The Quarterback’s First Love – Episode 17
Cameron’s hand remained extended between them while cameras recorded every breath. Maddie could have refused it. He had positioned himself close enough to support her but left the final distance untouched, just as he had outside the bar. The choice was hers.
She placed her hand in his. Reporters surged forward, calling questions about the championship, Brett, and the mysterious cheerleader who had inspired college football’s biggest transfer. Cameron guided Maddie away from the open trunk so she would not be framed beside the evidence of her hardship.
“This is Maddie Malone,” he said. “She’s a student and cheerleader at Central, and she is the most important person in my life.” Maddie stared at him. The declaration exceeded anything they had discussed in the hotel.
A reporter asked whether she caused the bad blood between Cameron and Brett. “Brett caused that himself,” Cameron replied. “Maddie isn’t responsible for the behavior of two quarterbacks. She has spent enough time being blamed for other people’s choices.”
The answer protected her without reducing her to someone who needed saving. Maddie squeezed his hand, both grateful and unnerved. Public attention had once served as Brett’s weapon; Cameron used it like a shield, but a shield could become another kind of cage if she did not set limits.
When asked if they were dating, Cameron looked at her. “I’m hoping she’ll give me that chance.” The careful wording mattered. He did not claim her or invent an agreement. He offered his hope to the cameras and left her free to answer later.
Then he removed the new Central jersey from his bag. His name and number gleamed above the Knights colors. “I transferred because this is where I want to build my future,” he said, holding the jersey toward her. “And I want Maddie to be part of it.”
The crowd reacted as though he had proposed. Maddie’s mind flashed to Brett’s broken promise, but Cameron was not offering marriage as a reward for a win. He was asking for the opportunity to know her again, with no condition except honesty.
“Maddie,” he said quietly despite the microphones, “I know our past, but I want to earn a place in your present. Will you be my girlfriend?” Every camera turned toward her.
She could hear Veronica scoff near the stadium doors and Brett curse from beside Coach Reynolds. Students waited for a romantic answer, but Maddie refused to let the crowd make another life decision for her. She drew Cameron a few steps away from the microphones.
“You cannot ambush me with this,” she whispered. Cameron’s confidence vanished. “You’re right. I got carried away.” He began lowering the jersey, ready to apologize publicly if necessary.
Maddie stopped him. “That isn’t a no.” His eyes lifted. “It means I ended a terrible relationship yesterday, recovered twelve years of memories, and nearly slept with my childhood best friend last night. I need a minute.”
The corner of Cameron’s mouth twitched. “That sounds reasonable when you list it like that.” His humor eased her irritation. He promised the reporters would receive no answer until she chose to give one.
They returned to the cameras together. Maddie accepted the jersey but told the press she and Cameron were reconnecting privately. A few reporters pressed for more. Cameron ended the conference with a look that reminded them he could withdraw access as easily as he granted it.
As the crowd dispersed, Brett broke away from the coach. “She’s using you,” he told Cameron. “She stayed with me because she needed a place to live. Now she sees your money and status.” Maddie felt the old shame flare.
Cameron’s reply was cold. “You’re describing what you thought of her, not who she is.” He pointed toward the stadium. “Go learn the backup playbook.” Laughter from nearby students drove Brett away with his face burning.
Veronica lingered. Her gaze traveled over Cameron with new calculation, as though his transfer had transformed him from an enemy into a prize. Maddie recognized that expression; Veronica desired whatever proved she could take something from another woman.
“Congratulations,” Veronica told Maddie with false sweetness. “You upgraded quickly.” Maddie answered that people were not possessions to trade. Cameron looked proud, and that pride mattered more than Veronica’s insult.
Before leaving, Veronica leaned close enough that only Maddie heard. “I don’t know what Cameron sees in you, but I’ll take it from you just like I took Brett.” The promise was so nakedly malicious that Maddie believed her.
Veronica walked away, already typing on her phone. Maddie watched her go while Cameron asked what she had said. She considered protecting him from the threat, then rejected the old habit of facing danger alone. “She’s coming after us,” Maddie said—and across campus, Veronica’s call connected to the one person with enough influence to make Cameron obey.