Page 29 of Quarterback Sneak

I’m already shaking my head. “I’m good; thank you.”

“Evie.” He takes a long step, closing the distance between us. “It’s already starting to get dark. I’m not letting you walk back to campus by yourself. Besides, your feet have to be hurting.” It’s like him saying the words activates the pain in my feet. They’d been fine right up until he said something. Now they ache, and I’m pretty sure I have blisters forming on the back of each of my heels. “Come on.”

“All right.” I figure it’s the smart thing to do for my feet’s sake. And as brave as I sound, I really don’t want to walk back to campus in the dark, alone.

“This way.” He nods towards the parking lot. I know right away which truck is his; it’s the only car in the parking lot. I follow him to the truck, and he surprises me by opening the passenger door for me first. I climb up into his truck and close the door behind me. He drops his bag in the back and then climbs into the driver’s seat. As soon as the door closes, I get a whiff of something...deodorant maybe? It smells manly and sexy, and my heart thunders in my chest. He pulls out of the parking spot, and we start towards the main campus. I try to think of something to say, but he beats me to it. “How’s your week going so far?”

“Good. It’s Thursday, so that’s a win.” He nods. “How about you? Are you ready for the game this weekend?”

Another nod. “Yeah.”

He's kind of quiet, which I’m not used to. But I don’t push it. Surprisingly, the silence isn’t so bad. I relax a little as he drives.Thankfully, the drive isn’t too long, or I probably would have fallen asleep. When he pulls up in front of my door, I clutch the picture to my chest. “Thanks again, Zane. I really appreciate this. And thanks for the ride.”

He turns those piercing green eyes on me. “Anytime, Evie.” I get the feeling he really means that. He climbs down from the truck and walks around to my door and opens it for me. He puts out his hand, and I debate a moment whether or not to take it. I finally decide not to overthink it and reach for his hand. His hand is strong and sturdy and calloused...and feels really good. I pull my hand from his as soon as I’m on the ground.

“Thanks, Zane.” I don’t look back as I head to my dorm.

Chapter 14

Evie

When I get to my room, I grab the gift bag I bought from Walgreens when I picked up the canvas I printed off. Thankfully, the Walgreens is within walking distance. I put the bag together and drop it in my closet. I can’t wait to give it to Tessa tomorrow.

My phone dings, and I pick it up. It's a text from Jace.

Jace-are we still on for Saturday night?

I don’t answer right away. Instead, I set my phone on the desk. I don’t know why I don’t answer immediately. My thoughts drift to Zane and how kind he was to me, saying he would have waited all night for me. I smile because he really is a nice guy. I pull those thoughts back when I realize the direction they’re going and force myself to pick up my phone and respond to Jace’s text.

Me-yes

Me-looking forward to it

Jace-me too

Jace-wear something dressy

I lower my phone and groan. “I don’t have anything dressy.” Sam chooses that moment to walk into the room.

“Hey, I didn’t know you were back. I—” she takes in my outfit. Not wanting her to ask why I look like I went for a run in regular clothes, I redirect her.

“Jace wants me to wear something dressy.”

She blinks. “What? Wait, are you and Jace finally actually going on a date?” I can’t help but grin at her enthusiasm.

“Maybe.”

“When?”

“This Saturday night, but he wants me to wear something dressy. How dressy do you think he’s talking?”

“I’m pretty sure he doesn’t mean leggings,” she says pointedly.

I roll my eyes. “I know.”

“Do you own anything besides leggings?” she asks.

“Of course. I have jeans.”