The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

ASTRA

Monday Morning

12 58 vouchers

I woke up at six sharp, my body already trained from years of early mornings. The events of last night still weighed heavy on my chest, Mom not recognizing me, crying in Dr. Ray’s arms, Elira brushing my hair like I was her own daughter. But I pushed it down. I had to. The boys needed me, and school was waiting.

I took a quick bath, brushed my teeth, and slipped into my Harrington uniform, crisp white blouse, plaid skirt, and navy cardigan. I brushed my long blonde hair until it shone and slipped on a cute gold hairband with a small bow. When I looked in the mirror, Hooked…..good.

The uniform hugged me tightly, but for once I didn’t hate the way I looked.

I hurried to the twins‘ room.

Mason was already awake, sitting up in bed reading a book. He was always the more mature one, quiet and observant. Lucas was still snoring loudly, face buried in his pillow.

“Good morning, Mason,” I whispered with a smile.

He looked up and gave me a small, rare smile back. Astra one, Mason zero, I thought happily. I was slowly winning him over.

I moved to Lucas’s bed and gently shook him. “Lucas, time to wake up, sweetie.”

“Lucas,

“Nooo… five more minutes,” he groaned, pulling the blanket over his head.

I laughed softly and started tickling his sides. “Come on, dragon rider! The school bus won’t wait!”

Lucas squealed and squirmed, finally sitting up with messy hair and a big grin. Mason watched us with an amused little smirk.

After they brushed their teeth and changed into their uniforms, we headed downstairs together, school bags in hand.

I rushed back to my room to double–check my own bag, then hurried downstairs to the kitchen.

I stopped in my tracks.

Zane was already there.

He was leaning against the counter in his full Harrington uniform, the white shirt stretched tight across his broad, muscular chest and shoulders, sleeves rolled up to show those strong forearms. The navy tie was loosened just enough to look effortlessly hot,

1/5

11:36 am P p p p.

Chapter 29-

At six–feel–something with that sculpted body, dark messy hair, and sharp green eyes, he looked every bit the untouchable star quarterback. Dangerous, handsome and Intimidating.

My heart stuttered.

I forced myself to keep moving.

“Good morning,” I murmured, avoiding Zane’s gaze.

Elira smiled from her seat. “Good morning, dear.”

Zane said nothing.

He just looked up at me, green eyes dark and intense, tracking every movement as I walked behind the counter.

I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the weight of his stare. “What do you boys want for breakfast? Something quick before the bus comes. And I’ll pack lunch for school too.”

“Pancakes!” Lucas shouted.

“Toast is fine,” Mason said more calmly.

I got to work quickly, making simple pancakes for Lucas, toast with peanut butter for Mason, and packing fruit, sandwiches, and snacks for their lunches. I could feel Zane’s eyes on me the entire time, burning into my back.

It made my hands tremble slightly as I worked.

Mason suddenly spoke up, voice soft but sincere.

“I like your hairband, Astra. It’s pretty… You’re very pretty.”

I froze, cheeks instantly flushing bright red,

“Thank you, Mason,” I whispered, touched and embarrassed at the same time,

From the corner of my eye, I saw Zane’s jaw flex hard and his stare grew darker,

The tension in the kitchen thickened until it felt like I could choke on it.

I focused on finishing the boys‘ lunches, heart racing, wondering how I was supposed to survive another day under the same roof as Zane Ashton.

“Please… please please please, turn on,” I whispered desperately, twisting the key again and again.

My poor scooter, I’d named her Luna years ago because she was my little moonlight ride home on

2/5

11:36 am Pppp.

Chapter 29-~~~

50 vouchers

dark nights, sputtered weakly but refused to start. I was already running late for school, standing in the driveway in my uniform, sweating under the morning sun as I tried one more time.

“Come on, Luna… don’t do this to me today.”

Elira stood on the low stone steps leading up to the mansion, watching me with gentle concern.

“Honey, just go with Zane,” she called softly. “You’ll be late.”

I looked up at her, cheeks already warm with embarrassment. “Just give me a minute, ma’am. It’ll work, I promise.”

From inside the black SUV, Zane’s deep voice growled impatiently.

“I don’t have one more minute. Get yourself into this car.”

I grit my teeth, cheeks burning hotter. I tried the key one last time. Nothing but a pathetic click.

I sighed, defeated. Luna was so old now. She’d been with me through everything, deliveries, late nights at the hospital and it hurt to admit she needed fixing I couldn’t afford right now.

I turned toward Zane, embarrassed and frustrated, and gave Elira a small wave.

“Goodbye, ma’am. Have a good day.”

Elira smiled warmly. “Have a good day, you two.”

I walked over to the passenger side of Zane’s car, heart pounding. The second I opened the door and slid in, his familiar scent wrapped around me, dark cologne and cedarwood.

Zane didn’t say a word. He just put the car in drive and pulled away from the mansion.

The silence was thick. I sat stiffly, biting my lip and rubbing my thigh nervously with my palm Every second felt loaded.

My phone buzzed in my lap.

୮

Jason: Hey Love, already at school waiting for you. Can’t stop thinking about yesterday’s lunch break

A small, shy smile broke across my face despite everything. I quickly typed back,

Me: Just left the house, I’ll be there soon. Thank you for waiting

I hit send, cheeks warming.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Zane’s jaw flex hard and his grip on the steering wheel tightened until his knuckles turned white.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify