Fallen Crest High(140)

When I walked into the festival, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had never been one for school events so the sight of streamers, balloons, blown-up slides and fun houses wasn't what I had in mind. Booths were spread out everywhere within the school. They started in the parking lot with one for coffee and cappuccino and one was even snuggled in a back janitor's closet for Fallen Crest Academy flags.

Little kids darted around my feet. I saw more than enough of my classmates and our teachers positioned everywhere. When I passed the football booth that had footballs with Fallen Crest Academy's name on it and made with our colors, I saw David chatting with some parents. Then I realized they had old varsity jackets on and knew these were the alumni.

I wandered through the entire school, even up to the third floor, before I found Mason. He had been tucked near the art room behind a table of white lacey doilies. He was lounging back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest, his legs crossed underneath the table, and his cap pulled low enough to cover his eyes. As his chest rose up and down at a steady rhythm, I enjoyed the sight for a moment before I kicked his feet.

He jerked back, startled, and threw back his cap. A snarl lit over his face, but he relaxed when he saw me. "I didn't know you were coming today."

"What if I'd been my dad?" I shrugged. "Why not come, it's my school."

He grunted. "What does he expect? He stuck me up here selling some church ladies' handkerchief things. No one wants these." He eyed the coffee in my hand. "You got another one of those?"

I grinned and pulled out an energy drink.

"Thanks." Then he nudged the other chair out. "Want a seat? Keep me company?"

"So you can sleep and I'll sell the doilies?" I was aware of his hungry gaze as I sat beside him. Every nerve in my body was awake and kicking because of it.

Who needed coffee when I had him?

"No one wants to buy from me. I look angry when I'm tired."

As he yawned again and tried to cover it with his hand, I thought he looked adorable. His eyes were softer from the fatigue and his eyelids drooped a bit.

His lips were a little swollen from our kisses and his skin looked bright with color. When I caught sight of the hickey I'd left under his shirt's collar, I reached over to tug his shirt to the side.

He grinned when he realized what I was doing. "Yeah, I keep moving my shirt too, but it always goes back. I'm sure people have already seen it."

"I hope not." What if David had seen it?

"Who cares if they do?" He studied me as he said that.

"What? I'm supposed to say something or…what?" Was he testing me?

He cracked a grin and squeezed my knee. "I'm messing with you, but I don't care if they see it or not."

I'm not sure how to react so I grew quiet and sat back. After a few minutes, I knew he'd fallen back asleep, but it was a relief. His presence affected me so much. I had a hard time making clear decisions, especially when it came to him or us. After an hour and after I had sold three doilies, I nudged his foot.

His eyes opened and he was awake, just like that. There was no sudden movement, no snort. Sometimes he reminded me of a machine.

"I'm going to wander around."

He groaned. "Please stay. You make this somewhat bearable."

I grinned at him. "Could you be more dramatic?"

"Yes."

Something bolted inside of me when I saw he spoke the truth. He was unreadable again and my finger itched to reach out and touch his lips. Those delicious and earth-shattering lips that could do wonders on me… I shook my head to clear the lustful thoughts.