Page 98 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“Okay, I’ll wait for you outside.”

I hurry back into the theater, find my phone on the floor under my seat, then make my way back outside. I try not to think about everything that happened only a few minutes ago. It was like Zoey and I were in a different world. In a bubble where we touched hands and sat so close to each other and…

I shake my head. There definitely is something going on between us. I’m not entirely sure what it is, but I can’t ignore it anymore.

I’m still confused how she feels about me, though. She pulled away from me and looked so uncomfortable during the kiss scene. I’m pretty sure she still doesn’t want a boyfriend. And even if she did, I doubt I’m her type. She’s good and I’m bad and we won’t mix well. Heidi encouraged me to tell Zoey how I feel, but I can’t do that. I can’t let myself be vulnerable like that. And besides, I’m not even sure myself how I feel. Or if I’m ready to be a boyfriend.

Walking outside, I search for Zoey, but I can’t find her anywhere. Hmm. She wouldn’t leave without me.

I’m about to text her when I hear voices from the left. Following the sounds, I step into a small alley where four guys surround someone.

For a second, I can’t make out who it is, but then I find Zoey in the center. And the guys? They’re from the football team the Lions beat last night.

One guy knocks the popcorn tub out of her hands and all the popcorn splatters to the floor. “Not so tough now, are you, girlie?” he snarls.

She holds her head up high. “What’s the matter? You guys are sore losers because you lost to us last night? Get over it.”

Another guy gets in her face. “We’ll show you that girls don’t belong in football!”

The rest of the guys close in on her.

“Hey!” I call as I jet over to them. “Leave her alone.”

The first guy’s lip curls up in a snarl. “Heard about you, freak. The psycho attending Edenbury High. Go away and mind your own business.”

I pull Zoey behind me. “Leave her alone or I’ll make sure you never play football again.”

My voice has never sounded so threatening before. My fists clench at my sides, every part of me wishing to pummel all of their faces into the cement. But as much as I want to hurt them, I know I can’t. I shouldn’t. Zack told me that getting into fights could ruin things for me. And the truth is, I don’t want to be violent.

My tone must scare them a little because all four of them glance at one another. “Whatever, man,” the leader says. “She’s not worth it. Come, boys.”

Each one slams his shoulder into me as they walk off.

I spin around to Zoey, placing my hands on her arms. “Are you okay?” I scan her to check for wounds. “Did they hurt you?”

“No, I’m fine. Thanks.”

Though her tone is tough, I feel her slightly trembling beneath my touch.

“Sorry about being violent,” I say. “I’m trying not to lose my cool.”

She takes my hand. “No, you weren’t violent. You were just protecting me. I don’t think they would have hurt me, though. They were just trying to scare me.”

“How did you end up here?”

She shrugs. “Someone called for help. It was those guys tricking me.”

I grit my teeth, muttering a few curses under my breath.

She presses her hand to my chest. Does she feel the way my heart thumps? “It’s okay, Kade. I’m fine.”

I search her eyes. “If something would have happened to you…”

She shakes her head. “They’re harmless. But I think they’ll stay away from me now, thanks to your threat.”

“Good. Because if they touch you, I really will beat the living daylights out of them.”

She places her hand on my arm. “Thanks for looking out for me, but I’ll be okay. They know not to hurt me because they can be kicked off their team. They were just trying to mess with me.”

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