Page 105 of Quarterback Sneak

Chapter 44

Evie

The next morning, I slip on my headphones and head outside. It’s my third week running, and I feel like I’m finally getting into a good rhythm again. I used to run almost every morning in Colorado, but since we moved, I haven’t gotten into it. It feels really good, though, to get back into it. I start on my route as the music’s driving beat helps me find a good rhythm. The time passes quickly as I make my way across campus. When I hit three miles, I slow to a walk. After I stretch, I turn my music off and turn on my audiobook. It’s not until I make the final turn and my dorm is in sight that I catch a glimpse of somebody tall and muscular behind me. I turn around and take in Zane in his athletic shorts and t-shirt, trying and failing not to notice the biceps that strain against the material. Then I notice the sweat on his face. “Did you follow me?” He nods and closes the distance between us. “The whole way?” He nods. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“I didn’t want to throw off your routine.”

“So, you just silently ran behind me the entire time?”

One side of his mouth curls up. “Not gonna lie. The view was pretty great.” I feel my entire face heat up, even as I laugh and hit his chest lightly.

“You’re shameless.”

“I know.” There’s not an ounce of remorse in his voice. “Three miles. That’s really good.”

I wave him off. “Says the Division 1 quarterback.”

He steps close, annihilating the space between us. “Morning, Baby.”

I can’t help my smile. “Morning.”

He ducks his head towards mine, and I take a small step back. “Wait. I’m all sweaty.”

“I don’t care.” He drops his hands to my waist and tugs me closer.

“Wait, you’re all sweaty too.”

He drops a swift kiss on my lips. “I gotta go. I’ll catch you later.” He turns and takes a few steps before jogging back to me. “And you should wear these short shorts more often.” His voice is low. “But only when I’m running with you.”

I can’t help my grin. “Oh, okay.”

He shakes his head. “You have no intention of only wearing them when I'm with you, do you?”

“Nope.” I give him a wave. “See you, Zane.”

He smiles affectionately. “See you.”

The week passes in a flurry of activity, and suddenly, it’s game day again. I dress in Zane’s jersey, excited for the game. It's been a crazy week. We've jogged together every morning, but that’s been about it. We’re like ships passing in the night with each of our schedules. This morning, I went on my jog without him. I was worried he would be too tired for his game, so I went extra early and then texted him when I was done to let him know I was already done for the day. He wasn’t very happy about it, but I don’t really care. I’m not going to have him waste energy on game day because he’s worried about me. I pick up my phone and send him a text, not sure if he’ll get to see it before the game.

Me-have a great game! I’ll be cheering for you!

He doesn’t text back, but I wasn’t planning on it. “Knock, knock,” Tessa says, coming through the bathroom door. “Ready?”

“Yes. Let’s go.” We join the groups of students walking across campus towards the football field. We finally make it to our seats and settle in. I check my phone again but don’t see anything from him. I can’t keep the smile off my face. The stands are quickly filling up, and the atmosphere is electric.

“This is crazy!” I shout over the noise to Tessa.

Her eyes are full of excitement. “I know!”

When the team runs out, and the fireworks go off, I feel goosebumps on my arms. We start on defense, and they get several good plays in before we finally stop them. They kick it away, and we get set at the thirty. I fold my hands together under my chin as I watch Zane and his offense take the field. I hold my breath at the first snap. Zane gets the ball and immediately has to move because of a defender coming at him. He fires off a pass to Quint for a gain of ten yards. The next play, he passes it to Zac. Zac gets a good run right up the middle, making first down. They set up at the new line of scrimmage, and Zac runs it again. They have several good plays, and they continue to work their way up the field. And it’s Raj that runs it in for a touchdown. Elliot scores the extra point on the kick, and they prepare to kick it away.

I relax a little because Zane’s looking good out there. “We’re back on track,” Tessa says, bumping my arm. I keep a close eye on Zane, but he does better than last week. We head into halftime with a seven-point lead.

“I need to go to the bathroom,” I tell her.

“Okay.” She stands to her feet.

“I can go by myself.” There’s a hint of amusement in my voice. “I’m a big girl.”