa laughed.

    “Yea, and I've never seen a blonde poodle before,” Mattie said laughing so hard that she nearly dropped the curling iron.

    “Be careful!” Alyssa squeaked.

    “Sorry,” Mattie said looking sheepish.

    Alyssa drove to Jake's school with Mattie riding shotgun. She would leave the dance with Jake and he'd bring her back to Mattie's aunt's house later.

    “Be careful with my car, Mattie, I mean it!” Alyssa warned before she got out.

    “I will!” Mattie said, “I've never been in an accident.”

    “I know,” Alyssa sighed.

    Jake was waiting for her by the door. He looked stunning in his tie and tux.

    “You look beautiful tonight,” he said, offering his arm to her.

    “Thanks,” she