Which is why you should enjoy it while it lasts.
But first, homework.
“In case you’ve forgotten, this paper is due by midnight. If we’re late, Mac will dock our grade, and I for one will not jeopardize my shot at the Sports Stream internship for sex.” I shoot him a pointed look. “No matter how good it promises to be.”
“Fine.” He groans good naturedly and spins on his heel. “Have it your w—”
His words are cut off and his eyes go round as he stumbles and goes down, one foot caught in the strap of the duffle bag I carelessly tossed in the corner. He lands on all fours with a thud that shakes the entire room.
My heart jackhammers in my chest and I leap to my feet, but Devin’s faster.
He grabs the bag. “What’s in this thing, anyway?”
“Don’t!”
Too late. The zipper slides open with a quiet hiss and his curiosity morphs into confusion.
You had one job, Cruz.
“Is this what I think it is?”
“That depends.” I wrap my arms around myself and force a smile. “Do you think it’s a super cozy Wildcat onesie for cold winter nights?”
He shoots me an incredulous look.
I shrug and flop back into my chair. “It was worth a shot.”
“You’re—” He shakes his head and a tuft of dark hair falls over his brow. “You’re the Wildcat?”
“Surprise!” I throw jazz hands, though I’m far from excited about his discovery.
“How?” His brow furrows as he tries to work it out. “You’re on the gymnastics team. How can you possibly do both?”
At least he’s asking the right questions.
And as long as he’s doing that, he’s not thinking about the incident with the cannon.
“Funny story.” I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Remember when the football team got pranked with itching powder?”
His eyes narrow. “Itwasyou. I knew it!”
“Guilty as charged.”
He chuckles, taking the news surprisingly well. “That was dirty, you know.”
“Yeah.” I huff out a breath. “So was how that asshole treated Maddie in the gym.”
He mutters something that sounds like, “Fucking Langley.”
“Anyway, I got caught and that,” I say, gesturing to the bag, “is my punishment. The real Wildcat got a last-minute study abroad opportunity, and I was given the choice of facing a disciplinary hearing—and possible expulsion—or filling in for the semester.”
“Lucky break.”
“So lucky,” I deadpan. “Just a few more weeks and I can put this nightmare behind me.”
The football team is 8-1 after trouncing Indiana yesterday. There are only three more games in the regular season and then I’m off the hook, assuming the regular mascot returns to campus as planned. The way Waverly’s playing, the team is all but guaranteed a bowl appearance. Thankfully, that won’t be my problem.
Imagine the performance Sharpe would expect for a bowl game.
