#timriggins

I was jogging through a nearby neighborhood when I heard the sound of metal on metal and glass shattering. Someone was taking their rage out a car around there. Picking up my speed, I followed the sounds to the next street over.

Four football players – Panther football players – slammed metal bats down on a familiar black Chevy Silverado sitting in the Riggins' driveway. I guessed the rumors going around town about Tim Riggins and Jason Street's girlfriend, Lyla, finally reached destructive heights. Sometimes the people of Dillon, Texas were a bunch of pricks.

"Hey!" I shouted. The ferocity in my voice shocked me but wasn't loud enough for the boys to hear me over their bats. "Cut it out!" I managed to grab one of the bats as a guy pulled back for another swing. I ripped it from his hands and started swinging.

He jumped back and ducked. His buddies stopped at the sight of me coming at them with a bat, a few chuckling at me. One came at me, so I swung and knocked him to his knees.

"Get out of here! I ain't afraid to beat the shit out of you and ruin the rest of your season." I swung again, one guy taking off. "I won't hesitate to call the cops here, either. Go home and leave Riggins alone!" I ran at them, bat cutting through the air, and they retreated. I threw the bat toward them as they went. It clattered loudly on the driveway.

The inappropriate shouts from the football players fell on deaf ears when I heard the truck door open. I turned around to find Tim Riggins stepping out of his truck. My anger at my fellow students was set aside for a moment.

"You were in there?" I balled my fists. "Fuckin' assholes!" I didn't think they'd hear me, but I wanted to shout their way anyway. I took a few breaths and made a motion to chase after them, but Tim grabbed my arm.

"You'll end up like my truck if you go after them, Barton."

"Yeah, but if someone doesn't try to beat some sense into them they'll come back. It lucky your truck was the only thing damaged."

"Just let 'em go."

I stared at his face seeing the utter defeat in his eyes. I glanced at his shattered windows. "You okay?"

The corner of his mouth turned up and he said a quiet yeah. "My truck's seen better days."

"Tell Coach Taylor. He'll do something about them since they're on the team."

He shook his head and took in the damage on his truck. "Why are you out here so late?"

"Runnin'. I was a street over when I heard 'em, so I went to check it out. I'm surprised no one else heard it."

"You know, there could be football players with baseball bats out at night."

I laughed. "I think I can manage. Thanks for carin' Riggins." My hand rested on the hood of his truck and I frowned at it. "If you need any help with this, you know where to find me. Sorry this happened."

"Wasn't your fault."

"Still doesn't mean it should have happened. For a Christian town, Dillon sure isn't forgivin'." I patted his arm. "Be careful, okay? They might be back."

"You sure it's safe to be runnin' back home by yourself?" Tim glanced down the side of the house where the guys disappeared.

I reached down and picked up the bat I chucked. "I can use this if I need to. It worked well once already tonight."

Tim ran his hand through his hair as he chuckled softly. "Let me walk ya home, Catherine. I owe you for earlier."

"I'll be okay." I smiled. "You get inside and start workin' out how you're gonna fix your truck."

"I'm not lettin' you walk away from here alone. Worried people will see us together?"

I scoffed. "Absolutely not. People can think whatever they want about me. They already do. Walkin' with you won't hurt my reputation any more than not walkin' with you."

"Then let me walk you home." Tim stuffed his hands in his front pockets.

"All right. I'll only let you walk me home if you promise to have Billy pick you up."

A smile grew on his face. "If Bill kills me, it's on you."

"I think he'll understand if we tell him what happened." I waved Tim toward me. "If you're insisting on this then we better start walkin'."

Tim stayed quiet as he walked beside me. Something was on his mind and I had a feeling I knew what it was.

I took his hand and squeezed once before releasing it. "I don't know what's goin' on with you, Jason, and Lyla – and I don't need to know. But I know that things will get better one of these days. Things can only stay so bad for so long."

"My life has been pretty bad for a long time, Barton."

I nudged his side with my shoulder. "Only because you let it."

He was quiet again and I let the peace stay.

Tim and I were never close growing up. We knew of each other because everyone knew everyone in Dillon. We also had our fair share of interactions – all short – but it never amounted to much more than that. He was a jock and I was an art geek. He was a nice jock who didn't make fun of me like some of the other football players and he would nod my way at football games when Billy invited me along a few times. It was how we were and neither of us seemed to mind either way.

