Always You(13)

Kass nodded. “Too bad. If you get out of it, let me know. It’ll be fun.”

We walked into the room, taking our usual seats in the back. Dalton was there already. Paige and her sidekick, Deena, stood next to him, giggling and flicking their hair. I almost chuckled at how uncomfortable he looked. Obviously his handling of her behavior on Monday hadn’t dampened her interest in him. His eyes caught mine and narrowed slightly as I giggled. It was those little connections we had, like just then, that made me wonder...

“What’s funny?” Kass asked, interrupting my thoughts.

“Paige and Deena. Look at how awkward Mr. Reid looks.”

Kass glanced over at them and began to snigger loudly. Paige glared back at us, her expression one of pure hatred.

“Okay guys, settle down.” Mr. Reid waited as the last few students scuffled into class and sat down. He held up some papers. “I have your assignments to give back. Some are excellent, and some of you need to focus more.” He began to work his way around the room, handing back papers. He winked as he reached me, dropping my A+ paper down on my desk.

“Good job, again,” he muttered softly. I couldn’t help it, I was grinning like an idiot. Paige rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything. I didn’t even care.

Even she couldn’t ruin how good I felt right now.

***

“You wanna come to mine?” Kass bit down on her apple as we walked outside. It was overcast and cold, a typical day for this time of year. All I wanted to do was curl up in front of the fire with a book, or maybe a movie.

“Nah, I might have an early night. I’m exhausted.” I yawned and stretched out my arms.

Kass rolled her eyes. “You’re weak,” she said with a grin as she walked toward the parking lot. “But okay. See you tomorrow!”

I spent the evening stretched out on the sofa watching Dawn of the Dead. He was right: it was a damn good movie, and scary as hell. My stomach somersaulted when I thought about him. He’d gone out of his way to lend me this movie. Did he mean anything by it? Or was he just being nice? I was trying so hard not to read into every little interaction because I just knew I was setting myself up to be hurt. I was his student. He was my teacher. That was the only thing I knew for sure.

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Chapter Nine


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Wrenn

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Wow, I was exciting.

Saturday night and I was at home, studying. My aunt and uncle saw more action than I did. They had gone out for the afternoon—and evening—to a wedding.

Kass had asked me again to go with her and Trina, but I honestly just felt like staying home. I liked having the house to myself, and studying meant my mind was kept occupied. When my mind was occupied, I didn’t dwell on the past. It was that simple.

Hearing the doorbell, I ran downstairs to answer it. I swung the door open and gaped in surprise. Dalton stood there, looking devilishly sexy in a pair of jeans and a Jacket. He flashed me that gorgeous crooked smile. He looked pleased to see me.

“Wrenn, hey. Is Layna home?” He held up a small package wrapped neatly with a bright pink ribbon. “A present from my mom,” he explained with a sheepish grin. I giggled. That was so cute.

I stood aside and let him in. Shutting the door, I motioned for him to go through to the kitchen.

“She and Dan are at a wedding. Can I get you a drink?” I asked.

He hesitated, and then nodded. “A soda would be nice, thanks.” He placed the present down on the counter, watching me as I poured two glasses of soda. Could he see how much my hands were shaking?

I handed him one of the glasses and smiled, taking a sip as I walked over to the table. He followed, sliding into the chair opposite me.

Is this really happening?

Dalton, alone with me in my house, inches away from me. I could stretch my leg out right now and it would accidentally brush past his. Not that I would. My heart was racing, and I was shaking like crazy. Could he see how nervous he made me? Fuck, I hoped not. I wanted to exude calm and cool, not a hot mess.

“I thought the entire student population would be out tonight, being a Saturday night,” he said lightly, his eyes on mine.

I shrugged and fiddled with the rim of my glass, the tip of my finger going round and round. I glanced up and caught him staring. He looked flustered when his eyes met mine.

“What can I say? I’m boring,” I said with a smile. “I was accepted into prelaw at Boston University, but it’s a provisional acceptance dependent on my grades. Any spare time I have goes into that.”

“And scary movies,” he added, his eyes twinkling.

I laughed. “Yes. Speaking of which...” I stood up, my drink in hand, waving for him to follow me.

He raised an eyebrow and looked at me suspiciously.

“I’m taking you into the living room. I’m not planning on assaulting you,” I joked.

His face flushed, which only made me giggle harder.

Worst attempt at humor ever. Someone needs to stop me. Intervention please.

In the living room, I set down my drink and reached for the stack of DVDs on the coffee table.

“This is yours,” I said, handing him back Dawn of the Dead.