Page 97 of Quarterback Sneak

Zane-I used to

I frown at his text.

Me-why not anymore?

Zane-it's just a little harder now

His cryptic answer confuses me, but I don’t push anymore. I try to think of something to cheer him up.

Me-Thanks for the jersey

Zane-are you wearing it now?

Me-yes

Zane-can I see?

I turn my phone around and take a quick selfie and send it to him before I overthink it.

Zane-gorgeous!

I blush at his response.

Zane-you look way better in my jersey than I do

Me-no, I don’t have the muscles to pull it off like you do

I hold my breath and wait for his response. When he doesn’t respond, I frown at my phone. Several more minutes tick by withno response, and I finally stand and drop my phone to my bed. I change into pajamas and brush my teeth. I’ve just crawled into bed and turned out the light when my phone rings. I roll over and snag it, answering it once I see Zane’s name. “Did I wake you up?” His low voice sounds in my ear, and I want to sigh at the sound of it.

“No. I just got into bed, but I hadn’t gone to sleep yet.” He lets out a low sound, and I frown. “Zane?”

“Sorry, Baby. It’s just...really good to hear your voice.”

I frown because he sounds so far from his usual easy-going self. “Are you okay, Zane?”

“Yeah. I just really miss you.”

His words make me warm all over. “I miss you too.”

“Will you go with me to my parents’ house for lunch tomorrow?”

His words take me by surprise. “Uh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“Meeting your family? That’s a little...suggestive. You know? They're going to think...” my voice trails off.

“Think what?” he pushes.

“That we’re like...together.”

He chuckles, and the sound is so delicious, it sends a shiver through me. “We are together, Baby; and you’ve already met them.”

“I know but going to their house with you is like…so final.” I take a breath. “But okay.”

“Yeah?” For the first time tonight, his voice sounds more like what I’m used to. I’m suddenly glad I agreed to go.

“Yeah.”