"You think J is gonna forgive me?"

I wasn't expecting him to mention any part of what was going on with his friend. "I don't know, Tim," I said. "I know less about Jason than I do you. You two were best friends though, right?" He nodded. "It's hard to really mess up good friendships. Even if a girl comes in between them.

"Everyone makes mistakes and if Jason is half the guy he was on the football field, I think he'll forgive you. Don't force it and it'll work out."

Tim sighed and stuffed his hands into his pockets again. "Thank you, by the way."

"You're welcome."

I heard something in the distance and looked over. Tim paused with me, watching. When nothing happened, I relaxed and we continued walking.

"So, uh, what are ya thinkin' of doing after high school?" I hated small talk, but I hated missing opportunities to get to know people.

He shrugged and muttered something about not caring.

"You're a smart guy. You'll figure somethin' out." I sent him another smile.

"Last I checked I'm failing most of my classes," he said.

"Doesn't mean you're dumb. You're lazy and have other things you want to put your focus into. There's a lot of other students like you. I bet if you applied yourself like you do in football, you'd do really well."

He didn't say anything, clearly pondering my words. Well, I hoped he was mulling them over. It was hard to read Tim Riggins sometimes.

"Someday you won't have those rally girls to help and then you'll be outta luck. I think you're better than that, better than what people think."

"We aren't friends, you know."

"Yeah, I know. That doesn't mean I can't tell you I care or be kind to you or call you out. I'd do the same for anyone else in that school." I chuckled to myself. "Also, I don't expect us to be friends after Billy picks you up tonight. You and I are from different worlds, not that I think we can't be friends because of that. You don't need people thinkin' I'm your friend because I want to make you into someone you're not and I don't need them thinkin' you're my charity case. We each have our friends we can go to and that's all right." I pointed a finger at him. "But us not being friends doesn't mean I'm going to sleep with you. I'm not that kind of gal."

"I wasn't gonna ask." I raised an eyebrow and he rolled his eyes. "I wasn't. I've got two girls mad at me and I don't need a third.

"Thanks for considerin' the well-being of others." A few giggles left my throat.

"Somethin' funny?"

"This right here is. I saved your ass, you're walking me home, and we're talkin' about not bein' friends. It's amusing."

"You're weird."

"You're weird." I poked his arm with a single finger. "But you can be weird and still be a jock. I nice jock, but a jock. I'm shoved over with the outcasts because I'm too weird."

"Why do you want to be what they make you?"

"Because it's not fun getting bullied when I try to be something else. When you're on the bottom, it's easy to see that Dillon High has a hierarchy." I almost tripped over my own feet, snickering at my clumsiness.

The half smile I noticed many times before was back on Tim's face. "Yeah, well, if anyone gives you trouble... I'll help you out."

"I appreciate that, Riggins, but I can handle it." I twist the bat in my hand. "I really do appreciate it. You'll be the first person I look for when I need some backup. As long as it doesn't get you into any trouble, that is. I'd hate to be the reason you're kicked off the team or somethin'."

I saw my house at the top of the hill, an irritating beacon for everyone in Dillon that my family had money. For the first time in Tim's presence, I felt self-conscious and embarrassed. I stopped and faced him.

"Uh, why don't you drop me off here and ask one of the neighbors if you can use their phone?"

He glanced up at the house. "Don't chicken out now, Barton. We all know ya live there."

"Yeah, but–"

"Come on." He didn't care at all, which made it worse when he strolled up to my front door. He eyed the columns and ornate door. Tim smirked back at me when I trudged up behind him. "Are your parents home?"

I studied him suspiciously. "No. They're rarely here." I crossed my arms. "I told you I'm not sleepin' with you."

"And I told you I wasn't askin'. Despite popular belief, I don't try gettin' with every girl I see."

"Then why are you asking about my parents?"

"I don't know much about them."

"There's not much to know about them except they travel a lot."

Tim sat down on the front step. "Do you know your parents?"

I shifted my weight before sitting next to him. "I'd like to think I do, but I don't. They're strangers to me. When they're home we don't speak much. They sometimes ask me about school. That's about it."

"Damn. Even rich kids have family problems."

I laughed. "Yeah, we do."

We sat there for a few quiet minutes until Tim glanced at me. "You gonna let me call Billy?"

