We both erupt in giggles while Zane hits me with a fake scowl.
But I don’t mind. I’m here for the payback. He’s leaving for college as soon as the school year is done. If he’s exacting his revenge, at least I’ll get to spend a little more time with him.
I plan to soak up every second I can.
ZANE – SPRING BREAK - ONE YEAR LATER
BLAIR 17 / ZANE ALMOST 19
Cade’s gym bag digs into my ribs while Blair’s featherlight touch brushes against my hand. I work hard to hide my smile, peering out the window, my gaze focused on the tree-lined streets passing us by. It’s no accident I’m stuck in the middle seat with Blair pressed against me. She’s trying to get me in trouble. But I refuse to let her succeed.
We haven’t seen each other since Christmas and it’s now spring break, but as desperate as I am to kiss her, I’m not about to maul her on my ride home from college. Especially with her brother in the front, yapping about some girl he met in the parking lot, while their dad, Tim—my former high school teacher and my father’s best friend—drives us home after Cade’s truck chose yesterday to break down.
“Zane,” Tim interrupts Cade’s rambling, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. “Tell me again why you don’t have your truck on campus?” His nostrils flare with frustration. “I’m losing brain cells listening to Cade’s love life.”
Blair snorts out a laugh, while I stifle my own, seconds before becoming the object of Cade’s glare.
“Mom thought my truck might be a distraction,” I tell him.And she’s probably right.“It’s currently at home waiting for me, undoubtedly getting excited as we speak.”
“You and your fucking truck.” Cade shakes his head, hitting me with his obnoxious chuckle.
“Language, Cade,” Tim scolds. “What’s wrong with taking pride in something you love? Maybe if you cared aboutyourtruck, you’d be driving yourself home.”
“You’re right.” Cade smirks and I wait for what’s coming. “I’ll try harder to be more like Zane.”There it is.
“Woah. Hold up,” Tim’s quick to respond. “Let’s not forget I taught Zane. I take it back; I’m happy for you to be you.”
My smile breaks through, but I school my features as Tim shakes his head.
“I’ll have you know that I’ve changed since my high school days, Mr. Stevens. I’m much more dedicated to learning now.” I manage to maintain my straight face for all of ten seconds before I burst out laughing. “At least, I’m dedicated to football. And since I plan on playing in the pros, I’m heading in the right direction.”
“True, but you’ll need to keep your grades up if you want to hold on to your scholarship. It’s—”
“Not a free pass,” Blair, Cade, and I all repeat on cue. We’ve heard this spiel many times before.
“Yeah, okay.” Tim laughs to himself. “Work hard, don’t do drugs”—his eyes flash to mine when he says the worddrugs,and I’d be offended if he hadn’t busted me the one and only time I tried Molly—”and,” he continues, “avoid distractions. There. I’ve said my bit. Now you’re on your own.”
“What do you considerdistractions,Daddy?” Blair leans across me and her left breast brushes against my arm, forcing me to bite back a groan. It hasn’t escaped me that her tits are fuller since I last saw her, and it’s taking everything in my power not to give them the attention they deserve.
“For you…” Tim’s eyes lock on Blair’s, giving her a fatherly grin before hitting her with his response. “Boys. Stay away from them. They’re nothing but trouble.” Shifting uncomfortably closer to Cade’s bag, I wait for Tim’s gaze to shift to mine, but thankfully, it doesn’t. He’s known me forever, and while I may not be the best example of a decent guy, I’d never hurt Blair, and I’d like to think that he gets that.
“Hear! Hear!” Cade beams and I can’t help but chuckle, even though I’m fucked.
After Mr. Stevens drops me at home, I do my bit, playing the part of the dutiful son, and spend quality time with my family—catching up and promising I’ll call more often the next time I’m gone.Though we all know I won’t.
No more than an hour passes before I’m sliding into the front seat of my truck, breathing in the familiar scent as I relax. Freedom. No classes, no practice. It’s just me, my friends, and the salty beach air. Fuck, I need this.
But I need something more.
I needB.
My chest tight with anticipation, I hightail it out of there, desperate to see Blair before the inevitable group chat lights up my phone, and we’re summoned to meet up.
Despite the urgency I feel, I take in the familiar surroundings as I drive, counting the stoplights like I used to when I was a kid.Three to reach Cade and Blair’s house. Five to the beach.
When I pull into the street behind the Stevens’s house, I slow my truck as I approach, creeping along in the hope that it makes my obnoxiously loud engine a little less distinguishable.
I come to a stop as Blair steps into view, hitting me with her soft, innocent smile, and like always, I’m taken by her. She has this casual air about her that makes life seem a little less hectic, and when I’m with her, everything else becomes white noise. It’s always been like that, but it took me a while to realize what it was. That it washer.
