by Amanda Ashby
“Why are we running away from your sister?” Norah protested, his fingers warm in hers. “She probably wants to congratulate you on the tryouts. I do, too,” she puffed.
Great. He’d been running around on a field for sixty minutes and wasn’t even tired, and she was already short of breath. There was a life lesson in there somewhere.
“If Via catches us, she’ll try and talk us into going on a double date. She’s been on about it all week, and right now there’s only one person I want to be with.” He finally came to a halt at the side of the school and pulled her toward him. “Plus, she’s very nosy. There’d be far too much talking.”
“Oh.” She couldn’t fault his logic.
After watching him play for the last hour, there was only one thing she wanted to do. Be alone with him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as his mouth hungrily found hers. Several minutes later, she shakily stepped back. Her lips were tender and she let out a satisfied sigh.
“By the way, in case you couldn’t tell, I thought you were great out there.”
“Let’s hope Coach agrees.” He wrapped his arms around her, burying his head in her hair. He was a really great hugger, and she let herself melt into it.
“He will. How long will it take to find out?”
He slowly untangled himself. “Tomorrow morning. Unless he’s feeling torturous, then it will be Monday. And thanks for coming. Did I see Piper and Gareth with you?”
She grinned. “Piper forced him to come along. They had to go wait for a donation to be delivered,” she said as her mind automatically started to go through her list. More donations were arriving in the morning, and she needed to double check all the volunteers knew what they were doing, and—
“You’ve got that look again,” Zac said from where he was leaning against the wall, his navy eyes gleaming with amusement. “It’s so hot.”
“Glad you find it amusing,” she said trying not to fall victim to his dimple, but it was impossible and her lips twitched. “Sorry. I’m trying to concentrate, but it’s hard. There’s only two days to go.”
“Come on.” Zac pushed away from the wall and slung an arm around her. “Let’s go to the hall so you can tick things off your list.”
“You really don’t mind?”
“Mind that you’re more interested in toilets than your boyfriend? Never,” he said as a charming grin danced around his mouth. Her heart skipped a beat. She still wasn’t sure how this had become her new life, but she wasn’t complaining. She smiled as they walked down the path to the hall.
Fall had finally reached Cricket Bay. The trees were a blaze of golds and ambers, and the temperature had dropped. The serene atmosphere was broken by an all-too-familiar screech.
“You’re the biggest jerk I’ve ever met. You make me sick.” Kennedy Quinn’s voice echoed from a nearby bench. Next to her was Myles. His jaw was clenched and his mouth set into a furious line.
“Could you stop screaming and listen?” Myles reached out for her, but she flicked his arm away with an angry gesture.
“Why? So you can lie to me?” Kennedy blazed, her coppery hair almost as bright as the trees around her. She turned and marched in the other direction. Myles, still in his training gear, chased after her.
“Welcome to the ongoing saga of Myles and Kennedy.” Zac came to a halt.
“What do you think they’re arguing about?”
“Hard to tell. It could be because Myles refused to listen to a playlist she liked, or he wants pizza and she wants sushi, or because Anna Hartnett turned up. I guess it depends on what day it is.”
“Anna?” Norah blinked, recalling a blonde cheerleader.
Zac frowned. “I forgot you didn’t know. About six months ago, Myles had a fling with Anna. It was a big thing at the time, and these days Kennedy flips whenever they cross paths.”
“He cheated on her? I can’t believe it. I mean she looks so…well…perfect,” Norah gasped.
“I’m not sure it works that way,” he said with a bemused smile on his face. She didn’t return it. Myles had cheated on Kennedy. Tiny, perfect Kennedy Quinn?
“I still can’t believe it. Does that happen often?”
“Myles and Anna?” He frowned.
“No, I mean cheating.”
“Oh.” He nodded in understanding. “I don’t know. I guess. I told you there’s a weird dating pool with some of the people I hang with. I stay out of it.”
