“No, I didn’t mean…” He rubbed his far ear and laughed. “Although they are nice, I’m sure.”
“You’re sure?” I pushed his chest and grinned.
“You’re nice. In lots of ways.” His gaze dipped to my lips. “You deserve someone who loves all of you.”
Goosebumps pricked across my skin despite my insides roaring like a furnace.
Was Zack interested in me?
We drifted closer, the cold air thick with tension.
Was I into Zack?
The ceiling shook with thunderous footsteps. Would the universe fall apart if I made out with the quarterback?
I tightened my grip on his knee. “What was that?”
“My cousins.” He sat up and gave me a flat look. “You better put on your jacket.”
28
Little Monsters
There was no way to sneak out of the basement without breaking glass. Crawling out the window wells would ruin my outfit. Oh, god. My outfit.
“I can’t meet your family dressed like this,” I hissed, yanking my leather on.
Zack rubbed his ear. “My mom must’ve told them when practice ended.”
“Why, so you could babysit?”
He headed toward his dresser drawers. “Do you want to borrow one of my sweatshirts?”
I clutched my arms. “No, then it’ll look like I lost my top on our date."
Pink stained his cheeks. “Or that you were cold. My sweatshirt's comfortable and weather-appropriate.”
“Okay. Thanks, Dad.” I rolled my eyes.
“I’m just saying—”
“Zack,” a chorus of kids called. “Can you come play?”
“In a minute,” he boomed back. His voice reverberated in my chest.
I smoothed my clothes and took a deep breath. “Time for our best game faces, I guess.”
He sighed and swiped his hand through that awful cropped hair. “Are we ready for this?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know. How nosey are your parents?”
He averted his gaze. “My dad’s always on the road, but my mom and aunts…”
I nodded. Family could be complicated. I doubted he’d say anything too negative about them even if they were obnoxious.
“Well, they’ll be happy you have a girlfriend.” I smacked his arm and grinned. “Come on, beefcake. Let’s do this.”
He gave me a curt nod, held my gaze for a moment longer than necessary, then charged up the steps.
