Page 59 of Saving the Halfback

I chuckled. “I bet.” I settled back into my pillow. “How long were you at the park before I came by?”

“Depends, how long were you watching?”

“Not long, I don’t think.” Maybe a few minutes, maybe more. I was too busy watching him and not looking at the time. “So, this platonic science project…should we invite Lachlan? I know he likes astronomy.”

“He does, and we could. I will if you want him to be there. I was kind of hoping to hang out with you myself for a bit, though. We don’t have a lot of time together.”

I sank down into my bed, turning on my side and getting comfortable while I talked. “We have almost every class together,” I pointed out. “And we have practice almost every morning together.”

Nolan sighed. “Alone time…platonic alone time. You and Lachlan get your ride to and from school. Even at lunch, I have to battle the football team for your attention.”

“The entire team?” I raised an eyebrow, though he couldn’t see me.

“Practically. Sam and Hersey, usually, but—”

“Wait…who’s Hersey?”

“Uh, he’s our safety…I think his actual name is Alex.”

“Oh, Alex… He doesn’t go by Alex? Oops, I’ve been calling him that this whole time.”

Nolan chuckled, his voice low and muffled, like he was trying to mask it. “I doubt he minds. Call him Hersey on Monday. If he doesn’t notice, then he doesn’t care. If he frowns, then he likes it when you call him his actual name.”

“And what will that prove?”

“That I have more than Lachlan to worry about,” he murmured sleepily.

I pressed my lips together. “I can’t date.”

“I know, your parents. I’m honorable.”

I slowly shook my head. I should tell him the truth, but even trying to voice it in my head sounded crazy. I didn’t want Nolan to see me as crazy; he was a good friend. “Have you had a girlfriend?”

“Nope.”

“Seriously?” I found it really hard to believe.

“Promise. I’ll never lie to you.” I suppressed a groan, more guilt settling in. “Before my brother died, I was so wrapped up in my studies and testing that I never had time for any girls. I wasn’t interested. After he died, I was so busy with football and filling his shoes that I, again, never had any interest in anyone. It wasn’t until I practically got my nose broken by a cute little number that I paid attention to the opposite sex.”

I snorted.

“Ha, I heard that. Cute.”

“I didn’t break your nose. And stop calling mecute. I’m a lean, mean football player now.”

“Adorable.”

After a pause, in which I heard Nolan stifle a yawn, I said, “I like this side of you.”

“The one that compliments you. If it doesn’t bother you, I will do it all day long.” His voice was light and joking.

“No, it doesn’t bother me, but that’s not what I meant. I meant, you. Nolan. The somewhat awkward sweet guy, instead of the hot-shot quarterback.”

“Ah… You prefer Nolan, not Nick.”

“Well, yeah. I like you. I never met your brother.”

“I do a pretty good impression of him.”

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