Norah’s stomach dropped. In the distance, Kennedy had finally come to a halt, and whatever Myles said seemed to have the desired effect. They were now hugging.
“See. They change their minds all the time. At least I didn’t get dragged into the middle of it. They’re both hotheads, that’s all,” he said, a guarded look flaring up in his eyes. “Are you worried I might do something like that?”
“No, it just threw me.” She sucked in a breath. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“I meant what I said. That’s not what I want. I play fair, Norah. Always.” He cradled her face in his hands, eyes solemn.
“I know.” She leaned forward. His lips were soft, and she kissed him to let him know she hadn’t meant it. He picked her up, still kissing her, and swung her around so Myles and Kennedy were out of sight.
“Better?” he murmured.
“Better,” she agreed.
xxxx
“The elusive Zac Mackenzie finally surfaces.” His dad walked out of the pantry holding an empty packet of cereal. “The only reason we knew our teenage son was still alive was because our shopping bill hadn’t changed.”
“Ha-ha. Dad, you’re so hilarious.” Zac looked up from the bowl in front of him, his foot tapping against the floor, unwanted energy jittering through him. “I could trash the house or do some burnouts in the car. Just to make my presence felt.”
“Pass.” His dad dropped the empty box into the recycling bin. “How did tryouts go yesterday?”
“Good.” He rolled his neck, trying to figure out if he had time for a run before school. Truth was, it had gone really well. But the waiting sucked. After they were over, he’d hung out with Norah until she’d gone home to help her mom paint a wall. He’d spent the rest of the night gaming, trying to relax.
“That all I’m getting?” His dad raised an eyebrow, and Zac shoveled another spoonful of cereal into his mouth.
“Coach will put the sheets up today or Monday. Not much I can do until then.” He kept his voice light, but adrenaline pumped through him. All through summer he was convinced he’d be captain of the varsity team, and despite being benched, he’d managed to get himself back on track.
Just one final hurdle to get over.
Did he mention that waiting sucked?
His dad let out a sigh. “Fine. But text me when you find out. And Zac, whatever happens—”
“Dad, please. Spare me the pep talk,” he growled with a shake of his head. He tapped his spoon against the side of the bowl. Milk splattered onto the table. His dad merely studied him and walked out, passing Via as she headed to the pantry. She came out empty-handed.
“No cereal? Seriously, Zac, can’t you ever leave me any?”
“Sure. Here you go.” He pushed the bowl toward her. The milk sloshed around the sides and more spilled onto the table.
“What’s your problem?” She sat opposite him and pushed the bowl back. Then she peered under the table at his foot. “Is this about tryouts? Since when do you stress about things?”
Since he almost didn’t even get to be part of them.
Since he started dating a girl who’d raised more money for charity than some people earned in a year, who helped her mom prepare for a baby, and had spent far too long in a hospital dealing with pain he couldn’t even imagine.
Since he’d made such a big deal about getting back on the team, and that failing now…in front of Norah…would be bad.
“I’m not stressed,” he retorted and then winced. Via was only trying to help. So was his dad. He�
�d apologize later, when he felt less like punching something.
“O-kay. Text me when you hear. I’m meeting Hudson in a few minutes, but I’ll see you at school.” She got to her feet and opened the back door. “Oh, hey, Norah.”
Norah?
Her hair was tied back, showing her long neck and her gorgeous face. Her skin was glowing, and her mouth was full and totally kissable.
“Hey, sorry to turn up here.”
“Don’t be,” Via said then shot Zac a dark look. “He’s all yours. Good luck.”
“Thanks, Vee, you make a great wing woman,” he retorted as she darted out the door. He got to his feet and walked over. Norah gave him a half smile, then frowned as she studied his face.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing. Though word to the wise. Make the most of being an only child.” He nodded for her to come in. “Sorry. I’m no good at waiting. What are you doing here? I thought you were meant to be at school?”
