Game On

Chapter Eleven Ella

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Ella

It’s half past nine and I’ve arrived at the after-party. Not because Hudson asked me to come. Not because I wanted to know how Whitland “celebrates a win.” But because it’s Saturday night, and I wanted to go to a party with my new friends.

It doesn’t matter that I couldn’t take my eyes off him on the field today.

The four of us head into the Den, the house where a select group of football players live—a large, rambling structure that could easily pass for a fraternity—and it’s clear the celebration is well underway.

The place is packed with people from wall to wall.

Loud music is thumping, and red Solo cups are littered everywhere.

Gabi squeezes my hand, pulling us towards the heart of the house.

“I see shots!” Luke exclaims, pointing to a table spread with plastic cups and an assortment of spirits. Before any of us can stop him, he’s off and lost in the crowd.

Ash lets out a sigh. “I’ll go make sure he doesn’t get himself into trouble,” he says before darting after him.

Gabi turns to me. “Do you want to grab a drink, too?”

“Yes, please,” I say. “Something a little lighter, though. I’m still reeling from the game.”

We make our way to the makeshift bar and ask for a couple of wine coolers.

I take a sip of the lemon-lime, hoping to settle my nerves after the adrenaline rush from earlier.

While we chat, I glance around, scanning the room of faces, trying not to make it obvious that I’m looking for Hudson.

It’s just a passing curiosity, I tell myself. It’s not a crime to wonder where he is.

Annoyingly, each passing moment without spotting him leaves me a little bit more distracted. My focus is torn between listening to Gabi and the silent hope of catching a glimpse of him somewhere in the crowd.

“… and that’s why I’ll never go near roller skates again,” Gabi says, laughing at her own story.

I nod and smile along, even though I completely missed what she said.

Thankfully, she switches gears, and her eyes light up at the sound of a blaring Post Malone song.

“We should go dance. There’s usually a good crowd in the basement. ”

I grin. “Lead the way.”

We wind down a narrow staircase that opens up into an underground room, alive with lights that flash and strobe across the dancing bodies. The music is louder here, rebounding off the low ceiling and cement walls.

Gabi leads us to the center of the room, and the crowd thins just enough to give us space to move.

She twirls around me, hands tracing over my chest and trailing down both of my arms. I laugh as she circles my wrists, shaking me.

Despite my long history of cheer, I’m not much of a dancer.

But Gabi makes it easy, pulling out moves that are more about fun than finesse.

We bounce to the rhythm together, and it feels good to finally let loose.

We dance for a few more songs until I catch sight of Ash and Luke squeezing through the crowd towards us, each carrying a drink.

Luke’s grinning, his eyes bright, while Ash is more reserved, his gaze scanning the crowd until it rests on us.

Gabi spots them too, and her face lights up even more than before, if that’s possible.

“Look who decided to join us!” she yells over the music, snagging Luke by the arm and dragging him into our little circle.

He jumps right into the dance, matching Gabi’s energy with exaggerated movements. Ash, more reserved, slides into the space beside me.

As the song shifts to something with a heavier beat, Ash leans in close so I can hear him over the music. “How’s the party treating you?”

“It’s … lively,” I say, my body moving subconsciously. “Not exactly my usual scene, but definitely an experience.”

Back at Oxford, my friends and I spent most of our nights out going to local bars. There were a few house parties here and there, but nothing like the packed ragers that seem to be the norm at Whitland.

His hands find a respectful place on my hips as we sway together. The contact is familiar and comfortable, reflecting the trust we’ve built as partners over the last few months.

Our smiles widen as we dance, the crowd around us a swirl of colors and lights. Gabi and Luke create their own spectacle—she’s climbed onto his shoulders now, chugging from her cup while he steadies her legs, both of them laughing wildly.

In the midst of it all, I lean back against Ash, letting myself relax.

But as I glance over his shoulder, my gaze accidentally lands on a pair of slate-gray eyes.

Hudson is standing against the wall, arms crossed, observing us intently.

There’s a complexity in his gaze—amusement but with an undefinable edge.

My smile falters slightly, and Ash picks up on the shift. He leans in closer, his voice soft against my ear. “Did you finally notice?” he asks, teasing. “Our QB can’t keep his eyes off you.”

