Page 89 of Quarterback Sneak
I wonder if he’s going to kiss me, but he doesn’t. I'm not sure if I’m disappointed or relieved.Who am I kidding? It’s definitely disappointment I’m feeling. I settle on the couch and try to get comfortable in my new surroundings. I haven’t slept well since the whole thing in the woods. I didn’t think I’d be able to sleep here in this new place, but there’s something about knowing Zane is under the same roof, as well as all his friends, that makes me feel safe. I’m asleep in minutes.
I hear an alarm and reach out to grab my phone. I realize a moment later that it’s ringing. I frown when I see Bisch’s name and hurry to answer. “Hello.” My voice is raspy from sleep.
“Evie, I’m so sorry to call you so early. I’ve already had two call outs this morning. I know you’re not on for this morning, but—”
“I can come in,” I interrupt. “But it will take me a little bit because I’m not on campus.”
“I’ll take you whenever you can get here. Thank you, Evie. I owe you.”
He really doesn’t, but I let it go. “I’ll see you soon.” I hang up and glance at the time. It’s just after five. I quickly grab my bag and head into the closest bathroom, shutting the door quietly. I don’t think I really need to worry about it, though because this bathroom is a distance from the bedrooms. I’m ready in less than ten minutes. I check my phone and see that I have five minutes before the ride I ordered gets here. I have just enough time to fold the sheets and blankets and leave them neatly on the couch before my ride arrives. I head towards the front door, checking for anything that looks like an alarm that I could set off. When I don’t see anything, I slip out quietly.
When I walk into the shop a little while later, Bisch’s face lights up. “You are a lifesaver. Thank you, Evie.”
His words make me feel good that I was able to get here. “You’re welcome.” I drop my bags in the back room, grab my apron, and get to work. The first students are already trickling in, ready to grab a coffee and get a last-minute cram session in.
I’m in the middle of making a drink when the door to the shop flies open, crashing into the outside railing with a clang. Everybody in the shop looks up and watches as Zane Blackwood steps into the shop. His eyes shoot to the front of the shop, and I swear he goes unnaturally still when he sees me. Something keeps me from moving a muscle as he approaches me. His body is tense, and his eyes are full of...something. Students move to get out of his way as he approaches the counter.
“Uh, I’ll just wait over there,” the girl whose order I just took says.
I don’t get a chance to reply before Zane steps up to the counter and leans forward, bracing his arms on the counter. “You left.” His words are low and gruff, and I take a moment to really take him in. His hair looks rough, like he just woke up or ran his hands through it repeatedly. He doesn’t look away. “I woke up, and you were gone.”
My cheeks heat because of how onlookers could interpret what he’s saying. I swallow and keep my voice soft. “I’m sorry. Bisch called early and needed me to come in. I was in such a hurry, I didn’t even think about leaving a note or something. That was inconsiderate of me.”
“How did you get here?”
I continue to hold his gaze. “I called for a ride.”
He blows out a breath, looking like he’s one second away from snapping. I make a judgement call. I turn to find Bisch staring at the two of us with wide eyes. “Can I take a quick break?” He nods, not saying a word. I don’t bother to take my apron off as I round the corner of the counter and put my hand on Zane’s arm, pushing him towards the door. Thankfully, he lets me direct him outside. I walk around to the back, where it’s a little more private. “I’m sorry, Zane. I should have—”
His strong arms engulf me suddenly, cutting off my words. I stiffen at first but then relax. “You scared me.” His words are soft, but I hear the edge to them. I pull back, so I can look up at him.
“I didn’t mean to.”
He takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly, like he’s still trying to get control. “Next time,” his eyes hold mine. “Wake me up, and I’ll drive you here.”
“Next time?” I ask.
“Next time,” he repeats. He reaches up to tuck a hair behind my ear. “You don’t have to come into my room; just call my name or text me. I’ll hear you.”
“Like you heard me this morning?” I can’t resist the jab. He looks so intense, and I feel bad for scaring him.
“I didn’t hear you at all. How’d you do that?”
I shrug. “I was just quiet.”
He scowls. “Yeah, no kidding.” He runs a hand over his head. “I’m glad you’re safe. What time do you work until?”
“I have an eight-o’clock class.”
He nods. “I’ll grab something for you to eat when you get done.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“You’re not going to start a full day of classes on an empty stomach.”
I wave him off. “I’ll just get a coffee.”
He shakes his head. “Not substantial. I’ll get you something.”
