Page 80 of Topping the Jock
“Is it serious?”
“Very.” He smiled. “I haven’t been this crazy about someone since your mom. It was never my intention to—”
“You don’t have to explain it. I’m not mad, just shocked. It’s a lot to take in.”
“Thanks for understanding.” He squeezed my shoulder before letting his arm fall back to his side.
Would he take the news of me being with Monty as well? Or would he get mad? Hell, that might not even be a concern anymore.
If Monty didn’t want a romantic relationship with me, there would be no sense in telling people about us. He’d had a crush on me since we were kids, but that didn’t mean he wanted me to be his boyfriend or anything.
When I finally returned to the gym, Monty stood with his arms crossed, talking to Dean and Gunner. His gaze found mine above their heads, and my heart cracked a little. Reed had said I had a poor perception of myself, and he’d been spot-on. But it was hard to believe that Monty wanted me in the way I wanted him.
Once the first bell rang, I walked to my classroom and set up the PowerPoint for that day’s lecture. Students filed into the room, their voices mingling with the sounds of chairs being pulled out and desks squeaking as they sat down.
The hair on the back of my neck prickled, and I looked over at the doorway just as Monty walked by. As if my body had known he was near. His eyes flashed to mine, and then he was gone. I hated the gnawing sensation in my chest. I rubbed at the spot before walking to the front of the room and greeting my class.
Monty and I needed to talk, and I dreaded it like you dreaded a trip to the dentist.
I didn’t want to lose him.
Chapter Seventeen
Monty
Quinn was pissing me the fuck off.
One mention of us being a couple and he’d retreated back into his shell. I gave him space that morning, but I’d had enough of his shit by lunch. Once all the students were in the cafeteria, I walked to his classroom.
He sat at his desk, hands folded under his chin as he stared out the window.
“We need to talk,” I said, entering the room and closing the door behind me.
Quinn stood from his chair, frowning at me. “I don’t think this is the best time.”
“Why not?” I stepped toward him, and he took a step back.
“Because we’re at work.” His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat as he swallowed.
I pushed him against the wall, hand beside his head, and lowered my face to his. “Tell me why you’re pushing me away.”
“I’m not pushing you away.”
“Bullshit.”
“I need to grade papers,” Quinn said, trying to move around me.
“The papers can wait.” I pressed on his chest to keep him in place. His heart beat frantically under my palm, and his green eyes searched my face. I felt like I was breaking apart. Did he not want me anymore? “What did I do wrong, Specks?” My voice cracked on the nickname. “Tell me and I’ll fix it.”
“Nothing,” he said as his hard exterior began to chip away. He put a hand on my waist and tangled his fingers in my shirt. “I just… I’m afraid, Monty.”
“Of what?”
“Of losing you.”
My chest tightened. “Why would you lose me? I told you before that I’m not going anywhere.”
“You say that now,” he said. “You might feel differently later.”
