Page 88 of The Hearts We Fumble
“I haven’t talked to Myla, but Zane said she’s okay.”
Everly nods. “According to Hayes, Luca was full of shit. He was trying to bait Zane into throwing the first punch, knowing it would get him in trouble.”
“Not to mention the attention this is going to bring them both.”
Myla’s name carries weight in Braysen, thanks to her talent on the basketball court. She’s never been the type to party, so the fact that she was even at Alpha Nu in the first place is surprising.
The conversation stalls, and I try to focus on class, but it’s no use. My mind keeps circling back to Zane and what this could mean for him.
I’ve already been slipping in school, and today isn’t helping. Assignments are getting pushed off. Studying is an afterthought. I know better than to half-ass college, especially when money is already tight. The last thing I need is to fail a class and have to retake it.
But none of that stops me from opening a browser on my laptop, pretending to take notes while I type Zane Kinnick into the search bar.
The headlines hit me like a brick:Kinnick Faces Scrutiny After Alleged Brawl.
So much for rumors. The more videos that circulate, the harder it’ll be to control the narrative.
Everly nudges me. “You think he’ll be able to play Saturday?”
I shake my head. “His hand is pretty banged up, but knowing Zane? He’s not sitting this one out without a fight.”
“Psh, no kidding.” She smirks. “Hayes played with bruised ribs for weeks before… you know.”
We both know she’s thinking about the fight that landed him in the hospital.
I sigh. “Zane’s stubborn, but it’s not just up to him. It depends on what punishment his coach sticks him with.”
The weight in my chest lingers for the rest of class, but at least now, thanks to Everly, I don’t feel completely in the dark.
When the bell rings, Zane isn’t waiting outside the classroom like I half expected.
Instead, it’s just Hayes, leaning casually against the wall, his gaze flicking over to Everly the moment she steps through the door. Without hesitation, he hooks an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side as they head toward the cafeteria.
I barely have a second to register Zane’s absence before I spot him rounding the corner, his stride purposeful as he closes the distance between us. His arm slips around my waist, pulling me in the same way Hayes did to Everly—only with Zane, it feels different. It's like he’s anchoring himself.
“Wasn’t expecting to see you until later,” I say, tilting my head up at him.
“Decided to blow off class before practice.” His voice is light and teasing, but there’s tension beneath it. “I’m dreading whatever conversation I’ll be having with Coach when I get there.”
My chest tightens. “You think you’ll be suspended?”
He exhales heavily, dragging a hand through his hair. “I’d be surprised if I wasn’t. It’s just a matter of how long.”
Without thinking, I tighten my grip around his waist, pressing into him like I can absorb some of the weight he’s carrying. He responds by kissing my temple, the simple gesture sending warmth rushing through me.
“I figured instead of stressing over it,” he murmurs, “I’d spend the next few hours doing one of my favorite things.”
I lift my head, meeting his gaze. “And what’s that?”
A slow smile tugs at his lips, something softer hidden beneath the frustration and uncertainty. “Hanging out with my best friend.”
His nose brushes against mine, his voice dropping lower.
“And showing her just how much trouble she’s in with me.” He smirks. “Let’s go grab lunch.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Zane
