Page 19 of Quarterback Sneak

I put my headphones back on and get back to studying, but I’m glad we cleared the air between us. I study a little while longer and finally give in after my head nods for about the fifth time. The door to the bathroom opens just after I change into pajamas. “So, you’re going on a date with Jace?” she asks around the toothbrush in her mouth.

“Uh, maybe. How did you know?”

She takes out the toothbrush. “I passed him on the way back from the coffee shop. That’s so great. Jace is so hot, isn’t he?” I shrug. Her eyes go wide. “Oh, come on, he is.”

I finally smile. “Okay, yeah he’s a good-looking guy, if you’re into the whole black leather thing.”

“What girl isn’t into a guy that can wear black leather as well as he does?”

I head into the bathroom to finish getting ready for bed. When I come out, she’s on her bed, studying. I feel bad that I got to come home early and study and now go to bed, while she has to stay up late. “Do you want me to help you study?”

She waves me off. “I’m good; you get some sleep.”

The next morning, I’m up early for my shift at the coffee shop. Sunday mornings are kind of quiet in the early morning hours at the shop, so we take advantage of the time and stock after the crazy last two days. I’m on my knees stocking cups when I feel a presence at the counter. When I look up, I see Zane smiling down at me. “Morning, Evie.”

I stand to my feet and brush off my knees. “Good morning, Zane. Want me to run through our list of specials again, so you can order a black coffee?”

The side of his mouth turns up. “Tempting.”

“So just a black coffee, then?” I ask.

“Yes.”

I ring him up. “Today, you won’t have to wait; I just brewed a fresh pot.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

I turn away to get his cup of coffee. When I turn back to give it to him, his eyes follow me in that intense manner. “I won’t spill it,” I assure him.

“I wasn’t worried.” I pass it off to him. “Thanks, Evie.”

“You’re welcome.” When I turn back to the counter, I see his friend waiting to order. “What can I get for you?”

“Evie, this is Reid,” Zane says.

“Hey, Reid, what can I get for you. A boring black coffee, like your friend?”

He looks surprised for a moment and then cracks a small smile. “Yes.”

“One boring black coffee coming right up,” I say after I swipe his card. “Please tell me you boys at least add cream and sugar.” I hand Reid his steaming cup of hot coffee. Their faces tell me the answer, and I scrunch my nose up in distaste.

“Have you ever tried black coffee?” Zane asks with a smile.

“Yes. It's disgusting.” His low chuckle causes some sort of reaction in me that I don’t examine closely.

“Well, I beg to differ.” He lifts his coffee to me in a toast of sorts. “This is great; thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Have a good day.”

“Oh, we’re not going anywhere,” Zane says with a smile. “Not yet anyway.” I don’t say anything but watch as they wander over to the table at the back of the shop. It doesn’t take long for things to pick up, and I get lost in the business of the morning. I’m busy taking an order when Sam comes in. She catches my eye as she walks past, and I notice the scowl. I feel my body tense, wondering what she’s upset about this time. I don’t dwell on it, mostly because of the line that’s forming. I’m about halfway through the line when I look up and notice a familiar face.

“Hey, Jace.”

He smiles down at me. “Hey, Gorgeous, how’s it going?”

“Busy.”

He glances behind him. “I can see that.”