"I'll call him for ya." I stood and patted his shoulder. "I'll be right back. Stay here, please."

Taking out my key, I let myself in and ran to the phone. My fingers type in Billy's number and he picks up in two rings.

"Can you pick up Tim from my house?"

He sighed. "What did he do now? Please tell me you didn't sleep with him."

"It may come as a surprise but we didn't and Tim didn't do anything. Some guys trashed his truck. I heard 'em and saved the day. Your brother was kind enough to walk me home."

"Little Timmy did that?"

Laughter came from my lungs. "Yeah. Can you get him? I don't want the guys from earlier comin' after him again."

"Yeah. I'll be there in 30."

I hung up and started back to the front door. Tim Riggins stood in the foyer with his eyes glued to the chandelier.

I punched his arm. "I told you to stay out front."

"You left the door open." He smirked. "I figured I'd take a look at Catherine Barton's fancy livin'."

"Well, Billy won't be here for a little while, so I might as well show you around." I walked toward the living room. "Please don't tell anyone about this. I don't care if people think we did something, but I do care if they know I'm livin' alone here... that I live in this giant house as if it's my own. I'd like to avoid the bullies who would come from this."

Tim stood in front of me a little closer than I was comfortable with. I took one step back.

"I'm not tellin' anyone."

"Thank you."

*****

I followed Tim outside when Billy pulled up. I heard Billy ask if Tim was okay. Tim mumbled his response right as Billy looked at me.

"Thanks, Catherine."

"I'm here to serve." I saluted with two fingers. "Good luck cleanin' up your truck, Riggins."

"Didn't you say you'd help me?"

I matched the smirk on his face. "Yeah? Should I come by after school tomorrow?"

"Sounds good."

I waved the boys away, snickering when Billy smacked Tim's side. Billy scolded him for flirting with me. If only he knew that Tim wouldn't win me over with a little flirting – if that was actually flirting. Tim Riggins was the kind of guy a girl like me tried to keep at arm's length.

Billy's truck pulled out of the driveway. An arm came out of both windows, the brothers sending another goodbye. I politely responded and waited for the taillights to disappear down the road before slipping back inside.

I went with Tim to Riggins' Rigs the same morning Becky brought over our things and Skeeter. The little dog ran right over to me doing homework on the couch and nuzzled into me.

"Hey, buddy. I missed you." I kissed his head and scratched his ears. "I hope you were good and didn't annoy Cheryl too much."

Skeeter licked my face, making me laugh and set my books aside.

Tim came over to sit next to me once Becky left. His clothes were covered in grease stains and he had grease marks all over his hands and arms. I kissed his mouth and stared at him.

"Yeah?" He gazed at me.

"Your mechanic getup here is sexy. I didn't think you could get any better lookin', babe."

"Does Catherine Barton have a thing for mechanics?"

I kissed him and brushed his hair back. "Just for the mechanic next to me."

Tim looked at Skeeter. "I didn't know Skeet could fix cars."

Laughing, I leaned into Tim. I stared up at him and pulled him into a hard kiss. I was only a little disappointed when he pulled away.

"As much as I want to close down the shop to fulfill whatever mechanic fantasy you have, I've gotta finish up this car." He patted my leg and went back to work.

I lounged back on the couch with a big sigh. "Too bad, I guess. I'll just have to imagine what it'd be like... right here, right now, on this couch... or the car being fixed. That'd be fun."

"Barton, I'm tryin' to work."

"Yeah, and I'm tryin' to get you to come back over here."

Tim watched me from under the hood for a moment before his phone rang. We were so close. He picked it up, smirking at me.

"What? You're not kiddin'? It's happenin'?"

I perked up.

"No, yeah. We're on our way. We'll see ya there." He hung up and started cleaning up some of his tools. "Mindy's havin' her baby."

I had my things packed up before Tim had his hands washed. Billy as a dad seemed hilarious to me, but I was so damn proud of him. 

I ran to Tim's truck, instructing Skeeter to stay in the shop. "Come on, Tim!"

He shut the garage door and jumped into the truck. He kissed me shortly. "I guess you're fantasy has to wait, huh?"

I squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. "Just drive, Riggins."

*****

The waiting room had a few people scattered around, me and Tim included. We weren't allowed in with Mindy since we weren't her direct family. I took the opportunity to work on my studies. When the intake of information was too much, I shut the book and rested my head on Tim's shoulder. I felt him kiss my head.

