Read Labeled Love for Free Online Page A

and she looks away. Why, I don’t know, but the strangest feeling hits me. It’s like a glow is cast behind her, making her look like an angel.
    That’s so stupid.
    It’s hotter than hell out here, and the sun’s bright rays are making me squint that I’m practically seeing red spots. I’m probably dehydrated and need some water. Suddenly, she turns toward me, and we make eye contact. I swallow hard and stare. She’s all bright blue eyes, and the prettiest face I’ve ever seen. Then she gives me the biggest stink eye. “Are you going to let me play?”
    I’m startled, knowing that mean little face has the sweetest voice attached to it. I almost want to laugh. It’s like she’s trying hard to be tough. We’re a pretty intimidating bunch of guys. She’s definitely not from around here.
    All of a sudden that rush of warmth I felt a few minutes ago radiates inside me again, and my usual confidence is in my throat. She has the biggest, deepest, and bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. She takes her hands off her hips, glances around at the other boys, and then brings her attention back to me. Her hair practically hits me in the face, knocking me right back to reality.
    I actually feel like the earth just moved. “Did you just feel that?” I blurt out, but then look down at my feet, feeling out of sorts.
    “Feel what?” she says in the cutest tone. My ears perk up. I’m trying to mentally turn up my hearing volume, if that’s even fucking possible. Damn, I’m glad I didn’t say that out loud. Something tells me I wouldn’t want to swear in front of this girl. She might be in the no swear zone.
    “I think we just had another earthquake.”
    She licks her lips. “No, I didn’t feel anything, but I didn’t feel the one last night, either. I slept like a baby through it. Maybe it’s an aftershock,” she says carelessly.
    “Yeah, maybe,” I say in return, rubbing my stomach and causing my shirt to rise. Is it just me? My stomach feels weird.
    “So, can I play?” She’s completely oblivious to the feeling that just hit me. She stares at me like I’m a moron, but I can’t help it. I don’t know how to explain it. I’ve never felt like this when I’ve looked at a girl before. I can’t stop staring into her eyes. They look wide at me. There had to have just been another little earthquake. I look around, and everyone is waiting on me. “Hell-o,” she says, rolling her eyes.
    I clear my throat. “Um, yeah, you can play. Do you know how to play football?”
    She looks annoyed. “Do you think because I’m a girl I can’t play? Trust me, I know the game.”
    I just smile at her, because honestly, I can’t focus on what she’s saying to me. I feel like I’m on a cloud with an angel. Turning back to the guys, who are growing impatient, I let them know I’ll take her on my team.
    Returning my smile, she takes a hairband from her small wrist and puts her hair up into a high ponytail, making her big blue eyes look larger like a porcelain doll’s. A pretty doll, not one of those creepy ones they put in scary movies.
    I’m mesmerized. Is it possible to fall in love at thirteen? Because I think I just looked into the eyes of the girl I want to look at forever.
     

     
    SHE STARTS RUNNING onto the field with all the guys, leaving me trying to shake off this feeling I’m having. I clear my throat, so my question doesn’t come out weak. “Hey, what’s your name?”
    Turning back to me, while still jogging toward the game, she answers, “I’m Shay.” Even her name is pretty. She yells back with that voice I’m quickly putting to memory. “What’s yours?”
    “I’m Jace,” I answer as she smiles. Shay and Jace… I swear, I just saw my fairy tale.
    “Thanks for letting me play with you, Jace. I won’t let you down,” she says in her quiet voice.
    We play for quite a while, and I watch Shay more than I pay attention to the game. I call my team for a huddle.
    “Okay.” I look at Trent and Devonne.