“He’s playing some kind of game.”

Ash pulls back, spinning me around, hands lingering against my hips. “And what about you, Ella? Are you gonna play along?”

I duck my head. “I already have.”

He runs a hand through his sandy-blond hair, grinning. “I fucking knew it. You’re hooking up with him?”

“Hooked up,” I clarify. “In the most past-tense fashion.”

“Su-re,” he singsongs, stretching the short word into two syllables. “Is it him you’ve been so worried about?”

I blink, startled. “ Worried? I’m not worried about anyone.”

He circles me, his fingers tracing idle patterns against my bare skin. “You’re a terrible liar.”

I push back against him lightly, rolling my eyes. “And you’re too bloody perceptive for your own good.”

He laughs, his chest vibrating against my back.

“That’s why we work so well together on the mat.

I can read you like a book.” Then his hands drop to his sides, and he steps back, creating a respectful distance between us.

“But hey, you don’t owe anyone an explanation, and you certainly don’t owe me one. I’ve been there, done that.”

I frown. “Been … where exactly?”

“Played games with a boy on the football team,” he says. “Not a great idea in our position, but it sure was fun at the time.”

“Well, isn’t that a revelation,” I say as my eyes jump back to meet Hudson’s across the room. He’s still watching me.

“Just passing along some friendly advice,” Ash says, shrugging.

“Thanks for the heads-up,” I say, although I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. Hudson’s head tilts slightly to the side, and I scoff, deciding to ignore him. I’m not interested in being his plaything, and this game is not my forte.

Ash nudges me. “Go on, then. Despite the advice, it’s better if you quit making eyes at each other from across the room. Frankly, it’s giving me the heebie-jeebies. Just go talk to him.”

I don’t bother to argue. Ash is right, and I’ve resolved to be straightforward, so it’s better if I approach this situation between Hudson and me with the same frankness.

Without another word, I push my way through the dancing crowd and stride straight up to Hudson, who hasn’t moved an inch as he tracks every step I take.

Once I’m in earshot, I ask, “Would you quit looking at me like that?”

His grin widens. “Sure,” he says before adding: “So, who’s the guy?”

“Ash?” I throw a glance over my shoulder. The Skyline crew has gathered together in their own version of a dance circle, and Ash is well distracted without me around. “He’s on the squad. He’s been helping me learn coed stunting at the all-star gym.”

Hudson’s brows arch, skepticism painted across his features. “Seems like you two are pretty close.”

I cross my arms, matching his stance. “We have to be. Trust is key, you know? The man catches me when I fall.”

A flicker of something softer passes through his eyes. “Yeah, I also know that team dynamics can get … complicated.”

“I’m not having sex with Ash if that’s what you mean. Not now, not ever.”

His brow hitches. “Alright th—”

I raise a hand, cutting him off. “Don’t even try to deny the implication.”

“There it is,” he murmurs, leaning back against the wall, eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement again.

“What?”

His laugh is a husky short sound, more like a grunt. “Nothing.”

“Listen, Hudson,” I say, my tone serious. “You should know I’m not fond of games. At least not when it comes to”—I wave a hand between us—“this.”

He tilts his head, feigning ignorance. “This?”

“Whatever this is. I’m not interested in playing hot and cold. If you want me, then say so. If not, then just leave me alone.”

He stares at me for a long moment before breaking into a slow grin. “You really are something else, Davies.”

I cock an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“Yeah,” he says, his voice dropping to a whisper. He leans in close, so close I can smell the faint scent of aftershave mingling with sweat. My heart thunders in my chest as his lips brush against my ear. “And you’re right.”

“I am?”

“Mm-hmm. Unfortunately, I can’t.”

“Can’t …?”

He pulls back, gray eyes solemn. “Want you.”

There’s a beat of silence. The pounding music and tangled laughter from the party fades into a dull roar as I blink at him.

“What makes you—”

But he’s already turning away, pushing off the wall, leaving me standing there with my heart pounding and my mouth slightly ajar. I stay there, stunned. Somehow, it feels as though I’ve been slapped, the sting of rejection smarting my cheeks.

And then Ash is beside me again, a concerned look in his eyes. “You good?”

