Sempre: Redemption (Forever Series #2)(88)
“Do you think Miss Michaels gets off on da Vinci?” Kelsey asked on Wednesday as they strolled out of class together. “Maybe The Last Supper is p*rn to her. She kept gushing about it today.” She paused, crinkling her nose. “Gushing. Gross, now I’m doing it.”
Haven rolled her eyes. “It’s a religious painting. I doubt she finds it erotic.”
“Okay then, Mona Lisa,” Kelsey said. “That’s da Vinci, isn’t it? Or wait, maybe it’s Van Gogh. Picasso?”
“It’s da Vinci,” Haven said. “How are you an art student?”
“Totally other side of the industry,” Kelsey replied. “I design things on a computer, unlike you folks who make love to a canvas.”
“We create love on a canvas.”
“What’s the difference?” she asked dismissively. “Both sound kinky to me.”
Haven shook her head, looking away from her friend as they stepped out of the building. Her eyes immediately locked with a pair of blue ones, the same guy from two days ago. He smiled at her, giving a slight wave, and Haven blushed from the recognition.
“See, I’m right,” Kelsey said, noticing her suddenly flushed cheeks. “All of you artsy f**kers are turned on by it.”
* * *
Friday, when leaving class, the guy was there again, just as he was the following Monday and Wednesday. The cycle continued with curious looks, polite smiles, and subtle waves every other weekday at precisely one o’clock. He was always lingering just outside the building like he was waiting for someone or maybe something.
On Friday two weeks later, Haven was asked to stay after class. The halls were vacant by the time she left, the street clear of students. She walked out of the building as she situated her backpack, her footsteps faltering after a few feet. On the corner, leaning against the building, was the guy once again.
He glanced up as she approached. “Hey there.”
Haven smiled politely. “Hello.”
He pushed away from the wall and stopped in her path. “Remember me?”
“Yes.” Her heart raced at the blunt acknowledgment. She already preferred it when he didn’t say anything. “I didn’t hurt you, did I? I’m honestly really sorry for it. I was in a rush and—”
“Relax,” he said, cutting her off with a laugh. “You just ran off that day before I had a chance to talk to you.”
“Oh.” She eyed him warily. “About what?”
He shrugged. “About anything.”
“Uh, okay.”
They stared at each other for a moment, the air thick with awkwardness. Haven took a step to the side to go around him, but he spoke again before she made it that far. “So, can I walk you to your next class?”
She shook her head. “I’m done for the day.”
He started to reply, but she was gone before he could say anything.
* * *
He tried again on Monday. “Can I get you some lunch?”
Another refusal. “I’m not really hungry, but thanks.”
And again on Wednesday. “How about some drinks?”
She mumbled as she ducked past him, “I’m not thirsty.”
Friday, just like clockwork, he was standing there. “Can I walk you home?”
“I’m not going home right now.”
Monday, Haven was prepared. She stepped out of the building after class with Kelsey at her side, chatting away, but the guy was one step ahead of her. He pushed away from the wall when he saw them and paused in their path, focusing his attention on Kelsey. “Excuse me, miss. Can I cut in?”
Kelsey’s brow furrowed. She was momentarily stunned into silence. “Cut in?”
“Yes,” he said. “You see, I’ve been trying to talk to your friend for weeks, so, well, I’m a little jealous right now.”
A smile slowly lit up Kelsey’s face. “Oh! Absolutely!”
Kelsey turned to her and winked dramatically, barely containing her squeal as she skipped away into the crowd. Haven just stood there in disbelief as the guy smirked. “So, since your friend approves, can I walk beside you wherever you’re going today?”
She shook her head. Unbelievable. “Why would you even want to do that?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked. “You’re a gorgeous girl.”
Those words sunk in and she gaped at him. He was flirting, she realized. He was flirting with her.
She shrugged hesitantly. “Uh, I guess. I mean, you can do anything you want. I can’t really stop you, right?”
“Right.” The word was drawn out in his accent. “Are you giving me the it’s a free country spiel?”
“No. Well, yes . . .” She scrunched up her forehead. “It is, isn’t it? Or at least that’s what they say.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to impose. I know I’ve been persistent, but I just wanted a chance to actually meet you. You can tell me no, and I’ll never ask again.”
There was a tinge of hurt in his voice that surprised her. She didn’t want to be rude to the boy, but his presence alarmed her, the attention unnerving.
“You’re not really imposing,” she said. “I mean, we’re just walking, right?”
“Right,” he said again, looking away from her and shaking his head. A smile tugged his lips as he motioned for her to proceed. “Walking. After you.”