Page 104 of Quarterback Sneak

“What’s there to say, Blackwood?” I challenge right back. “Pretty sure we haven’t defined this...whatever it is.”

He leans towards me. “Then let me define it, Bennett. You’re my girl, my girlfriend, my whole world; take your pick.” He doesn’t lean back. “Does that define it?” I stare into his eyes, and his gaze softens. That hand on my leg rubs a small circle. “I didn’t mean to be confusing or unclear. I am in this for the long haul with you, if that’s what you want.” I don’t even have to think about it.

“I do.”

His lips turn up on one side. “Good.” His hand comes up and slips under my hair, and he palms the back of my neck. I close the sliver of distance between us, and his lips touch mine. The hand on my leg tightens, and I sigh softly against his lips.

“Um, hey guys,” a voice interrupts us. I try to pull out of the daze Zane has put me in and turn to look at Tessa, who’s staring at us with wide eyes. “You’re drawing attention.” It’s only then that I see the phones turned toward us. I drop my head instinctively. Zane drops his arm around my shoulder and pulls me close to his chest, effectively blocking me from most of the view.

“Show’s over, People. Move on.”

When I meet Tessa’s gaze, her eyes are dancing. “Good thing he’s not your man,” she whispers pointedly. I shake my head, thankful Zane’s still busy glaring at everybody. When Zane turns back to the table, Tessa crosses her arms on the table. “Blackwood, we need to talk about Saturday.” He bends over and pulls a white container out and slides it across the table to Tessa, who stares at it. “What is this?”

He looks at her like she’s lost it. “It’s Chinese.”

I take a bite of my chicken, enjoying the show. “Yes, I know it’s Chinese; I wasn’t born yesterday, Blackwood. Why did you give it to me?”

Zane sits back in his seat and drops his arm over the back of my chair. It puts his body close to mine, and I don’t mind in the least. “Because you’re the best friend. I know to include you. I wasn’t born yesterday.” I glance at him and catch his smirk as he throws her words back at her. I take another bite and watch as she opens the box.

“You have the best boyfriend ever,” she directs towards me.

I smile. “I know.”

Tessa takes a bite and sighs. “I love Chinese.”

I glance at Zane again and smile when his eyes meet mine.Thank you.I mouth to him. He pulls me closer to him with that arm around my shoulder. “What did you get to eat?” He pulls out another bowl and opens the lid. I nod and turn back to my food. His bowl is a mix of all things healthy. I spot some quinoa in there, sweet potatoes, apples, spinach, and more. Lunch passes all too quickly, and soon it’s time to get back to class. We clean up our mess and throw away our trash.

Zane glances at his phone. “I have a little bit of time. I’ll walk you to your next class.”

“Thanks for the lunch, Zane,” Tessa says with a wave. “See you later, Evie.”

“Bye, Tess.”

Zane and I walk out of the dining hall and start towards my class. I feel his hand and turn mine, so they fit together. “Do you want to come to the house tonight?”

“I wish I could,” I tell him. “But I have to work tonight right after my last class.”

He squeezes my hand. “No worries. We’ll have another night.” We get to my building, and he pulls his hand from mine. He bends forward and kisses my cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

“Bye, Zane.”

I’m almost inside the building when he calls out again. “Evie.” I turn to him, and he jogs over to me. “You said you had to double your running regimen. When do you run?”

“In the mornings.”

He frowns. “By yourself?”

I can’t help my smile. “It’s a huge campus; there are lots of other runners.”

“What time do you run?”

I shake my head, knowing what he’s getting at. “I’m fine running by myself, Blackwood.”

He studies my face and takes a step back. “Have a good rest of your day.”

I cock my head to the side. “You’re giving up that easy?”

He grins and winks. “Who says I’m giving up?” he returns.