“What?” Cade frowns.
“You made a bet with your dad, didn’t you?”
“What? No. I…” Cade trails off, shaking his head with a laugh. “Okay, I bet him fifty bucks that Bianci goes to Philly.”
“Philly?” Zane’s eyes widen but he schools his features. “I mean, yeah. Good thinking.” He bites back a grin and I burst out laughing.
“I think you just lost fifty bucks, Bro.”
“What? Why? Where doyouthink he’s going?” He bounces his question to me, a little cockiness to his tone.
“It’s true that Philly needs fresh blood in their defense, but their tackles are strong. They’re likely to pick Fisher as their number one. I’d have my money on Bianci going to Dallas. They haven’t had a decent tackle since Rover retired two seasons ago.”
Zane chuckles beside me. “I hate to say it, Caden, my man, but I think Little B’s got you beat.”
Cade eyes Zane suspiciously before his gaze snaps to mine. “You fuckers,” he groans. “You told her to say that, didn’t you, Zane?”
“Really, man? When? Your sister just got here. I’ve been with you the entire day.”
Cade frowns but he can’t argue with the truth. At least, he can’t argue with what hebelievesto be the truth.Not that we were talking much during our moment in Zane’s truck.
“Dad told you then.” Cade continues to sulk, and I raise my hands in innocence.
“I had no idea about the bet, Cade. You’re acting like I’m clueless about football.”
“No,” Zane cuts in before Cade can argue. “He’s acting like a guy that hates losing. We all know you’re a freak when it comes to stats and knowledge, B. It’s one of the reasons we love you.”
“Probably the only reason,” Cade quips and the two of them laugh to themselves while my football-loving heart beats out of my chest.
Love.
Zane used the word “love” and while sure, it was said in a very platonic, sisterly like manner, it was still music to my ears.
Zane doesn’t use that word lightly. Ever. It’s not his thing.
But every moment we spend together brings me closer tofeelingit from him, even if he never voices the word.
Cade moves the conversation on to other potential draft picks, and I give my two cents when I can, but the second his crush arrives, the conversation is over. She’s not that interested in football and when she’s around, neither is Cade.
“What about a swim?” he asks with renewed enthusiasm, his eyes bouncing between us, secretly hoping we’ll say no.
“I’m enjoying the sun,” I say with a shrug and Zane shakes his head.
“Not right now. I’m expecting a call,” he lies, waving his phone for reinforcement. At least, I assume it’s a lie because Cade shoots him a wink before setting off toward the ocean.
“And they were finally alone,” Zane jokes when they’re out of earshot, his gaze firmly locked on the beach in front of him.
“Unless you count the other forty or so people lazing around in the sand.” I lie back as the words leave my mouth, shielding my eyes from the sun.
Zane chuckles quietly, and when the sound hits my ears, I uncover my eyes, anticipating his smile.
And he does not disappoint.
The way his lips curl, paired with the sparkle in his eyes, should be illegal. Bad boys aren’t supposed to have alluring smiles like that—they’re dangerous enough.
But they do. They all do.
Especially Zane.
