One Small Thing(55)

“He’s tough,” Scarlett admits in a whisper. “I couldn’t stand this abuse.”

I’m startled. Scarlett’s been pretty vocal with her anti-Chase sentiments—Jeff’s rubbing off on her, I guess. But she sounds genuinely sympathetic right now.

“I wouldn’t be able to stand it, either,” I whisper back.

Minutes elapse. Mrs. Russell scribbles a formula on the board. I jot it down carefully just in case Chase needs it later.

Troy and his cronies are whispering about something. I try to tune them out, but Manson catches my attention. I lean back as nonchalantly as possible.

“...catch him...kick out...finally.”

Worried, I glance at the clock. It’s been nearly ten minutes. I raise my hand.

“Yes, Ms. Jones?”

“I need a bathroom pass.”

“Come and get it.” The teacher nods to the key on the desk.

Scarlett shoots me a questioning glance.

I’ll tell you later, I mouth. Although what I’ll tell her, I haven’t decided.

I grab the key and hurry down the hall. Halfway toward the principal’s office, I see Chase returning to the classroom.

“Hey.” I give him a little wave. “What was that all about?”

He shrugs and keeps walking.

I fall in step beside him, wishing he’d say something. What did his probation officer want? Is he going to be taken away?

My distress must be written on my face, because he lets out a quick breath and says, “You can chill, Beth. There was no probation officer, okay? The caller hung up the second I said hello.”

I flash back to the chortling boys at the back of the classroom. “Probably Troy and his stupid crew.”

“Probably. It’s no big deal.” Which I think means that he wants me to stop talking about it.

I pause in the middle of the hall, shifting awkwardly. “Are you going to the game Friday night?”

His incredulous expression tells me what a stupid question that was. Like he’d ever cheer for anything but for Troy to fall into a lake.

I hope he doesn’t notice me blushing. “I’m going to take that as a no.”

“Good call.” He starts walking again.

I dash forward to keep up with him. “I gave my parents a contract where I promise to be good in exchange for them allowing me some freedom,” I blurt out.

This time, he’s the one who halts. “And?” he says, looking interested.

“And it worked. They agreed. I got my phone and my bedroom door back. And my car, but only to go to school and work.”

“That’s great.” He sounds genuinely enthused for me.

“I’m pretty happy. Plus, I’m wearing new lip gloss so today’s a good day.” I make a pretty pout with my lips.

A small smile tugs at his lips. “Lip gloss is all it takes to make you happy, huh?”

“You said to focus on one small thing at a time. Today it’s new lip gloss. It tastes like strawberries.” I nudge his arm with my shoulder. “What’s your thing today?”

He gazes down at me. I swear his eyes linger on my lips. “I was thinking of how much I like the color rose.”

I rub my lips together. His gaze tracks the movement. I remember how my mouth tingled when his lips were pressed against mine.

“And how much I like strawberries,” he adds, and I swear I can see his pulse hammering in his throat.

Is he going to kiss me?

He inches a bit closer.

My own pulse careens wildly. If he kisses me, I don’t know what I’d do. Probably push him away.

Chase’s calloused hand cups my cheek, and I don’t push him away.

“Such a bad idea,” he whispers as his mouth dips closer.

“Terrible idea,” I whisper back.

My breath gets stuck in my lungs. His lips are soft and warm as they brush mine in a kiss that lasts barely a second, because the screech of a fire alarm has us jumping away from each other.

Just in time, too, because without warning, students start bursting out into the hallway.

Scarlett comes running and grabs my arm. She doesn’t even notice Chase; she’s too excited. “It’s a fire alarm!” she squeals. “Let’s go get Jeff. Starbucks, here we come.”

I try hard not to look at him. Don’t look, don’t look. If I do, my expression will give something away. Scarlett will know something just went down between us. Hell, I’m surprised she can’t hear my deafening heartbeat over the fire alarm.

Don’t look, I order as Scarlett starts dragging me away.

I can’t help it—I take one quick peek over my shoulder. Chase’s blue eyes convey understanding as they lock with mine. In fact, his lips even quirk in a smile, as if to say what can ya do?

Not kiss my sister’s killer in the middle of the hallway at school—that’s what I can do.

I’m breathing hard by the time we make it outside, and it’s not just from the trek it took to get out here. Chase’s kiss stole the oxygen from my body, along with my common sense. I can still taste him on my lips.

Jeff’s waiting on the curb when we reach the front doors. Scarlett flies down the stairs, laughing. She looks like she wants to jump into Jeff’s arms.

“Hurry or we’ll have to wait in line,” she urges.