“I was. I hope you don’t mind I came over.” She cautiously touched his chest. As if she wasn’t sure it was a good idea. He closed her hand around his, trapping it there. It was a very good idea. He leaned forward and gave her a soft kiss. She let out a tiny sigh. His bad mood faded.
“My morning’s improved by about two thousand percent.”
“I’m not really sure if I should be doing this or not, but—” She took in a quick breath and swiped the screen of her phone. “When I was leaving the hall, Coach was there. He was putting up the team sheets.”
Adrenaline surged through him, slamming into his chest and radiating out through his body.
“You saw them?”
“I took a photo.” She cautiously passed over her phone. His vision blurred, and his hand shook as he dragged his fingers across the screen so he could see it better.
Varsity Team.
Zac Mackenzie, Captain.
He blinked.
It still said the same thing.
It had worked. He’d done it. Energy continued to pound through his body.
“Congratulations.” She laughed against his chest. Her ponytail brushed his arm, and his skin prickled. “I knew you’d do it.”
“Not without you. Thank you. You have no idea what this means.”
“You deserve it,” she said, wriggling in his arms and peering up at him. “I’m so proud of you.”
He grinned and his mouth pressed down on hers, hard. But she didn’t protest. She wrapped her hands around his neck, her lips parting to his. Heat slid along his body, helping to calm the roaring adrenaline.
Proud of him.
Coming from her, it meant a lot.
xxxx
“So, are we going to celebrate after school?” Max demanded as the bell for final period rang out.
“You better say yes.” Pete jumped, trying to tear down a banner strung across the ceiling. Both of his friends had made the team, along with Myles. It definitely called for a celebration, but it would have to wait until next week.
“Sorry,” he said and avoided Max’s attempts at a headlock. “Auction’s tomorrow.”
“Auction? The sooner that thing’s over the better,” Pete complained. “There’s more to life than toilets.”
“Yeah, so why did you spend most of your party with your head down one?” Max retorted, but Zac ignored them both. If they wanted to mess around, they could. Didn’t mean he had to join them.
“And on that note, I’m out of here.” He turned toward his geography class.
“Yes, Captain.” Pete gave a mock salute and raced away.
Zac stepped into the classroom. A couple of students were hovering around Mrs. Higgins, clutching at papers. There was a stack more on her desk.
He gulped.
Oh yeah. He’d planned to finish it off last night but hadn’t been able to concentrate. He slouched his shoulders and ducked down in one of the seats at the back. He needed to stay under her radar.
Mrs. Higgins droned on about landmasses and oceans. His phone was sitting in his lap and Norah sent him a text. She had a free period and had gone straight to the hall. He replied telling her he’d meet her there as soon as he could.
Finally the bell rang. He grabbed his backpack and hooked it over his shoulder, pocketing his phone as he headed for the door. About time it was over. Now he had to—
“Zac. Not so fast,” his teacher’s voice called out to him, like a lasso whipping around his ankles. “Where’s your paper?”
He winced and slowly turned around. “The thing is, I’ve had a lot going on, but I swear I’ll have it finished by Monday.” Or Tuesday. Tuesday would be good. He gave her a hopeful smile, but her mouth remained a flat line.
“Don’t bother charming me. It’s not good enough. I told you what I expect this year. It’s due today, and you’re not leaving until it’s done.”
“Done?” he yelped as she folded her arms and nodded to an empty chair.
“Done,” she agreed. “Sit. Work. And when it’s finished you can go.”
Zac opened his mouth to protest. He wanted to tell her it was his first detention of the term, that he’d turned over a new leaf, but as he took in her grim expression he thought better of it. He shut his mouth and sat down. He waited until Mrs. Higgins returned to the book she’d been reading, then slipped his phone back into his lap.
Sorry. I’ll be late. Pizza’s on me.
Norah replied straight away. What happened?
Oh, you know. He was just screwing things up. He gritted his teeth. He’d always struggled to stay focused on school. Not exactly something he wanted to tell his girlfriend.
