The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

ASTRA

:

43

R 5 vouchers

By the time I stepped out of the locker room, the hallway had gone quiet. Most everyone had already disappeared toward lunch. Maya had stormed out without sparing me another glance.

I adjusted the strap of my backpack and pushed through the double doors.

“…Seriously?”

Zane leaned against the wall, one shoulder propped casually, arms folded over his chest, as if he’d been waiting there the entire time.

The second the door clicked shut behind me, his head lifted and a smirk tugged at his lips.

“There you are.”

I let out a long breath and tried to sidestep him. “Do you ever go away?”

“Not when I’m looking for someone.”

I kept walking and he just fell into step beside me without missing a beat.

“I’m late for lunch.”

“So am I.”

“Then go.”

“I’d rather walk with you.”

“I’d rather you didn’t.”

His low chuckle vibrated through the empty corridor. “You smiled, you know.”

I shot him a sideways look. “I smiled because we won.”

“You smiled at me.”

“I absolutely did not.”

“You absolutely did.” His grin turned infuriatingly smug. “I saw it.”

“Keep telling yourself that.” I quickened my pace, but he matched me effortlessly, his presence impossible to shake.

“You have a remarkably high opinion of yourself.”

“I do.” He shrugged, completely unbothered. “Saves time.”

1/5

the

12:34 Wed, Jul 15

Chapter 136

:

5 vouchers

Despite myself, a reluctant laugh tried to slip out. I pressed my lips together. “You’re so annoying.”

“There it is.” His eyes sparkled with satisfaction. “That face.”

“What face?”

“The one where you pretend you’re annoyed with me.”

“I am annoyed.”

“Mmm.” He nodded, thoughtful, like he was considering a particularly interesting problem. “But not enough to stop talking to me.”

I opened my mouth-then closed it again, heat crawling up my neck.

*Damn him.*

He chuckled softly, the sound warm and far too pleased. “I missed this.”

My steps faltered for half a second. “What?”

“You. Arguing with me.”

I looked away, focusing hard on the scuffed tiles ahead so he wouldn’t catch the tiny twitch my mouth. “Don’t get used to it.”

“I’m planning to.”

I risked a glance at him. His expression had shifted-still teasing, but underneath it something els

“You don’t give up, do you?”

“No.” He met my eyes. “Not on things that matter.”

corner of

I looked away fast, cheeks burning so hot I was sure they were bright red. My stomach felt like it was on fire too, twisted up in knots of embarrassment and something I refused to name.

*Why does he always do this to me?*

I rushed down the hallway, backpack bouncing against my back, hoping the distance would cool the flush on my face but of course it didn’t work.

Zane just followed, long strides easily keeping pace beside me.

“So?” he said casually.

I kept my eyes straight ahead. “So what?”

“Hmm.” He sounded way too amused. “Seems you forgot.”

I stopped walking and frowned, turning to face him. “Forgot what?”

2/5

12:34 Wed, Jul 15

Chapter 136

He took a slow step toward me.

I stepped back on instinct, until my back hit the cool wall of the hallway.

43

5 vouchers

Zane didn’t stop until he was right in front of me, towering over me, one hand braced against the wall beside my head.

“Our lessons,” he answered. “We missed yesterday which was Monday. So we have to do a replacement class today.”

My mouth went dry.

“Oh.”

He reached out and caught a strand of my hair between his fingers, twirling it slowly. The gentle tug sent a shiver down my spine.

I tried to snatch it away. “S-stop.”

He didn’t. Instead, he leaned in closer, voice dropping lower.

“You have such silky hair, Trouble.”

I froze, heart slamming against my ribs.

He kept twirling the strand, eyes half-lidded as he watched it slide through his fingers.

“It’d look so good wrapped around my hand.”

My face went even hottee. Heat exploded across my cheeks and down my neck.

“You’re so crude!” I hissed, finally yanking my hair free and pressing my back harder against the wall.

Zane just smirked, like he knew exactly what he was doing to me.

“Am I?” He tilted his head, still caging me in. “Or am I just being honest?”

I opened my mouth to argue, but nothing came out. My brain had officially lost track.

He chuckled softly, the sound warm and far too pleased.

“Library after school, Trouble. Don’t be late.”

Then he pushed off the wall, gave me one last lingering look, and walked away like he hadn’t just ruined my entire afternoon.

I stayed pressed against the wall for a few more seconds, trying to calm my racing heart and the ridiculous butterflies in my stomach.

*Stupid Zane.*

3/5

12:34 Wed, Jul 15

Chapter 136

*Stupid me for letting him get to me.*

5 vouchers

I adjusted my backpack with a frustrated huff and headed toward the cafeteria, cheeks still burning.

Lunch was a blur. I sat with Priya and Chloe, picking at my food while they chatted about upcoming school

events.

I nodded and smiled in the right places, but my mind kept drifting back to the hallway.

By the time the final bell rang, I felt drained.

The last class of the day was English Lit and Jason was already seated near the back when I walked in. I slid into the desk beside him like I always did.

“Hey,” I said softly.

He didn’t look at me. His jaw was tight, eyes fixed on his notebook.

My stomach sank.

The entire period he barely said a word. When the teacher asked a question, he answered in that polite, charming way of his. When the bell rang, he stood up quickly and started packing his bag.

I packed mine slowly, waiting until most people had left the room.

“Jason,” I called quietly as he headed for the door.

He didn’t stop.

I hurried after him, heart pounding, and blocked his path just before he could leave.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify