Page 37 of Offside Angel

Confusing and existential-crisis-inducing… but nice.

“I had fun, too.”

“Is that your truth? Because you’re kind of piggybacking off of me. It’s a bit lazy.”

His eyes narrow and he twists my shirt in his hands, arching me closer to him. “I am anything but lazy. You’re gonna eat those words later tonight.”

Goosebumps bloom down my arms. “Okay, then what’s your truth?”

“I’m glad we’re all home.” Zane tucks my hair behind my ear. “Where we belong.”

15

ZANE

“I hope that thing isn’t glued to your hand.” Coach Popov juts his chin towards my phone. “I need you ready to play this Friday, Whitaker.”

I tuck my phone back under the bench where I stashed it before practice started. Every time there’s been a break all day, I’ve made a beeline for it. Usually, I keep my phone in my locker, but “usually,” my girlfriend isn’t a flight risk with a psychopathic brother on her tail.

Considering the circumstances, it’s a miracle I’m here at all.

I nod. “I’ll be ready.”

It’s the closest we’ve gotten to talking about how I stormed out of the locker room before the last game. Coach could’ve torn up my contract if he wanted. I wouldn’t have even blamed him. So, as much as I’d rather be at home, I’m grateful to still have a job.

As soon as Popov walks off, I lunge for my phone again. I can’t count how many times I’ve checked the security cameras or texted Evan.

Where is she?

What’s she doing now?

What’s her plan for today?

She’s still in the condo, Evan texts for the fourth time in an hour. I don’t need to read between the lines to catch his impatience, but I don’t care, either. I’m paying him enough that I’d be justified in asking for second-by-second updates if I wanted them. Every fifteen minutes is nothing.

I’m about to ask him for another status report when someone slams into the boards in front of me and I jolt.

“When is your girlfriend gonna come back to root for us?” Davis asks. “I think she was my good luck charm.”

“If she was anyone’s good luck charm, she’d be mine,” I warn.

Davis gives me a shit-eating grin. “Bring her around and we’ll test that theory. See who she’s more impressed by.”

“Or I kick your ass into a hospital bed and you sit out another game,” I snarl.

He’s being a goofy idiot. He’s being Davis. But my confession from the other night in bed is chafing a little, I guess.

I love her. I fucking love Mira. It’s a first for me—the feeling and the confession alike. Possessiveness comes with the territory, it seems.

“Whoa,” he laughs, raising his hands in surrender. “No jokes about Mira. Got it. I actually came over to see if you needed anything.”

I frown at him, not sure what he means. Jace and Reeves and Daniel know what’s going on with Mira and her brother, but it’s not something we’re publicizing. Davis is a friend, but he’s a friend with a big mouth. He shouldn’t know anything is going on until Mira is ready for the world to know.

As if reading my mind, he lowers his voice and leans in. “I don’t know what the fuck is up with you, but it’s clear things are… tense for you right now. If you all need a place to stay or to get away for a bit, my house is always open.”

“Wow.” I almost don’t know what to say. “Thanks, man. That’s—Thanks, but I don’t want to put you out.”

“You wouldn’t put me out. Actually, I’ve been playing around with the idea of putting it on the market. I spend all of my time at my condo these days.”

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