“Where are your keys?” I repeat, fixing him with a stern look. “As your captain, I’m not risking you passing out behind the wheel.”
“You’re not driving my car.”
I huff a laugh. “Well, you’re not getting on the back of my bike in your condition.”
He rolls his eyes. “I told you, I’m fine.”
“Shut up, Kincaid. Just give me your keys. I won’t take no for an answer.”
Zac stares at me for a beat before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his keys.
I snatch them from him before he can change his mind, unlock the car, and slide into the driver’s seat. He trudges around to the passenger side and slides in as I’m tossing our bags into the back, narrowing his eyes as he pulls the door shut.
“You better not put a scratch on her.”
“Relax,” I say with a chuckle, turning the key in the ignition. The car rumbles to life, and I reverse out. The clutch is heavier than I’m used to, but it doesn’t take me long to get the hang of it. “Where do you live?”
The only conversation for the ten-minute drive to his place consists of him mumbling directions as he fights to stay awake in the passenger seat. When I pull up in his driveway, I turn off the ignition, but neither of us moves.
“I guess I need a few more days of bed rest,” he says with a sigh.
“Looks like it,” I agree with a chuckle.
He stares at his house as if he’s trying to gather the energy to get out of the car. Before I can second-guess my actions, I push open my door and round the car to openhis. He looks at my offered hand for a second, then takes it, letting me help him out. I retrieve both our bags from the backseat and walk behind him as he shuffles to the front door.
Zac leans against the house as I slide his key into the lock. The sound of footsteps approaching sounds from the other side as I push open the door.
His sister greets us, a concerned frown on her face as she signs something to him.
He groans and shakes his head, moving for the stairs while I hover in the entrance.
After tripping over the first step, I rush over and swing his arm over my shoulder.
“Come on, big guy.” The joke is heavy on my tongue. “Let’s get you into bed.”
I know he must feel really bad when he doesn’t fight me off, sinking his weight into me as I half-carry him up the stairs. Light footsteps behind us let me know his sister is following. When we get to the landing, I hesitate, not knowing where his bedroom is, but she squeezes past, and I follow her.
His scent hits me like a blow to the solar plexus when we enter Zac’s bedroom, and I draw in a sharp breath. Combined with the way he’s leaning against me, I’m in my own personal nightmare. We stagger to the bed, and I pull back the covers before letting him go. He collapses onto the mattress, and I draw the blankets over him.
“Rest up, Kincaid,” I mutter, patting him on the shoulder, feeling the weight of his sister’s gaze on my back.
Sure enough, when I turn around, she’s watching me with a wary look on her face.
Fuck. This is awkward as fuck.
I don’t know sign language, but I feel terrible just walking out without saying anything to her.
I rub the back of my neck, trying to figure out what to do.
My phone chooses that moment to buzz in my pocket, and I nearly faint with relief. Pulling it out, I ignore the text from Jasper asking if I’ll be home for dinner and open the notes app.
I tap out a message, then hold my phone out to Zac’s sister.
Her brow furrows as she reads it.
I’m Noah. Zac’s team captain. He almost passed out in the library, so I drove him home.
Short. Simple. To the point.
