The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Chapter 82

ASTRA

The Homecoming dance ended a little after 10:30 PM.

By the time the final slow song ended and the lights came up, I was exhausted but… surprisingly happy.

Jason had been amazing all night. He danced with me for almost every song, his hand warm on my waist, his violet eyes always finding mine. Between dances, we talked about everything-his life in London, funny stories from his old school. ur favorite hobbies.

He made me laugh.

For a few hours, he made me forget all my problems.

There had only been one moment of panic.

Earlier in the evening, I’d left my small black clutch on one of the tables along the side of the gym. It only had my phone, Ip balm, and a few dollars inside, but when I went back for it, it was gone.

My stomach dropped.

If someone had stolen it, I had no idea how I was supposed to replace my phone.

I’d searched frantically while Jason, Chloe, and Priya helped me look. Thankfully, Jason eventually found it on the floor near the side entrance. Everything was still inside, and the relief that hit me was so strong I almost cried.

Even so, I couldn’t quite shake the strange feeling in my chest.

How had my clutch ended up all the way by the entrance when I’d left it on our table?

Tonight was supposed to be fun. I didn’t want to ruin it.

Now the dance was over.

Jason walked me to his car, his hand resting lightly on my back as we crossed the parking lot. The night air felt cool after the crowded gym.

“I hope you had fun tonight,” he said as he opened the passenger door for me.

I smiled, and this time it came easily. “I did. Thank you, Jason.”

“Good.”

I climbed into the car, and he closed the door before jogging around to the driver’s side.

For a moment, neither of us said anything.

Then he turned toward me.

His expression made my stomach flutter.

“Hey,” he said quietly.

“Hey.”

He smiled nervously, then leaned closer.

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12:01 Fri, Jul 3

Chapter 82

Before I could overthink it, he kissed me.

It was soft and careful, like he was giving me every chance to pull away if I wanted to.

For a second, I froze.

Then I remembered he was my boyfriend, and I kissed him back.

It wasn’t bad.

Actually, it was nice.

Sweet.

Comfortable.

The kind of kiss that made me feel warm instead of breathless.

But before I could stop it, another memory slipped into my head.

Zane.

I immediately shoved the thought away.

No.

I wasn’t doing that.

I pulled back, my cheeks heating.

Jason searched my face, looking slightly nervous.

“Was that okay?”

I nodded quickly.

“Yeah. It was.”

The relieved smile that spread across his face made something in my chest squeeze.

“Good.”

He started the car, and we headed back toward the Ashton estate.

The drive was quiet but comfortable. Soft music played through the speakers, and every now and then Jason brushed his thumb across the back of my hand where it rested between us.

When we pulled up to the gates, Jason turned to me.

“I had a really great time tonight, Astra,” he said. “Text me when you’re inside, okay?”

I smiled.

“I will.”

He leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek before I climbed out of the car.

“Goodnight.”

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12:01 Fri, Jul 3 D

Chapter 82

“Goodnight, Jason.”

I stood there for a second, waving as his taillights disappeared down the road. Then I turned and started up the long driveway, my dress swishing around my legs.

The night had been perfect.

At least, it should have felt perfect.

So why did I feel guilty?

Why couldn’t I stop thinking about a pair of green eyes?

Why did part of me keep expecting Zane to step out from behind a tree or appear at the end of the driveway with that infuriating look on his face?

I wrapped my arms around myself and quickened my pace.

The closer I got to the mansion, the heavier my chest felt.

I had too many secrets.

And I was starting to think they were becoming impossible to ignore.

The mansion was quiet when I stepped inside. Most of the lights were dimmed, and the only sound was the faint hum of the AC. I climbed the stairs slowly, my heels clicking softly against the marble despite my best efforts not to wake anyone.

By the time I reached my door, I was exhausted. I fished the key out of my clutch, unlocked it, and pushed the door open with a tired sigh.

The cold blast of air hit me immediately.

Damn it. I’d forgotten to turn the AC off before leaving. The room felt like a freezer.

I stepped inside, already reaching for the light switch.

The door slammed shut behind me with a heavy thud.

I yelped, spinning around so fast I nearly tripped over my own heels.

Zane stood leaning against the door, arms crossed over his chest, watching me with a lazy smirk.

He wore nothing but a black tank top that clung to his broad shoulders and a pair of gray sweatpants hanging low on his hips. The shirt had ridden up just enough to reveal the sharp V-lines of his abs and the trail of dark hair disappearing beneath the waistband.

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