Page 92 of The Quarterback Sneak

Tiff.

The girl he told me was his sister, but now I’m unsure. Jamie probably loves this as he sits on the bleachers watching her, knowing my heart has been decimated.

Is she really his girlfriend? The mother of his child?

I barely believed it was his sister when he told me the first time, but the longer it takes for Zach to speak to me, the harder it is not to believe that he might have been hiding the truth from me all along. It would explain why he needed the money so badly and why he wanted to keep our family lives separate, but that doesn’t make his other actions any less confusing.

When Zach kisses me, electricity courses through my body straight to my toes. There’s something there; I know it, but am I breaking up a family by letting him kiss me?

“Yup.”

“And is that—” I swallow, staring at the little girl in a baby carrier attached to the front of Tiff’s body. With green ribbons holding her white hair in pigtails, she smiles, emphasizing her chubby cheeks, as she watches the game.

“So, the rumors are true? He does have a kid?” Confusion clouds her voice. This is the first time she’s outright asked me about the rumor. I think she was waiting for me to bring it up, but I’ve been avoiding the topic, not sure how to address something I only know half the story of.

My mouth drops open as I try to think of something to say, but nothing comes out. As I look down the field to find Zach, my eyes stop on Jamie. He’s staring at me with a wicked grin and raised brow.

He knows exactly who I was looking at.

As I look back at Zach’s family, my stomach pits out. If Zach is a dad, then I’m just a side piece to get money. The only feelings are mine.

Jamie’s hot gaze is still on me, urging me to believe his every word, but I just can’t.

“Honey?” Olivia’s hand rubs my shoulder, and I can’t take it. I can’t continue to sit out here and pretend I’m not hurt by this and everything my life has become.

“I’ve gotta go,” I mumble, and do the only thing that comes naturally—run.

“Honey, wait!” Olivia calls behind me, but I’m too quick, zagging between the crowd because I need to get out of here. The air is too thin, and my lungs are too greedy. I need space away from my thoughts, and I can’t get that with everyone around me.

As I race down the steps, I have to walk by Zach’s family, but I focus on the exit so I don’t give them eye contact. Don’t know why I bother since it’s not like his parents know I might be desperately in love with their son.

I walk briskly past the other people into the silent parking lot. No one would be stupid enough to leave right now. The game is way too close for that, which means I can get to my car and out of here before Zach finishes.

“Honey, is it?” I stop at the girl’s voice. Silky and smooth, it’s so sweet; I feel like I’m having a sugar rush just listening to her. I close my eyes, swallowing back the fear growing in my belly. It’s not a voice I recognize, which can only mean one thing.

It’s Tiff.

She knows all about me, and she’s come to claim what’s hers.

I knew this day would come; I just thought I’d be standing up to Zach, not her. How can I tell her I think I might be in love with the father of her child?

Lowering my head, I turn on my heel, not quite ready to look up.

She takes a few steps closer, and when I finally raise my head, I’m surprised at the concern laced across her face. If I knew no better, I’d think she was concerned for me.

As if seeing her beautiful face up close wasn’t enough of a stab in the chest, she’s still wearing the baby carrier. The little girl isn’t in it, but it’s another blaring reminder he has a baby. He has a family he cares about, and I’m getting in the way.

“Have you been crying?”

Oh, God. As if this night couldn’t get any worse. I’m now crying over her boyfriend too. I didn’t even realize it because I was too paralyzed in my own thoughts. I swipe at my cheeks, hoping the fabric of my sweatshirt soaks up the mascara left behind from my tears.

“No, I just have allergies.” The lie is almost as pathetic as me right now.

She peers at me through my curtained hair, stepping closer, acting like I’m a caged animal. “Are you sure? Because I just thought I’d introduce myself.”

Introduce herself? Why doesn’t she sound angry? Why isn’t she slapping me across the face?

Dread washes over me. What if she knew about me all along? What if she was in on the plan with Zach? Toy with the lost, little rich girl and earn some cash.

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