“Yeah,” I say automatically, tearing my gaze from Hudson’s retreating back. “Of course.”

“Sure about that?” he asks, his gaze following mine.

“More than.” I force a smile onto my face, shake it off, and turn back to Ash. He’s not so easily convinced.

“Like I told you before, there’s no use pretending with me,” he says gently, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

I snort, even as a lump lodges itself in my throat. “Okay, then I won’t bother,” I manage to croak out, blinking rapidly against the sudden wetness in my eyes.

“Hey, come on now.” His hand leaves my shoulder to wipe a stray tear from my cheek. “You’re a strong girl.”

I laugh bitterly. “Strong girls cry, too,” I grumble.

A small smile plays on his lips. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right.” He turns me around to face him and looks me dead in the eyes. “Come on, let’s go talk.”

He guides me through the crowded party, up the stairs, and through the main floor of the Den. It’s like we’re entering a different world as we head out of the front door. The noise from inside fades into a soft backdrop; the night is quiet, and the sky is scattered with stars.

We walk to a small bench under an old oak tree just a few steps from the house. Ash waits as I sit and take a few deep breaths, letting the cool air wash over me.

“I lost you for a moment in there,” he says. “What did Hudson say to you?”

“It’s not even about that, really … I guess I just feel a little out of my depth here. I’m trying to be bold, to be honest, to go after the things I want right when I want them.”

“Sounds like the motto of a woman scorned.”

“I guess so.” I give him a tight smile. “My ex, Jamie, we were supposed to be here together.

We grew up in the same town, went off to Oxford as a couple.

He was like family to me in a way my parents never were.

They were distant, and Jamie was my constant, my rock.

But he decided at the last minute that he wanted to travel alone, so he dumped me. And maybe he was right to do it.

“It’s been over two months now, and sometimes it feels like I’m still piecing myself together. It makes me wonder if I was the one holding him back all this time. That … that maybe I’ll always be the girl who strives for more but continues to fall short.”

Ash listens intently as the floodgates open. “Jamie comes from a wealthy family, and he was always destined for Oxford. Me? I had to claw my way in. I’ve always felt a bit like an outsider there, but cheerleading … that was where I fitted in. The sport just came naturally to me.”

I take a breath before continuing. “But here, at Whitland, I’m relearning everything I thought I knew and it’s tough. Overwhelming, at times. I’ve been telling myself that I don’t need any distractions, least of all from someone like Hudson.”

The thought of something serious feels impossible right now. I’ve been too burned, too wrecked by Jamie. But the idea of something fun, something outside my comfort zone, it didn’t seem too bad an idea when I suggested it.

He gives me a knowing look. “But something keeps drawing you back to him.”

“Yes, despite it all.” I toss my hands up. “But he clearly doesn’t want me. Or he can’t , whatever that means.”

“He’s playing it safe, huh?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “I’m too tired of having to fight for every little thing in my life.

My parents didn’t want me to study at Oxford in the first place, and they thought this trip was a waste of time.

I don’t know, I thought, with Hudson, that I could let my feelings guide me for once.

To have a bit of fun without overthinking the situation. ”

He nods, his expression thoughtful. “I get that. You’re trying to carve out your own path, separate from everyone’s expectations.”

“Yeah, exactly.” I sigh. “And I keep thinking it should all be easier. I mean, shouldn’t it?”

“Life’s rough,” he says. “That’s true. But maybe it’s all about finding things that are actually worth the fight.”

I chuckle dryly. “You always this philosophical?”

“Only when it matters.” His smile is reassuring, making it a little easier to breathe.

“You’re strong, Ella. Not because you don’t have moments of doubt, but because you face them head-on, even when it’s hard.

And Jamie? Hudson? If they were smart, they’d see that.

But either way, it shouldn’t change how you view your worth. ”

“You’re right.” I sink against him. “Thank you for listening to me ramble.”

“Anytime,” he says, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Just know you’re not in this alone. You’ve got friends here now, too.”

“Yeah, I think I needed to hear that more than I realized.”

He stands, offering me his hand. “Come on, let’s head back. No need to let one awkward encounter spoil the whole night.”

I accept his hand, allowing him to pull me to my feet. “Back into the fray?”

“Soldier on.”