Page 111 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“I’ve been wanting to go to the bookstore in the Edenbury mall for the longest time, but I never seem to have time.”

He raises a brow. “Are there no bookstores nearby?”

“Yeah, but I’ve basically browsed those stores to death. I’m hoping to find something different. Maybe an old book that’s out of print that’s stashed at the back of the store, or maybe an unpopular book that I can fall in love with. And we can check out the other stores at the mall,” I add. “Maybe you’ll find something. Even if not, it’s fun to visit the mall.”

He slowly nods as he considers it. “Okay. I don’t really care where we go or what we do. I just want to hang out with you.”

Every part of me warms up and my blood races through my body.

With a grin, he leans forward to whisper, “You’re even prettier when you blush.”

I gaze into his eyes, once again getting lost in them. “You’re even more handsome when you smile.”

He sweeps some hair out of my face. “I always feel better when I’m near you.”

A breath escapes my lips. “I—”

“Zoey! There you are. Your uncle said—oh, whoops! Sorry.”

When I turn around, I find Lexi standing before me. Her eyes move between Kade and me, and then she mouths, “Sorry,” and backs away.

“Hey, Lexi,” I say, trying to ignore my pounding heart. “Did you say something about my uncle?”

“Yeah, um…” She looks guilty for interrupting whatever that was between Kade and me. “He says you’re late for practice.”

My eyes shoot wide open. “Oh my gosh! I’ve got to go,” I tell Kade. “Uh, do you want to wait or watch practice or…?”

“I’ll watch from the bleachers.”

“Okay. Thanks for letting me know, Lexi.”

I turn to go, but she says, “Um, Zoey? Can I ask you a quick question?”

I spin around. “Yeah?”

“Did you give my message to Brock when you spoke to him?”

I try not to squeeze my eyes shut. “Yeah.”

“Did he say anything?”

“He…” I sigh and shake my head.

Her face falls, and even though she’s trying to be strong, I see her battling tears.

“I’m visiting him this weekend,” I tell her. “Do you want me to give him another message?”

Her face lights up. “You’re visiting him? That’s cool. Yeah, I’ll think of something to say. Thanks so much!” She gives me a quick hug before waving and walking away.

“I’ll see you after practice, Kade,” I tell him.

“Show them who’s the warrior goddess.” He winks.

My face flushes as I laugh. “The backup is starting this Friday, but thanks.”

It’s hard to pull my eyes away from him. Maybe because I love talking to him? I love seeing his face brighten and that smile that melts something inside me. So I find myself walking backward, my gaze never leaving his face.

Until I bump into someone. VP Rivera.

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