Page 2 of Quarterback Sneak

She huffs. “Oh, for goodness’ sake, I’m not going to embarrass you.”

“Too late,” I mumble as I walk towards the dorm with my arms laden down.

“Does that mean I can’t call you my little poopsie?”

I groan. “Mom.”

She laughs behind me. “I’m just kidding. I’ll be the perfect version of a cool mom.” I glance back and eye hermomjeans, t-shirt, and ponytail. She’s basically just an older version of me, or maybe I’m a younger version of her.

“Maybe just stay quiet.”

“Hey, now,” she says from behind me.

I’m focusing on not dropping my load and not looking where I’m going. I run right into something and stumble back with a grunt. Somebody grabs my arms, steadying me. “Sorry about that. Here let me help.” The heavy box suddenly disappears from my arms, and I’m left looking up at a good-looking guy. No, make that, areallygood-looking guy. He’s tall, with dark hair that’s wind-blown and a devilish smile. I swallow and resist the urge to take a step back.

“Hey, Gorgeous, what’s your name?”

Even his voice is sexy. I swallow and try to remember how to talk. “Evie,” I manage to say.

“Evie,” he says with a smile. “I’d shake your hand, but...” he nods at the heavy box he’s carrying.Mybox.

“Oh, I can carry it.”

“Not a chance. This is my chance to prove I’m a knight in shining armor,andthat I have muscles,” he adds with a smirk. His eyes flick over my shoulder, and I suddenly remember that my mom is with me.

Nothing kills what could be a romantic moment faster than remembering your mother is right behind you. I don’t give her a chance to say anything. “Well, if you insist on carrying it, my dorm is this way.”

“Lead the way,” he says, stepping back to let me lead. I walk quickly, hoping he’ll follow before my mom tries to talk to him. Somehow, he manages to open the door for me, even while carrying the box. I lead him to the second floor and to Room 212.

“This is me.” I open the door and walk in, trying not to feel weird when he enters behind me.

“Where do you want this?”

“Oh. Right here.” I point at my bed and move out of the way so he can put it down. He makes it look light, but I know for a fact how heavy it is. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

“Knock, knock.” My mom walks through the open door with a wide smile on her face. “Well, isn’t this nice.”

I turn quickly to my helper. “Thanks so much for your help.”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?” he asks with a sexy smirk. My mind stalls out a moment. “No worries, Evie. I’ll get out of your hair, unless you have more to bring in.” He leaves it hanging like a question.

“I’m good, thanks.” My words come out too rushed, but he’s nice enough not to point it out.

“All right. I’ll see you around, Evie. Sam.” With a nod at my roommate, he leaves the room, leaving the scent of his cologne trailing after him.

“Oh my, well, he’s just edible, isn’t he?” I shake my head and face my mom. “What? Isn’t that what they say these days?”

“No, Mom, no one says that.” I don’t look over at my roommate, mostly because I don’t want to see her horrified expression. “Let’s head out to the car.” I push her towards the door, hoping it’s been long enough that he’s gone. I walk with my mom back through the dorm and out to the truck.

“You didn’t get his name,” my mom feels the need to point out.

“Yeah, I know.” I don’t admit that I feel like an idiot for forgetting to ask his name, but maybe I can ask my roommate. He obviously knew who she was, so I’m hoping she knows him too.

“Do you need me to do anything else while I’m here?” my mom asks, drawing my attention back to her. “I can go with you to check in and get your visitor’s packet.”

I face my mom. “I’m good. Thank you.”

Her face falls. “So, is this goodbye?”