Page 140 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“And date to the fall dance,” I remind him.

He nods. “And date to the fall dance.”

We both smile at each other.

He takes my hand, his smile widening. “I need to tell you something. I thought about telling you yesterday when we video chatted, but I want to say it in person.”

“Okay.” I’m a little nervous, but he seems happy, so I’m hopeful it’s good news.

He smiles again, this one brighter. “Zack found me a new home.”

“Really? That’s great!”

“I’m staying, Zoey,” he tells me. “Right here. This will be my permanent home. I’m not going anywhere.”

I just stare at him. “You mean, with Aunt Ally and Uncle Zack?”

He nods vehemently. “They’re officially my foster parents.”

I throw my arms around him. “That’s so amazing!”

He presses his face to my arm. “Zack and Ally told me I’m like their son and they want me to live with them. They said they couldn’t bear to lose me.”

I brush my lips on his cheek. “I’m so happy for you.”

His chest expands as he sighs. “Thanks, Zoey,” he whispers. “I’m so excited and relieved and all the good emotions.” He yanks his head back to look at me. “But I’ll miss you.”

I nod, my throat tight. “I’ll miss you, too. But we’ll see each other every day at school.”

Of course it won’t be the same. It’ll suck not being around him all the time and talking to him, and just spending time with him. But at the same time, I’m happy to go home with my parents. Aunt Ally and Uncle Zack are great, but there’s no place like home.

We eat some more chocolate, then I go to my room to pack the rest of my stuff. Kade helps me and we chat about our days. I find myself talking nonstop, so comfortable around him. He’s smiling more than he’s ever smiled and I really love seeing that on him.

When I’m all packed and meet my parents downstairs, I’m a bit sad. And happy as well. It’s mixed emotions because I’ll also miss my aunt and uncle. I see Aunt Ally every day at school, but I don’t see Uncle Zack that often.

They hug me goodbye, telling me they loved having me here and that I should visit again. Then I’m in Kade’s arms as my parents hug my aunt and uncle.

“I know I said it already, but I’ll really miss you,” Kade whispers in my ear.

“But at least now you can live here without me getting in the way.” I laugh. “Bathroom’s all yours.”

He chuckles. “I’d rather you stay here and lose my bathroom privileges.”

I narrow my eyes playfully. “But my aunt and uncle would never allow two kids from opposite genders living together long term.”

He laughs again. “True.”

What we’re not saying is: especially if those two kids might possibly—almost definitely—have feelings for each other. At least on my end. While it seems he likes me, too…I’m not so sure. He told me he’s not looking for a girlfriend.

But he bought me chocolate…

Kade strokes my cheek with the back of his finger. “What are you thinking about?” he asks softly.

“It’s, um…”

“It’s getting late and we’d better go,” Dad says.

Kade and I repel from each other. His eyes are wide. I tuck some hair behind my ear.

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