The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14

ZANE

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I followed the sound of excited footsteps downstairs, keeping my distance like I always did when he came home.

The twins were already launching themselves at him like missiles.

“Dad!” Lucas yelled, crashing into Landon Ashton’s legs. Mason was right behind him, quieter but still smiling that rare, small smile he only gave our father.

Landon chuckled, dropping his designer suitcase and crouching to wrap his arms around both boys. “There are my boys. Missed you two.”

My mom stepped forward next, dressed elegant as expected, and kissed him on the cheek. “Welcome home, darling. The flight was okay?”

I stayed on the side of the staircase, one shoulder leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching. The perfect family reunion playing out in the foyer like some fucking magazine spread.

The boys immediately started bombarding him.

“What did you bring us?” Lucas demanded, bouncing on his toes.

“Did you get the new game?” Mason asked, more calmly.

Landon laughed, ruffling their hair. “Of course I did. They’re in the suitcase, we’ll open them after dinner.”

Lucas spun around suddenly.

“Dad! We have a new nanny! Her name is Astra and she’s really nice and she drew me as a dragon rider today!”

Landon raised an eyebrow, amused, “Wow, really? A new nanny?”

That was when I heard soft footsteps on the stairs behind me.

I turned.

Astra was coming down.

She’d changed into something different, a soft cream top but still wearing those tight black bike shorts that should be fucking illegal. Her long blonde hair was loose now, falling over one shoulder all the way to her waist like a golden waterfall. Glasses perched on her nose. She was nervously biting her bottom lip, one hand lightly gripping the banister.

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Chapter 14

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She stopped a few paces away from me on the landing, close enough that I could smell her shampoo, far enough that I couldn’t touch her.

Landon’s eyes lifted.

He straightened slowly, his gaze locking on her. Something shifted in his expression, interest and appreciation. The kind of look that made my blood turn hot.

He walked forward, smooth and confident like he owned every room he entered.

“You must be Astra,” he said, voice warm, and polished, he extended his hand. “Landon Ashton. Nice to finally meet you.”

Astra smiled politely and took his hand. “It’s nice to meet you too, sir.”

I watched their handshake like a fucking hawk.

His hand lingered, just a second too long. Thumb brushing the back of her hand. That charming businessman smile he used on everyone.

My jaw clenched so hard I heard my teeth grind.

Elira stepped in smoothly, placing a hand on Landon’s arm. “Baby, you must be exhausted from the flight. Let’s go upstairs and get you settled. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Landon finally released Astra’s hand, but not before giving her one last lingering look. “We’ll talk more later, Astră. I’d love to hear how you’re settling in.”

Astra nodded, cheeks slightly pink. “Yes, sir.”

Elira and Landon headed upstairs, the twins trailing excitedly behind them, already asking about presents again.

The foyer went quiet.

Astra stayed on the landing, still biting her lip harder now, arms wrapped around herself like she was trying to disappear.

I didn’t move.

I just stared at her, at the way her long blonde hair spilled over one shoulder, the soft curve of her waist, those thick thighs in those damn black bike shorts.

My father’s touch on her still fresh in my mind.

She finally glanced at me.

Our eyes met.

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Chapter 14

For a second, something raw and electric passed between us.

Then she turned away breaking the moment, and walked past me toward the kitchen.

Fuck.

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Her hips swayed with every step, that natural, soft bounce that made her ass look incredible in those tight shorts. The fabric hugged every generous curve, clinging to the full, round swell of her backside like it was painted on. Each step made her thighs rub together slightly, and her long hair swung gently against her back.

I couldn’t stop my eyes from dropping.

She had no idea how fucking sinful she looked. Cute and sexy at the same time. Innocent little thing who had no business walking around my house like that.

My hands flexed at my sides. I wanted to grab her. Pin her against the nearest wall and remind her exactly who she belonged to in this house.

Instead, I followed her.

She pushed open the kitchen door, completely ignoring me.

“Hi,” she said softly to the chef, offering that polite, shy smile she gave everyone except me. “Do you need any help with dinner? I’m free right now.”

Chef Marco, an older Italian man who’d been with us for years, looked up from the stove and smiled kindly. “That’s very sweet of you, Miss Astra, but I can handle it. You go rest.”

“Please?” She clasped her hands together, giving him those big doe eyes behind her glasses. “I really like helping in the kitchen. It makes me feel… useful. I promise I won’t get in your way.”

Marco chuckled, clearly charmed. “Alright, alright. You win. Can you chop those vegetables for the salad? Uniform cuts, please.”

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