Feelings and Football: The Chance Encounters Series, #52

By Monica Moss

When high school student and football player, Gale, gets paired on an English Lit project with Morgan, one of his football teammates, he starts developing feelings for him. But Gale can't possibly fall for Morgan because he's the captain of their team, the most popular jock in school, and only has eyes for the popular cheerleader, Christina. Oh, and to make it worse, he's straight. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Short and Sweet Publishing
• Release date: Feb 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224115488

Monica Moss

Monica Moss is a short contemporary romance author. She's always loved short stories and flash fiction. She writes romance flash fiction about chance encounters, love enduring prejudice, and taking the leap of faith for the love you deserve. 

Book preview

GALE

The crisp autumn air lingered on that memorable Friday afternoon as I, Gale Liam Thompson, meandered through the bustling hallways of Oakridge High School. At six feet tall, my sturdy build bore witness to countless hours on the football field, a testament to my unwavering dedication to the sport. Sandy-brown hair, perpetually tousled, crowned my head, and expressive green eyes mirrored both determination and a hint of vulnerability. My warm smile and infectious laughter were my trademarks, ensuring I remained approachable and likable within the labyrinth of high school dynamics.

In the realm of Oakridge's social hierarchy, I proudly wore the badge of a compassionate and outgoing individual. The charismatic aura that enveloped me garnered favor among my peers. On the football field, I wasn't just Gale; I was a leader, fueled by a relentless work ethic that echoed through every scrimmage and touchdown. Despite belonging to the revered jock crowd, my open-mindedness and appreciation for genuine connections set me apart.

Behind the scenes, my upbringing painted a picture of support and encouragement. My parents, pillars of my foundation, cheered me on in both academic and athletic pursuits. Football became more than just a pastime; it was a passion cultivated early in life, a calling that consumed my days and nights.

Yet, as Oakridge High bore witness to my triumphs on the field, it also became the backdrop for my internal turmoil. The ever-present conflict of societal expectations clashed with the burgeoning realization of my true feelings. Relationships with girls, a futile attempt to fit into a mold society deemed acceptable, were fleeting and shallow. It wasn't until Morgan, my teammate, that the narrative of my heart began to unravel.

A tumultuous sea of emotions churned within me, and the fear of rejection loomed large. Losing the relationships that meant the most, the terror of not being accepted for who I was, haunted my journey through high school. The hyper-masculine environment of football intensified my anxiety, the potential backlash from teammates casting a shadow over my every move.

As I navigated the corridors of Oakridge High, dreams for the future flickered in the recesses of my mind. The gridiron, my sacred arena, beckoned for a future where I could play at the college level. Beyond football, I yearned for a life where authenticity thrived, where I could openly embrace my sexuality without the chains of judgment. The dream encompassed a tapestry woven with love and support from friends and family, a future where I could truly be me.

MORGAN

The halls of Oakridge High School echoed with the familiar cadence of footsteps as I, Morgan Jake Lawson, strode through, a towering figure at 6'2". My athletic build and confident demeanor projected an image of strength and poise, a facade that concealed the tumultuous sea of emotions beneath the surface. Blonde hair and blue eyes mirrored determination, and my charming smile, a well-practiced mask, camouflaged the internal struggles that defined my journey.

As the captain of the school's football team and the most popular jock, I basked in the limelight that society had cast upon me. The weight of expectations, both familial and societal, rested heavily on my shoulders. Academically and athletically accomplished, I earned the respect and admiration of my peers. On the football field, I commanded attention with a calm and collected demeanor, a natural leader who thrived under pressure.

Christina, the popular cheerleader, adorned my arm as we navigated the intricate web of high school dynamics. A relationship woven more out of societal expectations than genuine connection, our union was a carefully crafted facade. A facade that, with each passing day, seemed more fragile as I grappled with my own identity and the growing realization that my heart yearned for something else.

The history of my romantic entanglements was a well-rehearsed script, adhering to the expectations set by peers and family. Yet, beneath the surface, an undercurrent of unrest simmered, waiting to challenge the preconceived notions of love and attraction that had shaped my narrative. It was Gale, a fellow teammate, who unknowingly unraveled the threads of my carefully constructed world.

Gale's compassionate and outgoing nature spoke to a side of me I rarely acknowledged. A deep connection existed between us, one that transcended the superficial boundaries of popularity and societal norms. As I navigated my feelings for Gale, the fears that had long lingered in the shadows clawed their way into the forefront.

Disappointing my family and losing the respect of my teammates were the specters that haunted my every step. The fear