The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 70

11:59 Fri, Jul 30

Chapter 70

Chapter 70

ASTRA

I followed Zane downstairs, clutching my school bag tightly against my chest.

Wearing his jersey felt strange. The fabric was soft and well-worn, but far too big on me. The bold navy and gold colors, with “ASHTON 1” printed in large white letters across the back, made me feel like I was wearing a sign that read Property of Zane Ashton®.

My cheeks stayed warm the entire way down. I kept tugging at the hem, trying to make it less obvious. Part of me felt ridiculous-like I was playing dress-up in something I had no right to wear. Another part felt a confusing/rush of warmth ! didn’t want to examine.

When we reached the foyer, Elira was speaking quietly to one of the staff. She turned at our footsteps. Her eyes landed on me and widened briefly before a gentle, warm smile spread across her face.

“Oh, Astra…” she said softly. “You look beautiful in that jersey.”

My face burned hotter. “Zane let me borrow it for Jersey Day,” I mumbled, staring down at the oversized fabric.

“It looks perfect on you,” she replied, her smile growing fonder. “You wear the name well, darling.”

I wanted to sink into the floor. Zane said nothing, but I could feel the satisfaction radiating from him.

Elira gave us both a warm look. “Have a good day at school. And Zane… try not to cause too much trouble.”

He smirked and headed for the door. I hurried after him, the weight of his last name on my back growing heavier with every

step.

This was going to be a very long, very noticeable day.

The car ride was silent and suffocating. I sat in the passenger seat with my hands folded tightly in my lap. The jersey kept slipping off one shoulder, and every time I tugged it back up, I felt Zane’s eyes on me. He drove with one hand on the wheel, the other on the gear shift, saying nothing.

When we pulled into the school parking lot, my stomach dropped. The moment I stepped out of his car, heads turned. Whispers erupted like wildfire.

“Is that Ashton’s jersey?”

“No way. She’s actually wearing his number?”

I kept my head down, cheeks flaming, as I walked beside him. Zane strode forward with his usual confidence, unbothered by the attention. A few football players whistled. Tyler called out, “Looking good, President!”

The stares only intensified in the main hallway. Some girls shot me dirty looks. The giant “ASHTON I” on my back felt like a blazing declaration for the entire school to see.

We reached the point where our paths split. Zane stopped and looked down at me, green eyes dark and intense.

“Try not to take it off,” he said quietly. “I want everyone to see.”

Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with my heart racing.

The rest of the morning was torture. Whispers followed me everywhere. By the time lunch came, I was exhausted.

Jason met me outside the classroom as usual, but he was quieter than normal. His warm smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

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11:59 Fri, Jul 3

Chapter 70

We walked toward the cafeteria in heavy silence.

i couldn’t take it anymore “Jason… are you upset with me?” I asked softly.

He stopped in the now-empty hallway and turned to face me. Violet eyes clouded with pain. He stepped forward, caging me against the wall with one hand beside my head.

“I liked you first,” he said, voice strained. “So why does he get to have you more?”

My eyes widened. “W-what?”

He glanced at the jersey. “First he kissed you. Now you’re wearing his number and the whole school thinks you’re together And I’m just… here. Jealous.”

I gasped. He looked genuinely hurt.

“Jason… there’s nothing going on between us,” I said quickly. “I swear.”

“So you don’t like him?”

I hesitated.

Jason saw it. “See? You can’t even answer.” His voice cracked. He turned to leave.

“No-Jason, please!” I grabbed his arm. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t like Zane that way. This jersey means nothing Please.”

He stopped, then suddenly gripped my jaw and kissed me.

The kiss was warm, soft, and desperate-nothing like Zane’s rough, breath-stealing ones. My eyes flew open in shock. I froze.

When he finally pulled back, resting his forehead against mine, he whispered, “I’m sorry. I couldn’t hold back anymore”

Guilt crashed over me. I liked Jason. He was kind, safe, everything I thought I wanted. But the kiss felt… wrong. Like I was betraying something I didn’t fully understand yet.

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