Hailey’s POV
The electric energy of the Crisler Center hummed in the air, and I could feel it in every fiber of my being. The roar of the crowd was deafening, and yet, somehow, all I could hear was the steady thrum of my heartbeat. I was nervous—though why, I couldn’t tell. It wasn’t like I was the one on the court, but the stakes felt personal. Paxton had to win this game. I wanted him to win it. No, I needed him to win it.
As the announcer’s booming voice echoed throughout the arena, introducing the game and hyping up the crowd, I caught Paxton's eye. He flashed me a smile—a smug, confident grin that sent a tingle down my spine. My cheeks flushed, and I quickly looked away, pretending to be focused on the court.
Ugh, get it together, Hailey.
Mia leaned closer, her voice barely audibl
