Bryan's POV – Football Practice

The scorching sun beat down on the field as Bryan adjusted his gloves, sweat already seeping through his practice jersey. Jamal towered over the center, his voice sharp and authoritative as he barked out the snap count.

"Go!"

The ball snapped into Jamal's hands, and Bryan burst off the line, his cleats digging into the turf. He executed a swift cut to the left, then a quick juke to the right, leaving the sophomore covering him struggling to keep up. The ball left Jamal's hand in a perfect arc, its trajectory a testament to his quarterback skills.

Bryan stretched out, his fingers grazing the leather before securing the catch. The impact stung his palms, but he held on, tucking the ball tight as he sprinted another ten yards before jogging back to the huddle.

Jamal clapped him on the shoulder, a grin spreading across his face. "Looks like all that extra practice is paying off, Reach."

Bryan smiled, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Just keep throwing like that in a game, and we'll be unstoppable."

Jamal's laughter echoed across the field, but his eyes soon drifted toward the bleachers. Bryan followed his gaze, noticing Lacey leaning forward, her tank top offering a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage.

Jamal's voice dropped to a low murmur. "You see what I'm seeing, Reach?"

Bryan shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "She's always looking for attention, I guess."

Jamal's eyes lingered on Lacey, a hint of a smile still playing on his lips. Bryan couldn't help but wonder what was going through his teammate's mind.

➤ All the coaches and players compliment Bryan on losing the weight and a good day of practice, he and Jamal even joke around about the attention from girls Bryan will get now

As Megan sped out of the school lot, the Honda's engine roared to life. John's knuckles turned white as he gripped the door handle, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Sarah settled back into her seat, her neon socks a vibrant splash of color under the dashboard lights.

On the field, Coach Thompson's whistle pierced the air, and Bryan jogged toward the sideline, his breathing steady. The coach clapped him on the shoulder pads, nearly sending him stumbling. "Look at this transformation, boys! Bryan's come a long way since last season!"

Jamal strolled over, his practice jersey clinging to his chest. A sly grin spread across his face, showcasing his gold-capped teeth. "You're on fire out there, Reach. The girls are going to be all over you." He playfully jabbed Bryan's stomach, where his abs had begun to show through his compression shirt.

Bryan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the field, highlighting the dampness in his blonde hair. "I'm just trying to make the most of your passes, Jamal. No more drops like last season."

Jamal snorted, snatching Bryan's towel off the bench and snapping it at his face. "You're selling yourself short, Reach. The ladies love a good comeback story, especially when it comes with a physique like yours." He gave Bryan's deltoid a squeeze, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Lacey's laughter carried from the bleachers, and Bryan's gaze drifted toward her, his expression neutral. But Jamal's attention remained fixed on him, a hint of a challenge in his eyes.