Sleep was knocking at my door when Billy stormed out in a nurse's gown. He looked like he was about to cry because he was kicked out of the room. A few tears did leak out when he sat next to Tim.

I reassured him that he'd get to go back once he calmed down. Mindy didn't need to have her support wavering because he was nervous or scared. He needed to buck up and be the foundation to keep her strong as she birthed their child. My words did seem to impact him, but he still spent another hour complaining.

Tim finally had enough of his brother and said a few magic words to pump Billy back up. It was something only brothers could understand.

Billy marched back into the room and took his control back.

I sighed. "It's so quiet now."

"You're welcome." He kissed my head and tapped my book. "Now get back to studying. Break's over."

"Yes, sir."

Another hour or so went by before my brain had enough again. I put the book away and let my head fall back against the wall. "Has she had the baby yet?"

Tim chuckled. "Nope."

I put his arm around my shoulders and snuggled as best as I could against him. "Wake me up when Billy comes runnin' out like a mad man."

As soon as I said it, Billy ran through the waiting room shouting about his new baby boy and how he made that little baby. He hugged me and Tim before we could stand up and congratulate him on the birth. Still shouting like a crazy person, Billy ran back to the room where his not so pregnant wife was catching her breath.

Another half an hour passed before we could go in to see Baby Riggins. I was so nervous seeing a baby so soon after birth, but oh so excited to watch Billy be a dad.

A tiny baby wrapped up in a blanket was in Mindy's arms as we entered the room. Billy's eyes were full of a love I'd never seen on a man before as he stared at his wife and son. My eyes watered as he waved us over without looking up from his baby.

Tim let me coo over Little Riggins first. I said short phrases to the baby like I was talking to Skeeter. While I told Mindy she did amazing, I fixed her hair a little bit. She wasn't a close friend, but I still leaned over and kissed the top of her head before stepping back and hugging Billy. Tim greeted his nephew in a low voice while I watched with Billy. 

"His name is Steven Riggins," Billy said, touching his son's head gently. 

My heart soared.

*****

That evening, Tim and I went back to the garage so he could finish the car he was working on. I gathered my things together so we could ditch out as soon as he finished. He decided to be a goofball rather than work, playing invisible instruments to the music going. I laughed so hard I started to cry.

Tim walked over to me, wiping away the tears and kissing me roughly. I didn't mind it. I was having a hard time focusing on anything else other than Tim and his messy mechanic clothes somewhere not on his body.

Everything came crashing down when the sound of someone walking into the garage forced us apart. A cop stood next to the car looking far from happy to be there. Skeeter knew something was wrong when we silenced, so he growled. I shushed him.

"Are you Tim Riggins?"

My heart raced and my breath came short.

"Yes, sir."

"Is your brother around?"

"No, sir."

The officer studied the garage. "I'm gonna need ya to tell me where he is because both of you are coming with me to the station."

Tim lowered his head. "He just had a baby, sir. He's at the hospital still."

"Thank you, Mr. Riggins. Now I need you to get in the car." I grabbed Tim's hand before he started walking, but the cop stopped me. "Ma'am, you have to stay right here."

"Go back home, Barton," Tim told me. "I'll get there when I can."

I nodded as a few tears rolled down my cheeks. I didn't even get to kiss him before he followed the police officer to the car. I swallowed my fear as the police car pulled away. I quickly closed the shop as best as I could and took Skeeter home with me.

*****

It was nearing 3 a.m. when Tim finally came home. I hadn't slept at all, sitting on the couch while I waited. He was so quiet when I shuffled over to him and hugged him tightly. When he didn't say much about it, I knew he was deep in his thoughts. Instead of having him answer my questions, I led him to my room.

I brought him into my bathroom where I helped clean him up from work. The elation we felt about Baby Riggins was long gone, leaving us with the stark reminder of the consequences for letting a chop shop exist in Riggins' Rigs. Once his skin was as grease free as we could manage without a shower, I attempted to tuck him into bed. He wouldn't have any of it.

Tim pulled me down on top of him when he finally laid back. His lips touched mine, desperate for something I was unaware of. I didn't know what to do to help him, so I let him find what he needed from me.

