And…
The night of the accident.
Since I doubt he’d joke about that night, I’m guessing… “You saw me at Cade’s birthday?”
“I did.” His smile widens. “I’m the one that hid the alcohol in the closet. I was on my way to get a couple of bottles when you snuck out.”
“But that wasbeforeI started drinking.” My forehead creases as I try to recall anything I can remember of that night.
“Who do you think got you into bed?” Zane questions and my eyes widen of their own accord.
Jesus. “I could have sworn Sierra did that.”
At the mention of his sister, Zane subtly winces before schooling his features. “Nope. It was me.” His smile returns but it barely moves his cheeks let alone reaches his eyes.
A weight settles on my chest as I study his features. What I wouldn’t give to find out what he’s really thinking right now.
“Zane—”
“I’m going to clean my shoes.” He abruptly changes the subject, jolting me. “Don’t leave. I’ll be back.” He jogs away, and the second he’s out of earshot, Jenna wolf whistles, clearlynotreading the room.
“Damn, that man is fine. You didn’t tell me he wasthathot.”
Unable to stand anymore, I fall back onto the couch and let my body sink into the cushions, closing my eyes with a sigh. “I figured you’d look him up.”
“I was planning on it, but didn’t get the chance.”
My lips lift into a soft smile. Trust Jenna to pull me out of a mood. Her and this phenomenal couch. I could easily fall asleep here.
“So…Miss Stevens,” Jenna continues on, but I’m only half listening as my mind drifts into patterns. “I’m curious…” She trails off.
“Mm-hmm?”
“How does it feel to havetwofootball players in love with you?”
“What?” I blink a few times as I huff out a laugh. “Zane’s not in love with me.” Not anymore. There was a time I believed he was. Or that he’d get there. But that was a long time ago. A lifetime. I can barely remember what it felt like.
My heart wrenches as though trying to remind me, but before I can process it, Jenna laughs.
“Bullshit.” She shakes her head, her smile incredulous. “I could see it in his eyes.”
“You’re drunk.” I wave her off but my traitorous heart dances at the thought.
Jenna’s laughter rises, keeping me from escaping into a memory. “You’re right. I amblind. But I can still recognize a loved-up man—orwoman—when I see one. It’s a gift.”
I pretend she’s not insinuating something with the “woman”comment and say my piece. “If he’s loved up,”—I straighten in my seat, curling my legs up in front of me—“it doesn’t matter anymore. We had something years ago but it’s long over.”
“Mm-hmm.” Jenna nods a few times, her lips pursed. “Keep telling yourself that.”
“Iwill.” Annoyance plagues me and I jump up, needing to distance myself from Jenna’s drunken musings. “I’m going to rinse my mouth out and then… Do you have any gum?”
“I sure do.” She hands over her purse. “This baby has everything you’ll ever need.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back.”
Jenna waves and before I’ve taken a step, she closes her eyes and snuggles herself into the couch opposite where I was sitting, resting her head on the arm.
“Don’t be long,” she calls out as I brush past her. “Lover boy will be back.”
