Page 26 of The Quarterback Sneak

“I’m not yours, Jamie.”

A wry smile lifts one side of his mouth, and his hand comes out to mine, lacing our fingers together. “Come on, Honey. Don’t say that.”

Snatching my hand away, I stare at him, gobsmacked. “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t belong to anyone but especially not you.”

He takes a few steps back. “He’s my teammate. Imagine how it looks.”

“Trying to slut-shame me now? That’s rich from a guy who’s dipped his dick into every girl in the school?” His jaw falls open, and his eyes go wide. “Did you really think letting that video spread wouldn’t open the floodgates?”

My lip quivers as tears threaten to fall, but I hold them back. “I was sent photo after photo of you with your dick and mouth in places that proved I needed to get tested.” As I take a heavy breath, I realize he doesn’t know what to say or do. “Sorry, Jamie, but you lost all rights over telling me what I can and can’t do once you made out with another girl.”

“You’re right, I can’t control you, but I can tell your parents.” My teeth clench because he thinks he can use them to control me even after all that. He thinks he knows me well enough that I won’t go against anything they say. Well, he’s got another thing coming.

“Do you really think my parents would believe a word that comes out of your mouth after the shit you put me through? Do you think my mom would even want you in the same room as me after how much you tarnished my reputation?” That silences him, surprised at my outburst. Yes, my mom has been hounding me to get back with Jamie, but that’s not something I will ever let him know.

His mouth gapes open, then shuts again. He looks like a floundering fish, and I hold back my bitter laughter. “It’s all fake for him,” he hollers as I walk down the hall. “It’s all because he wants to prove a point to the football team that he can get you.”

I stop, standing tall on my heels, staring straight ahead. “That’s funny, because the only person I remember faking was me when I was with you.” I purse my lips, refusing to look back, and head straight to study hall.

Where the hell is Zach?

Chapter Nine

Zach

Opening the door, Ella’s shrill crying fills the room, and my heart beats faster as I run in. “Is she doing any better?” I ask, too worried to care about how desperate I sound. Ella’s obviously not okay, her screeching says as much, but my brain is too frazzled to be rational.

Clutching the prescription bag, I wait for Tiffany to turn. When she does, my heart nearly drops to the floor. Perfect, beautiful Ella is covered in a harsh red rash, and no matter how much rocking Tiffany does, she won’t stop crying.

“Ella, baby,” I breathe out, carefully taking a few steps toward her because I don’t want to upset her more. “Do they know what caused it?” I ask, gently placing my palm against her cheek, the warmth of the rash radiating through my hand.

Tiffany strokes the top of Ella’s blonde head, kissing her forehead while rocking her. “The doctor thinks it’s an allergy but can’t pinpoint what it’s from without a blood test.” I stare down at the precious baby and feel more determined than before. I already know it’s a test we won’t be able to afford. The pediatrician only sees us because he’s our neighbor. “Dr. Callahan said we should be able to figure it out by keeping a diary of everything she eats and touches for the next month.” Ishake my head, hating that idea because I don’t want Ella to go through this again.

“No, get the test.”

Tiffany sighs and points to the bag. “Is that the ointment?” Staring at the crinkled brown bag, I pull out the white tube. “Thank goodness. Hopefully, it will reduce the swelling.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t get it to you sooner; the bus was delayed.” I left out that I had to explain to Coach why I was bailing early so he could excuse me from the rest of my classes. He’s the only one who knows about this, and that’s only because he saw it firsthand when my parents invited him for dinner after offering me a scholarship.

“It’s not a problem. I’m sorry I had to bother you with Ella stuff again.” Tiffany lays Ella on her changing table and reads the instructions on the tube. “It’s just that both your parents were at work, and when the red lumps appeared, I had no idea what to do. I freaked out.”

Grasping her arm, I give her a kiss on the forehead. “Always call me. That’s what I’m here for. Get the blood test.”

“Zach,” she warns. “We can’t afford that.”

“Youdon’t need to worry about that. I’ll figure it out.” I’m not sure how I will pay for it just yet, but I’ll find a way.

Tiffany looks at Ella, then at me. “It says we need to bathe her in lukewarm water, then slather this stuff on her.” I nod as Tiffany jogs to the bathroom and turns the water on.

Still in Ella’s bedroom, I carefully lift her into my arms and hold her close. “Hey, baby girl.”

“Za Za,” Ella coos, her voice breaking at the end. I didn’t think my heart could break anymore, but it does. This girl has me wrapped around her little finger, and she doesn’t even have to try.

I kiss her on the temple where it looks less red. “Don’t worry, Pumpkin, we’ll have you feeling better in no time.” I promise, rubbing her back ever so slightly.

Tiffany is testing the water as I carry Ella in. “I think the temperature is good.” She reaches out for Ella, but I sidestep her and help put Ella in the bath. It’s a simple gesture, but one I want to make sure Tiffany understands. She’s not alone. We’re all in on this together. We’re family.

When Ella sits in the tub, her cries quiet a little, and I poke out my tongue, and she smiles. “That’s what I was missing.”

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