Abruptly, he quit kissing me and pressed my body against his. I put my nose and mouth against his chest, wrapping my arms around him as best as I could. My eyes closed as his hand tangled in my hair. 

"We'll be okay," I whispered in his chest, leaving a soft kiss there.

*****

Things with the police settled down for Thanksgiving. Billy and Tim still had lawyers to talk to, which was going as well as they could go with both of the Riggins having some kind of a record. I just prayed the whole situation would be solved with neither of them going to prison. I was relieved none of us had to think about it until after a Thanksgiving meal with the Taylor family. Both of them needed the chance to think and find some kind of peace in the matter.

It felt normal at the Taylors'; relaxing, fun. I helped Mrs. Taylor with setting the table and getting the food set out. The way Tim stared at me as I bustled around made my heart hurt. I couldn't understand why. His eyes were so sad and full of longing. I didn't know what to do except kiss his forehead as I went by. It seemed to help a little.

Both Riggins were quieter than usual during the meal. Tim put his hand on my knee several times, never looking at me when he did. He took my hand when Billy stood up to make a gut-wrenching speech about everyone there. 

I did what I could to keep happy the rest of our visit there, laughing with Julie as we did the dishes or playing with Gracie Bell in the living room. My happy feeling slipped away when I saw Tim go out on the back patio with Billy. Both of them looked at each other like they'd never see the other again. My palms started sweating as they hugged each other.

The three of us excused ourselves with thankful hearts once everything was cleaned up. Nothing felt better than being loved by each and every one of those people there. I just wished the Riggins brothers felt that as we climbed into Tim's truck. They both looked so lost.

My hands shook when Tim pulled into the police department lot on the way home. I felt sick when he turned off the truck and stared straight ahead. I took a deep breath that wavered when I felt tears pool at my lower lids.

"I-I'll be outside," Billy said as he opened the truck door. I was deafened by the silence after the door shut.

"You're goin' to admit to it all, aren't you?" I knew something was going on at the Taylors', I just didn't want to think about it. I wanted to enjoy the day, feel thankful for what I had.

"I have to... for Billy, Mindy... Stevie."

I nodded, sucking in a sound of distress and looking away from him. "Okay."

Tim took one of my hands. "I know this is gonna hurt us, but no matter how long I'm in there, Barton, I'll be thinkin' about you. And if you don't hate me when I get out, I still wanna get married to you."

"I won't hate you, Tim. I don't hate you for doin' this. It's all for Billy, right? You're just being the best damn brother in this whole town, this whole state."

"Take care of Becky... and Skeeter... the property... you and your grades..."

"I'll be okay, Tim." I sniffled. "It breaks my heart that this is what you've decided to do, but I understand. Billy can't go in there with a new baby at home. It would destroy him and Mindy. We're strong. We'll make it through."

Tim took a long, shaky breath. "I love you."

I finally had the guts to look up at Tim. His eyes were red and threatening to spill over. It was clear he didn't want to do it, but it was the only thing he had. I didn't even have an idea to get both of them out of trouble.

My lips found his in a desperate attempt to say our goodbyes as temporary as we hoped it would be. Each time our lips touched, the more salt I tasted from my tears and most likely his. It made me cry harder, tucking my head under his chin. I savored his arms around my body.

"I love you, Tim Riggins. Don't forget it, okay?"

He kissed my head and then lifted my chin up to kiss me one more time. We had to get out of the truck if Tim was ever going to help his brother.

Panthers fans gathered around the team's bus while the football team mingled with family. Everyone was hyped to be going to State again and the energy surged through the gathering.

"Are you ridin' with us, Catherine?" Mrs. Taylor came over to me with Julie.

I nodded. "If you're still okay with it."

"Of course! We love your company."

Julie smiled. "We can talk about Matt and Tim."

I glanced at Mrs. Taylor, remembering the day Coach walked in on his daughter and Matt. Julie was horrified, but her parents were mortified. I didn't want our conversation to go down that path for her mom's sake. 

"Uh, yeah. We can talk about how great they're gonna do at the game and only that, Jules." I shifted my eyes over to Mrs. Taylor so she would catch the hint.

Julie rolled her eyes.

Both women looked past me and Julie grinned just as arms snaked around my middle.

"Hey, Tim," she said. Mrs. Taylor greeted him, too, though less enthusiastically as her daughter.

