Page 108 of Tainted Romance

"Game starts in an hour. Meet me at the side of the locker rooms at ten to. I've got something for you."

I arched my eyebrows. "Now you're just trying to get me there with the lure of presents."

"Never." He winked, standing up and grabbing his books. "I'll meet you at the game."

"Don't be too sure on that," I said over my shoulder as he walked away.

So, going to the game wasn't part of the plan, and neither was smiling at him or enjoying hearing I had his attention. I sunk back in the chair. I hated myself for admitting it, but I really wanted to know what he had for me.

But I had never attended a football game, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to start now.

***

I was stupid for being here.

It was hot, stinking hot, and, to top that off, I had no plan. Yep. That's right! I came here on his terms, and I didn't even have a plan.

I took a deep breath in and glanced at my clock. Five minutes to. I rounded the corner half expecting him to not be there but, once again, I was surprised.

Zane was leaning against the brick wall, staring across at the stands, looking more distant then I had ever felt.

His head snapped in my direction as I took a step around the corner.

"You came." His voice was coated with shock.

"Sorry I'm late."

A grin spread across his lips. "It doesn't matter. You're here now."

"Yeah, and you have to be on the field in like five minutes. Wouldn't your coach want you right now?"

"Doesn't matter. Um, here." He handed me a shirt, and I unfolded it.

It was the football team’s jersey.

"It's got my number on the back," he added.

My eyes bounced from the jersey back to him.

He scratched the back of his neck. "You don't have to wear it if you don't want to."

Then a plan clicked into action - on the spot.

"No, I was just thinking it's too hot to be wearing two tops. Here, hold this." I handed the top back to him and reached for the hem of my tank top, pulling it off and over my head. "Jersey please." I put my hand out.

His eyes were wide with need and painted with desire.

"Um, Zane, jersey, before someone else walks around that corner."

"Um, right." He handed it back to me, and I slipped it on. I had to admit it was cool on my skin.

"Thanks." I grinned at him and took in more satisfaction at his shocked and utterly stunned face.

He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Taylor and a few of the players on the team came out of the changing room door.

"There you fucking are. You had Coach all up in knots thinking you had taken off." Taylor swung an arm around Zane's shoulder, completely missing the fact I was here. "Come on, the captain has to lead us on the field."

Zane disappeared into a crowd of players, and I took a few steps back to get out of their way.

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