Page 21 of Quarterback Sneak
“Okay, you two, knock it off. Evie, get back to work.”
Even Sam’s abruptness can’t dampen my smile as Tessa waves at me with a grin and slips out the front door. Finally, it’s noon; and I can clock out for my break. I take off my apron and hang it in the back and slip out the back door, taking a breath of fresh air. I lean against the building and close my eyes a moment, enjoying the peace and quiet after the craziness of this morning. I sense somebody and open my eyes. I’m surprised to see Zane just a few feet away. He gives me an easy smile. “Hi, Evie.”
“Hi, Zane,” I say automatically.
“Catch.”
My hands instinctively catch something he tosses to me. I look down at the muffin in my hand and then look back up at him inquisitively. He shrugs. “You looked hangry. Whenever I get that way, Reid always makes me eat.”
I stare at him as a smile starts to form on my lips. There’s just something about this guy; I don’t even know what it is. “Normally, I wouldn’t take food from somebody I don’t reallyknow, but I’m starving and this looks really good.” I start to unwrap it and realize my hands are almost shaking. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until right at this moment.
“Hey, we know each other’s names; and you know how I like my coffee. We’re practically besties.” I shake my head as I take a bite. “What?” he asks.
“Besties just sounds funny coming out of the mouth of a guy like you.”
He just grins at me. “You didn’t deny it. Admit it, we’re besties now.” I can’t keep the smile off my face, even as I take another bite.
“This is really good,” I say after another bite. “Like really good. Where’d you get it?”
“My mom made them,” he says without an ounce of embarrassment.
“Well, please thank her for me. These are the best blueberry muffins I’ve ever had.”
“She’ll be happy to hear such high praise. What’s your favorite food?”
I finish my bite. “What? Why?”
He shrugs. “For next time, so you can eat more than a muffin.”
That sobers me up because I’m not really sure what I’m doing. I’m supposed to be going on a date with Jace this week. I keep it easy. “I don’t know if we’re those kind of besties yet.”
“Sure, we are,” he says right away.
“Evie!” I turn at the sound of Sam’s voice. “We need you back on register.”
I stare at her. “But I just started my—”
“It doesn’t matter. Let’s go.” I wait for her to turn around and go back inside, but she stands there, still scowling at me. I wrap up the leftover muffin.
“Okay.” I turn back to Zane when I realize she’s not going to leave. He stares down at me with a look that’s much more intense than it was a few minutes ago. The easiness that was between us just seconds ago is gone. “Thanks for the muffin.” He nods but doesn’t say anything. I turn and walk over to the back door to follow Sam inside. She walks inside, and I follow her. Without overthinking it, I turn back right before the door closes and hold it open. “Orange chicken.”
His eyes snap to mine, and a slow smile fills his face. I don’t wait for him to say anything; I simply let the door close behind me. But there’s a smile on my face as I walk back onto the floor a few minutes later.
Chapter 11
Zane
I stare at the closed door Evie just disappeared behind, a smile still on my face.Orange chicken.I commit it to memory and make a plan to buy her orange chicken every chance I get, not that I have a clue what orange chicken is. Hopefully Reid does, or I’ll ask my mom or sister. I squeeze my fists tight; I hate that she’s hungry. I heard her stomach growling, even as far away as I was. Of course, my wolf hearing helped. In fact, I heard every single thing that went down this morning, including the manager or whoever she is that’s always harping on my girl for some reason. And I heardand sawevery single thing that happened with the guy who dared to put his lips on my mate. Anger burns through me again, and I want to give into it and find this guy and end his very existence. I can’t believe he dared to touch her and ask her on a date. I squeeze my eyes shut. It’s going to kill me that she’s out with him during my game on Saturday. My wolf pushes against his barriers, and I tighten my control. I need to go back inside, but first I need to cool down. Knowing that Reid is in there keeping an eye on her helps. I push all thoughts of this guy from my mind, or my wolf will follow the scent we memorized and find him and kill him. I search for my mate’s scent instead and let it calm me. An urge to get inside and lay eyes on her pushes me towards the front of the building.
“Zane.” I lift my head to see Quint about to walk into the coffee shop.
“Hey.”
He pauses at the door and takes me in. “You good, Man?”
His question is casual, but I can sense the concern underneath it. “Yeah.”
He switches to our pack link.I can feel your rage from over here; it’s pretty powerful. You’d better not go in there until you cool down. What’s wrong?
