Page 88 of Quarterback Sneak

“He would never let something happen to you and would never hurt you.”

The way Jace did.He doesn’t say the words, but I can feel their implication. “I believe that he wouldn’t hurt me on purpose. But Reid, you know people hurt each other all the time. It’s just what happens in any kind of relationship.”

“That’s true, but there are different types of hurt. There’s the kind of hurt that happens between people that love each other. They fight and say something they regret, something that hurts the person they love. That’s not the kind of hurt I’m talking about. That kind of hurt isn’t the kind that stays with you a lifetime; you work through that kind of hurt. The kind of hurt that I'm talking about is the one that makes you fearful, afraid to trust again. Zane’s not like that.” I take in his words, but don’t say anything in return. I’m not sure how long we stand there, staring into the darkness before he says quietly, “Zane should be back soon.” He turns to leave.

“Thank you, Reid. You know, you’re going to make some woman very happy.” His face tightens, and I think about his interactions with Riley. “Or I guess I should say a certain younger sister.” He eyes me warily. “I won’t say anything, Reid. You have my word.”

He gives me a tight nod. “Thanks. Night.”

He disappears down the hallway, just as the front door opens. I turn and catch my breath. Zane’s shirtless and only wearing a pair of black sweats. He's got sweat dripping down his chest, and his hair looks like he ran his fingers through it a time or two. My eyes flit over his chest again, against my will. I feel my mouth dry up, because good grief, the guy is ripped. I knew that he was solid under his shirt because I’ve felt his muscles, but this is next level. Zane’s eyes meet mine, and he strides towards me. He's suddenly right in front of me, and I have a hard time catching my breath.

“I’m sorry.” His words are soft and confusing.

“What for?” I ask, trying to catch my breath.

“I wasn’t going to rush you.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, Evie. I wanted to give you time after everything with Jace. I wanted you to feel safe and protected here, and I blew it. You deserve more than that from me.”

“Is that why you went for a run?” I ask. His face contorts. “What?” I ask.

He sighs. “I went for a run because I couldn’t keep my hands off you, and I was losing control. But I will. You can always trust me, Evie. I will always protect you and keep you safe; and that goes for your heart and body too.”’

“Reid pretty much just said the same thing about you.”

His eyes narrow. “Reid was with you.”

“Hey,” I say, pushing on his chest lightly. “Relax; he’s gone now. He just came to make sure I was okay, I think.”

“Why?” His voice is sharp.

“Because Quint said I broke you,” I tell him honestly.

“What? Quint’s an idiot; don’t listen to anything he says. I don’t.”

For some reason, that makes me laugh. “Thanks for tonight, Zane. I had a really good time playing with you guys.”

“It was so much more fun than it usually is with just the four of us guys. You need to play with us every Sunday night.”

My smile is soft. “I’ll see what I can do,afterwe make sure it’s okay with your roommates.”

“It’s okay,” he says.

“How do you know?” I ask.

He shrugs. “Because they don’t have a choice.”

Chapter38

Evie

After a whole lot of arguing, Zane finally gives up and helps me make a bed on the couch. I can tell he’s frustrated, but I’m not going to make him sleep on the couch. He’s way too big. “I’ll be fine,” I tell him, trying to convince him for the hundredth time. I grab my cosmetic bag and dig a tank top and shorts out of my bag. “I’m heading to the bathroom. Night, Zane.”

A few minutes later, I turn off the bathroom light and pad towards the living room. “What are you still doing here?” I ask Zane as I put my clothes from today away.

“Just wanted to say good night.” He steps close. “If you need me, just call out. I’ll hear you; I promise.”

“I’ll be fine.” I step up on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek. “Thanks, Zane, for everything but mostly for being good to me.”

His eyes run over my face. “Get some sleep, Evie.”