Nothing major. See you soon.
Then he turned his phone off and got to work.
14
“Very sharp.” Via poked her head around Zac’s door and gave an approving nod. He’d put on a darker pair of jeans and an uncrushed white T-shirt, along with his favorite jacket. “We’re going now. Sure you don’t want to come around to Hudson’s house?”
“Nah. I need to get over there and finish helping out.” He searched for his keys and phone. They were next to a bag of jellybeans he’d bought for Norah. It had taken him half an hour at The Sweetest Thing, trying to only get the purple ones out of the wall dispenser. It would have been easier to use his fingers, but the owner had glared at him with hawk-like eyes. “I’ll see you there. And tell Mom and Dad not to embarrass me.”
“I can try, but payback is real, big brother. They might have been saving up for just such a moment.”
By the time he was ready, she was gone.
He raced downstairs, taking the stairs three at a time. His parents had already gone for a walk along the beach and the house was empty. He pulled open the front door and almost tripped over a pair of legs.
He managed to leap over them and spin around to where Myles was sprawled on the ground, his back leaning against the wall at the side of the door.
“Jeez. What are you doing there?” Zac blinked.
“Buddy,” Myles slurred. His hair fell around his brow, while his eyes were glazed. Hell. He was off his face. “Surprise.”
“You can say that again,” Zac growled as he climbed back over Myles’s legs and shut the house door. He tried to pull Myles to his feet. Dead weight. “Seriously, stand up. I have to go.”
“We should go out.” Myles’s dark eyes brightened. “We don’t hang out anymore.”
“That’s because you punched me in the face,” Zac retorted as he reluctantly slung an arm around his friend’s shoulder to guide him off the porch. Then he frowned. How did he even get here? He scanned the road, but there was no sign of Myles’s truck. At least he hadn’t driven. Six months ago, after Kennedy had found out about Myles and Anna, he’d managed to wrap his car around a tree. He’d walked away without a scratch, but Zac didn’t trust him not to do it again.
“She kissed someone else. Did she tell you that? So I kissed someone else, and now she’s dumped me.”
It explained yesterday’s
fight.
“That sucks, man.” Zac managed to get Myles down to the front lawn. He fished around in his pocket for his phone. “I’m going to get Pete to collect you.”
“Yeah. Pete can come with us.”
“Sure.” Zac swiped the screen and made the call. There was no answer. He tried Max, but it was the same. He gritted his teeth. Should he call Kennedy? No. That might make things worse. Via? But he quickly dismissed it. She tolerated his friends but didn’t really like them. “I’m taking you home. Your folks there?”
“Nah. Hey, we could have a party.” Myles perked up.
“Not tonight. I’ve got the auction. Come on.”
“Sure,” Myles said as his face turned green. “But first I’m going to throw up…”
Zac groaned and managed to drag him over to the bushes. He pulled out his phone as Myles vomited.
Norah’s photo was on the screen. Wide eyes, her mouth twisted in a shy smile. Totally oblivious to how gorgeous she was. He’d taken it on the first day, at her locker. Back before she knew him. Before she trusted him. And now, for the second time in two days, he was running late. Hell. Still, he could hardly leave Myles puking his guts out, and there was still plenty of time.
He swallowed and sent her a text message.
Something’s come up. Be there soon.
“Oh, man. That’s gross,” Myles slurred as he raised a hand. It hit Zac’s phone and sent it flying into the vomit. Of course it did. He shut his eyes. So far the night definitely wasn’t going to plan.
xxxx
“Where is he?” Gareth folded his arms and tapped his foot. He was wearing tight jeans and had brushed his hair so his face wasn’t hidden. Next to him, Piper was clutching a clipboard, wearing a silver dress that matched her eyes. Norah, who’d decided on a straight black skirt and plain black top, checked her phone again. Her stomach tightened. He’d sent her the message half an hour ago, saying he’d be late. Since then it had been radio silence.