"Hey," he said back, kissing the side of my head.

I was so happy when Julie and her mom gave us some privacy.

"Julie's insistent that we talk about you and Saracen on our way to the stadium." I turned in his hold, brushing his hair back.

"Yeah?"

"My guess is we'll talk about Matt the most." My lips curled up into a smirk. "Saracen isn't too bad on the eyes, ya know."

Tim's lips neared my ear. "I would hate to miss my bus because I had to remind my girlfriend who she goes to bed with every night."

Laughing, I molded my mouth to his. "Don't worry, Riggins. She knows who he is and is very happy."

"Good."

I straightened Tim's shirt. "Are you excited? Senior year and y'all are off to State for a second time."

"It's great." His smile was sweet.

"I thought you'd be more excited," I said.

"Yeah, well I've gotta save the excitement for the game." He kissed my forehead. "I've gotta make sure I have enough energy to show off for my girl."

I rolled my eyes and hugged him. "I'll see you at the hotel, yeah?"

"You bet."

We kissed once more before we split off to our respective rides.

*****

"Who are you stayin' with, Catherine?" Mrs. Taylor asked, peering at me through the rearview mirror.

"Tyra is supposed to be my roommate, but she's working on her application essay. I think Landry is trying to get her to come to the game. If he can't, then I won't be rooming with anyone else."

"Are you thinkin' of sharin' with Tim Riggins?"

Heat rose up my neck and settled on my cheeks. "Um, he has a room to stay in, Mrs. Taylor."

"Mom," Julie whined. "Who cares if they share a room? They love each other, right Cat? I mean, they basically live together."

"Yeah, but there are rules, Jules. It doesn't matter if we love each other, we shouldn't share a room during a school trip," I said.

Mrs. Taylor glanced at me again. "And Tim is okay with obeyin' the rules?"

"He doesn't care much for them, but he cares about me, so he promised to behave."

"He stayed with you last time we were at State," Julie said. "You looked so cute sleeping together."

"That was different. We weren't datin'."

"So it's different that you are now?" Mrs. Taylor asked.

"Uh, yeah. Very different." I could see the realization cross over her face.

"Are you bein' safe?"

Julie groaned.

"Yes, ma'am. Always."

"Do you use whatever it is the right way every time?"

I couldn't keep my half-smile off my face. "I mean no disrespect, Mrs. T., but we are talkin' about Tim Riggins who's been with a lot of girls. He didn't get any of them pregnant, so I'm confident we're using protection correctly." I smiled at her through the mirror. "I appreciate your concern. It's nice to know someone is lookin' out for me."

"You're welcome, Catherine."

The Taylors were a family I adopted as my own once I figured out my own family wasn't close. I didn't come to Mrs. Taylor for life advice, but I listened to what she had to say to me as if she was my own mom. Julie was like a little sister I felt obligated to protect as she grew up. It pained me that she was trying to push her parents away. I hoped Eric and Tami saw me as someone who could mentor their daughter if she kept going down her rebellious teenage path.

"What's that smile about?" Julie asked. "Thinking about Tim?"

I shook my head. "No. I'm thinkin' about you and your family and how much y'all mean to me. Thanks for being my second family."

Julie instantly teared up and Mrs. Taylor smiled through the mirror.

"We'll always be here when you need us," Julie's mom said. "No matter where you go, we'll be here."

"I'm glad."

*****

I gazed at the sign I made. Before the game, me, Tyra, and Julie gathered in our hotel room with poster paper and all sorts of markers and photos. At the time, I loved what I put together for the game. Once I was sitting in my seat next to the girls, I felt like I pushed it too far.

"I can't believe I wrote this on a sign," I said to Tyra.

"You were pretty excited about it this afternoon." Tyra smirked at it on my lap. "I think it's cute."

In bold blue and yellow lettering, I wrote out, "33 is coming home with me." I even had a photo of Tim in his uniform on the poster. It was pretty embarrassing considering we were in a huge stadium where several hundred people would be filling the seats within the hour.

"I'm pretty sure I had a lapse in judgment. There's no way I can hold this up. What if people see it?" I curled it around itself.

Julie laughed. "I think that's the point."

I peeked at it again. "Do you think Tim will hate it?"

"The fact that it hints you're sleepin' with him, he'll love it." Tyra leaned back in her seat. "If you don't hold that up during the game, we won't be friends anymore."

