Page 104 of The Quarterback Sneak

“And she didn’t recognize him? Surely she would have seen pictures of him from your games?”

“There aren’t any. Jamie’s always riding the bench. He isn’t exactly the star of the show, no matter how much his ego would believe it. Besides, he didn’t give her his real name, so any mention of him before would have gone unnoticed. Not that I talked about that idiot at all.”

“Is she sure?”

“When she saw him at the championship game, she was so sure that she led me to do something very stupid and illegal, but it got me the information I needed.”

“You didn’t punch Jamie again, did you?”

He cringes. “No. I can’t do that without getting expelled. Besides, I didn’t need to. I tested his DNA.”

“How?” I ask with a gasp.

“I stole his water bottle and a comb in practice one day, and it’s a ninety-nine percent match with Ella.”

“So he’s her father?”

“Believe me, I was hoping and praying she was wrong. How could something that pure and beautiful be part of Jamie?” His nose crinkles. “Thank God she’s spent no time with him.”

I swallow; the implication of this knowledge batters through me like a car on its last breath. “Zach, if this is true—”

“It’s true.”

“This is huge. Like Jamie’s family will want Ella, they’ll make Tiff’s life hell if it ever comes out that they have an illegitimate grandchild.”

“I know. That’s why I’ll let Jamie continue to believe his dumb ass lies about me. Jamie’s name isn’t on Ella’s birth certificate, and he’s going to college in a few months. I’ve found a lawyer,and once I win this bet, I’ll use the money to hire her and make sure that idiot can’t get anywhere near Ella.”

“Was that your plan for the money all along? To pay for lawyers?”

“No. I never thought we’d find out who the father was. Now that we know, it’s a different issue.”

I take his hand in mine, waffling our fingers together. “Well, if it’s money you need. Let’s win it. You can have my share.”

He looks up at me, surprised. “Are you sure?”

“Zach, you’ve done so much for me over the last few months. Money was never the endgame for me, revenge was, and I got that a long time ago with your help. The only way I can repay you is to show you exactly how much you mean to me, and I want to help you and Ella.” I scoot closer, draping one of my thighs over his legs, and kiss him with a smile on my face. He kisses me back, stroking my thigh.

“Let’s think about it,” he says, pressing his fingers into my skin. I nod, knowing that I’ve thought about it enough. He’s getting my share no matter what.

“One thing before I forget,” he says. He moves me off his legs to stand.

I tilt my head, watching him in confusion, and then he gets down on one knee. I take in a sharp breath, surprised and wondering what the hell he will do. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to propose. I don’t want to be that girl who’s had two fiancées at eighteen.” I try to make it sound like a joke, but the hesitance in my voice gives away my nervousness.

He doesn’t respond, just smiles as he pulls out a box from his back pocket. “I was planning on giving this to you at the end of the ball, but since we didn’t get that far, I guess this will have to do.”

He hands me the box, and I just stare at it. It’s a small velvet box, and I’m paralyzed in thought. We’re both too young. Yes,we’re both going to St. Michael’s, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to move from one ridiculous commitment to another. “Will you stop overthinking and just open it already.” He laughs, raising his eyebrows encouragingly.

I swallow and open the box. A set of gold honeycomb earrings twinkle at me, matching my necklace.

“I love them.”

“See, no ring, but I do have a proposal.”

I don’t have time to admire the earrings, and I look up at him with confusion. “Hunniford Genevieve Sanderson, will you go to prom with me?”

I huff out a small laugh, pushing him on the shoulder lightly. “What are you talking about? We’ve already agreed that we’re going together.”

He shakes his head, takes my hand in his, and places it on his chest, just above his heart. “No, we didn’t. We agreed to go for a bet and fake date until then. I’m asking you now if you’ll go to prom with me as my girlfriend?” He squeezes the hand he’s holding, watching me with deep, dark eyes.

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