Page 100 of The Quarterback Sneak

“That’s what you call waiting for me, huh?” he asks with a hint of humor in his voice. He gives me a subtle peck on the cheek as I back away.

“I thought you weren’t coming.”

“So you thought you’d let Horseface get you back?” My mouth drops, the edges curling into a smile because I don’t know how to explain what happened. Not waiting for my answer, Zach waffles his hand in mine and says, “I’d never let you down, Honeycomb.” His voice is like an elixir to my soul, and I eagerly drink it up. “We had a deal, remember?”

Of course, it’s all about the deal. Nothing deeper is going on between us in his mind. He’s being the good guy, holding up his end of the bargain. He’s not thinking about me endlessly like I do him.

“Now, Mike told me I’m supposed to kiss your right hand and then lead you into the other hall where there will be a lot of dancing.”

I bite my lip, trying to hold back the sadness in my eyes. I should be anything but upset. Zach’s here, serving the biggest FU to my parents and Jamie I could wish for, but it’s not how I envisaged it. We haven’t spoken since he told me to wait for him, but was that just to finish the bet?

He lifts my hand, kicking the tails of his suit back, and softly kisses the skin there. Even through the fabric, I feel the stinging electricity that only Zach can muster.

I don’t bother looking around the room at the disapproving faces and shocked glares. Jamie’s parents will probably have harsh words for mine, and any ideas over a dynasty will be ruined. Funnily enough, I don’t care about the repercussions because, for the first time, I feel confident and whole in the presence of high society.

“Let’s go.” He offers his elbow, then I wrap my hand around it and let him lead me into the room next door, leaving Jamie standing there with no one to escort.

“Please welcome Hunniford Genevieve Sanderson and Jamison Franklin Nicks.”

The room hushes into silence as we enter.Zach leans closer so our shoulders brush. “Geez. It’s like they haven’t seen a guy with less than a hundred bucks in his bank account before.” He chuckles awkwardly.

It’s obvious from how he acts around school that places like this don’t make him comfortable, and he feels less than confident when he isn’t in his uniform. I squeeze his hand, silently thanking him for coming here.

“No. They just can’t believe I went against the great Hayley Sanderson. She’s pretty much funding this ball, and I’ve just burned a hole through her perfect tapestry.”

He smirks. “If you want, I can escort you back out there so you and Jamie can make your grand entrance.”

“Never,” I say with a small smile, leading him onto the dance floor. Turning to him, I play with the lapels of his tux. “Is this Mike’s?” He nods. “So, when Mike let you borrow this, did he teach you any moves while he was at it?”

“He tried. Or, at least, I should say Olivia tried, but Mike stopped it when he saw us dancing together. He claimed I was getting a little too handsy.”

“Were you?” My heart feels like it’s beating out of my chest.

“Of course not. You know Mike, he’s overprotective as shit, and I’m not about to become his punching bag. Jamie hasn’t walked straight since he punched him in the stomach.” Taking one of my hands, Zach lifts it in the air and snakes his other around my waist, bringing me to a comfortable distance.

People are still staring, but it all fades into nothing. Zach is all I focus on.

“When did Mike do that?” I ask while swaying to the music, gently moving Zach to the right position.

“Before the championship game. He was defending my honor.” He laughs, and I know there’s more to this story which I’ll find out later.

“Wow, the great Zach Evans got someone to help him out for once.”

“Hey, if I want to win the girl, I’ve got to accept I might need a little help.”

“Do you?”

“Do I what?”

“Want to win the girl?” I bite my lip, watching his eyes intently. He blinks before looking at me with soft eyes.

“Haven’t I made that obvious?”

“No,” I answer honestly.

He bends down, kissing the skin just below my ear. “Guess I’ll have to try a little harder, then.”

The music stops, and Zach glances over his shoulder, looking at the retiring couples.

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