The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Chapter 66

ASTRA

The rest of the day dragged on in a haze of Spirit Week energy and my own racing thoughts.

By the time I got to last period, British Literature, I was exhausted. I slipped into my usual seat near the middle of the glass and pulled out my notebook, trying to fucus

A few seconds later, the chair behind me scraped.

I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

Zane dropped into the seat directly behind me, the same way he had been doing since the beginning of the year. I felt the heat of his presence like a physical weight on my back.

The teacher, Mr. Hargrove, started the lesson on Romantic poetry without missing a beat. He never said anything about Zane’s behavior. No one ever did. He was Zane Ashton, star quarterback, golden boy, son of one of the most powerful families in the city. Teachers learned early on to pick their battles.

I tried to focus on the notes.

But I couldn’t.

Not when I could feel him behind me.

His long legs were stretched out, one foot lightly bumping the leg of my chair every now and then. His head was down on the desk, arms folded under it like he was sleeping. From the corner of my eye, I could see the messy dark hair and the broad line of his shoulders.

He looked like he hadn’t slept either.

The class continued around us, Mr. Hargrove talking passionately about Byron and Shelley but all I could think about was the boy behind me.

The same boy who had pinned me against his door.

The same boy who had licked my cheek like he was trying to erase someone else’s touch.

My pen trembled slightly in my hand.

Every time Zane shifted in his seat, my spine tingled. I kept waiting for him to say something. To mock me. To lean forward and whisper something filthy in my ear like he sometimes did.

But he stayed quiet.

Head down.

Breathing slow and steady.

Almost like he was actually sleeping.

Or maybe… thinking.

The silence from him felt worse than his usual cruelty.

By the time the bell rang, my nerves were completely frayed. I quickly gathered my things, slinging my bag over my shoulder, and stood up.

1/5

3

O

G

O

Chapter 66

Zane didn’t move right away.

1 hesitated for half a second, then started walking toward the door.

As I passed his desk, his low, rough voice stopped me.

“Trouble.”

I froze.

He lifted his head just enough to look at me, green eyes bright and intense.

“Library after school,” he said quietly. “Don’t make me wait.”

Then he put his head back down on the desk like nothing had happened.

My heart was pounding as I walked out of the classroom.

The final bell rang, and I quickly gathered my things.

As Sports Committee President, I still had a few things to check for tomorrow’s Jersey Day and Friday’s big Homecoming Game. I needed to stop by the committee room to confirm the face-painting station supplies and make sure the cheer captains had the updated pep rally schedule.

I was halfway down the crowded hallway when I heard a familiar voice.

“Astra!”

I turned.

Jason was walking toward me, his violet eyes lighting up the moment they met mine. He blushed slightly, actually blushed when he got closer, running a hand through his blond hair.

“Hey,” he said, a little shy but smiling. “I didn’t see you much today. Everything okay?”

My cheeks warmed. We had chatted on the phone yesterday while I was home taking care of Lucas, and I had explained everything.

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I said softly. “Lucas is doing better now.”

Jason nodded, still looking at me with that gentle warmth.

“I’m glad. I was worried about you.”

We stood there for a moment in the busy hallway as students rushed past us. His eyes searched mine,

“Astra…” he started, voice lowering. He raked a hand through his hair again, looking nervous. “Did… you think about what I asked you on Sunday?”

My heart skipped.

Of course I had.

How could I forget? He had asked me out. Properly. Sweetly. Told me he really liked me and wanted to date me.

My cheeks flushed bright red.

“Yes, I thought about it,” I whispered, biting my lip. “But… can you give me a little more time? Please?”

2/5

3

O

O

G

|||

O

Chapter 66

Jason’s expression softened immediately. He gave me a small, understanding smile

“Of course,” he said gently. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

Relief washed over me, but it was quickly followed by a heavy wave of guilt.

“Why am I hesitating?

Jason was amazing, kind, respectful, patient. He made me feel safe and seen. Any girl would be jumping at the chance to say, yes to him.

So why couldn’t I?

Why did my mind keep drifting back to stormy green eyes and a dangerous voice that now called me “Trouble”?

I felt horrible.

“Gosh, I’m so stupid.

Jason seemed to sense my inner turmoil and gently touched my arm.

“No pressure, okay? I just wanted you to know how I feel.”

I nodded, forcing a smile.

I stood there for a second, heart heavy, before we both continued toward the committee room.

Spirit Week was supposed to be fun.

But right now, everything felt complicated.

When we stepped inside, the room was already lively.

Elizabeth was at the front table organizing posters. Priya and Chloe were there too, along with a few other members, Marcus from the basketball team, Sophie from dance, and two sophomore helpers.

Maya Whitmore, one of the head cheer captains (there were three total, but Maya was the loudest and most influential), was leaning against a desk, flipping through her phone with a bored expression.

“Finally,” Elizabeth said with a relieved smile. “We were just about to start planning the final touches for Jersey Day tomorrow and the Homecoming pep rally on Friday.”

Jason pulled out a chair for me before sitting down beside me.

We dove into the meeting. We talked about Jersey Day logistics, making sure the face-painting station had enough supplies, confirming the cheer routine for lunch, and reminding everyone to hype the Friday Homecoming Game against Ridgewood and the dance that night.

I was in the middle of suggesting we add a “Hawks Hype Playlist” for the pep rally when Maya let out a loud, fake laugh.

“Oh please,” she said, rolling her eyes. “A playlist? How original. Why don’t you just let the cheer team handle the energy? We actually know how to get people excited.”

I swallowed the sting and kept my voice polite.

“The playlist would be for between performances. It’s just extra school spirit…”

“School spirit?” Maya cut me off with a mocking smile. “Coming from the girl who lives with the Ashtons now? Must be nice riding Zane’s coattails for popularity. Do you even do anything useful as president, or are you just there hoping to warm his

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify