Free Crushing on the Enemy by Sarah Adams Page B

blushed.

    Jake was always complementing her, but Alyssa wasn't totally used to it yet. Mattie said most girls would have to pay to receive complements like the ones Jake gave her. That made her nervous. Did he really think she was awesome or was it flattery?

    Alyssa shook her head to chase away her doubts. This was no time to contemplate the dynamics of their relationship. Tonight was about celebrating the win and the fact that Jake was going to the state championship.

    She had went to dances with boys before, but most of the time ended up just talking with the other girls. Alyssa was usually too shy to dance in front of others, but being around Jake made her feel more confident.

    “Would you like to dance?” he asked her when a slow song came on.

    “I'd love to,” Alyssa grinned.

    “You played really well tonight,” she said as they danced.

    “I couldn't let you down,” he chuckled.

    “The girls are going to hate me come Monday, but I'm okay with that,” she grinned, “I think I'm going to quit the squad anyway.”

    “Huh?” Jake asked.

    “Well, I need to study for my SATs and start to work on college applications and I just don't enjoy it anymore,” she explained.

    The homecoming dance ended too soon for Alyssa, but she had to admit that she was exhausted. Her legs and feet were aching from cheering and then dancing, but she didn't want the night to end.

    She and Jake left his teammates and their dates behind to grab burgers and drive to the park. Alyssa was surprised at how natural it felt for her to wear her expensive dress and sit in the park with Jake eating cheeseburgers.

    She kicked off her heels and climbed onto the tailgate beside of Jake. After they finished eating, Alyssa rested her head against his shoulder and looked up at the stars. She didn't realize she had fallen asleep until she woke up cuddled up to Jake in the bed of his truck. Her phone was ringing off the hook, but she didn't want to move to find her purse.

    “Your phone is ringing,” Jake whispered.

    “That's Mattie's ring tone,” she sighed and sat up, “she's most likely worried about me. What time is it?”

    “Almost four,” Jake said looking down at his phone.

    “Damn it!” she hissed and slid out of the truck bed.

    “I'm sorry,” Jake said.

    “No, I fell asleep too,” she sighed

    “It's been a long day,” he said, “Come on, I'll drive you back.”

    By the time the truck pulled into the driveway Alyssa had fallen asleep again.

    “We're here,” he whispered.

    “Oh,” she smiled.

    “Where have you been?” Mattie's angry voice came from the porch.

    “I think I have a new mommy,” Alyssa laughed softly.

Chapter 14: Jake

    Over the next few weeks Jake barely had time to sleep or see Alyssa. Running back and forth between, work, school, and football practice he was beginning to feel like a dog chasing his own tail.

    Jake was sitting down alone for a late night dinner when his dad came through the door.

    “Usually I would tell you off for coming in late, but since you beat me home I'll let it slide,” his dad chuckled.

    Jake nodded sleepily and tried to focus on his food. His eyelids kept trying to drift shut, but his growling stomach kept him awake.

    “I have something I want to tell you, Jake,” his dad said.

    Jake blinked for a moment, trying to shake the fog of exhaustion from his brain.

    “Okay,” he said.

    “I wanted to tell you sooner, but decided to wait, just in case things didn't work out,” his dad said.

    “In case what didn't work out, Dad?” he asked.

    “You're mom and I have been talking again,” he said.

    “What? You've been dating Mom?” Jake laughed.

    “Yes,” he nodded.

    “That's great!” he said.

    The unexpected news gave him a new wind of energy. He dug into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

    “Who are you calling?” his dad asked.

    “I'm going to text Alyssa and tell her the good news,” Jake smiled.

    “Now, we're taking things