Under the Bleachers: A Novel by K.K. Allen

Author:K.K. Allen [Allen, K.K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Washington, Contemporary, Romance, Sports, Bellevue, Seattle, Football, Fiction, Coming of Age, Friendship, Friends to Lovers, Love, Seahawks, Second Chance
Published: 2017-02-28T06:00:00+00:00

It’s clear we’ve walked into an exclusive party. The entire theater has been reserved for the premiere, and the long bar on the other side of the room is packed. Since we’re a few minutes early, Gavin and Justin head to the wall-to-wall bar to order our first round while Chloe and I hang back to people-watch.

“Wow,” Chloe says as her eyes catch on a woman in costume. “Were we supposed to dress up?”

The woman, who’s donning full body paint, a tiny black leather skirt, and pasties covering her nipples, poses for a photo. I totally could have rocked that.

“I’ve been to some film premieres in LA and they can get pretty rowdy, especially since celebrities are walking the red carpet. This is tame in comparison.” I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m bragging.

“Speaking of celebrities…” Chloe’s eyes are pointed at the other side of the room. “Actually, maybe you shouldn’t look.”

I see what she sees. It’s Zach, smiling and laughing with a group of people focused solely on him. He looks amazing in a black button-down shirt and silver tie—oddly like the tie necklace I was wearing on Monday. Even from here, I can see the sparkle in his eyes as he works the crowd.

But that’s not what she’s referring to. My heart drops down the bottomless pit in my stomach when I notice who’s beside him—or rather who’s clutching his arm and hanging on his every word.

They’re on a date. Again? I’m going to be sick. After everything he said to me on Monday, this feels like a kick in the stomach.

Chloe tries to distract me with chatter, but I can’t take my eyes off him. The way he pauses to listen intently to what the others in the group are saying. The way he takes short sips of the amber liquid in his hands. The way he politely makes himself available to the next person requesting his attention. His laugh. He’s a natural charmer in the most genuine way.

He’s too good. Too … smooth.

At some point, his eyes shift from whoever he’s talking to and drift around the room. When they fall on mine, they lift in surprise.

Great. It’s not bad enough that I showed up at his event like a Zachary Ryan stalker. Now he knows I’ve been watching him.

I take in a helping of air and clutch Chloe’s arm as Zach excuses himself from the group, leaving Meredith behind to walk toward us.

Shit. What do I say? Am I supposed to admit that I knew he would be here? Maybe I should play it off like I’m surprised to see him too.

As I’m screaming at my body to appear as nonchalant as possible, Zach runs into Gavin and Justin, who are on their way toward us with drinks in their hands. They greet each other animatedly, and then Zach asks Gavin a question. Gavin responds by handing him one of the drinks before they close the gap between us.

Zach gives Chloe a hug first and then his focus turns to me.

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