"It does not hint at that and that's a little aggressive, Tyra."

She shrugged. "It definitely does. If it makes you feel better, hold it up when they come runnin' out. Tim might actually see it."

"Then you don't have to hold it up again," Julie said. "You are wearing his jersey."

And it was easy to tell it didn't belong to me. Even with it tucked into my jeans, it spilled over my waistband, covering my pockets. Tim thought it was adorable when he picked me up from my room for breakfast. Tyra and Julie thought it was hilarious.

"Fine. I still can't believe I made this."

"The girls need to know he's spoken for, right?" Julie grinned.

I sighed and leaned forward to look past Julie at Tyra. "I know I should have asked you a while ago, but are you okay with this? Tim and I, I mean."

Tyra waved it off. "I had a thing for Riggins a long time ago. I don't mind you datin' him at all. Y'all have been together so long that it seems weird I ever had something with him."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You guys work together. Better than me and him and I'd say better than him and Lyla Garrity."

"You don't like Lyla very much," Julie pointed out. "Of course you'd pair Tim and Cat together before him and Lyla."

"Yeah, well..."

I chuckled and leaned back in my seat.

*****

I was on the edge of my seat the entire game. My voice was nearly gone as I screamed at them to get the football down the field. The Panthers were holding their own even with the scores even. Unfortunately, the game didn't end in the Panthers' favor. The stadium's volume cut in half as we felt the disappointment.

Mrs. Taylor led us into the locker room at the request of her husband once the team got in there. Friends and family of all the players gathered around the team still in their gear. It was quiet. Coach Taylor stood in front of everyone.

"Your friends and family are here because you played a great game." His eyes scanned over everyone. "We are proud of each and every one of you. We are proud of the way you played out there. Y'all should be proud of yourselves."

It warmed my heart when we applauded them. Some of the football players got teary-eyed at the praise. They made it to State because they worked hard. No one could deny their dedication.

Before Coach asked us to leave, I squeezed past a few players to get to Tim. He was still sitting on the bench with a forlorn stare. It went away the moment he saw me, a brilliant smile on his face.

"What a game," I said, leaning forward to kiss his forehead. "I'm really proud to call myself Tim Riggins' girlfriend."

His hugged my middle and rested his chin on my stomach. "Thanks."

"Are you okay? I know it's not quite how you wanted to end the season."

"Yeah, I'm okay." Tim's lips pressed against my stomach. "By the way, I liked your sign. I'm glad you want me goin' home with ya."

I blushed. "Ugh. I hoped you wouldn't notice. It's so embarrassing."

He chuckled.

Coach Taylor started ushering people out, so Tim kissed me shortly. "I'll see you later, Cat."

"Bye, Tim."

*****

Everyone went home after the game since there wasn't a party to celebrate. No one complained about it, ready to sleep off the loss.

Mrs. Taylor dropped me off at school, so I could catch a ride home with Tim. She bid me a good night before driving away with a sleeping Julie.

The team bus was in front of the locker room door and Tim was already heading over to me. He seemed a lot happier than when he first got on the bus.

"Good ride back?"

Tim pushed me back against his truck and captured my mouth. He grabbed my head, tilting it to deepen our kiss. I got caught up in the moment, pulling him by his waist so we were flush against each other. I zeroed in on how soft his lips were, how he knew exactly what to do with them to make my brain malfunction. It was one of the best kisses he ever gave me. My eyes took a few seconds longer to open when he pulled his lips away.

"What was that for?" I asked, trying to catch my breath.

"I love football and everything about it." He kissed me again. "Now football is over."

"Yeah, it is."

"I'm madly in love with you and everything you are. I want everything to be about you now. About us."

"Really? You're want to drop football just like that?"

"I've got something better right here."

A slow kiss.

"Okay. Let's focus on us."

"You are gonna focus on college, Barton, and I'm going to focus on you and making your life easier."

"No college for you?"

He shook his head. "I don't like school now and I don't expect I'll like it in college. I'm sick of caring about my grades."

"You don't care about them now," I giggled.

"Exactly."

"Okay." I stood on my toes to kiss him again. "I support your choice."

"Can I go home with you now?"

I nodded and gently pushed Tim away from me. I laughed when his hand brushed against my butt. He tried looking innocent, but the glint in his eyes gave him away.