“You’ll never guess what I heard!”
Emily worked fast. “I can only imagine,” I intoned.
Kimber frowned. “Is something wrong?”
“No, nothing. So what did you hear?”
“They announced the theme for prom today!”
“They did?” I’d forgotten about prom. I’d avoided every dance this year and every other social activity I could. It had never bothered me until now. “What’s the theme?”
“It’s a masquerade ball!” She jumped up and down.
“Like with masks?” This idea intrigued me.
“Exactly! Isn’t it cool?”
“Actually, it is.”
“Does that mean you’re going to come?” she asked me, sliding a look at Sam.
“I don’t know.” I glared at her.
Kimber grinned, and I knew she was up to something. “Well, I am sure everyone will be expecting to see you with the guy who had to practically beg you to be his date.”
“Emily!” I gasped.
Kimber cackled as she walked away.
I slammed my locker shut and turned to Sam. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Now everyone will think we’re dating.”
“I’m the one who told her that in the first place.”
I sighed. “Seriously – why would you do that?”
We moved off down the hall as I hefted my book bag over my shoulder. “I figured it was the best way to get you to agree.”
“To date you?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Like a girlfriend?” I whispered.
“If you want.” He held the door open and motioned for me to go ahead.
The sun was bright and it would have been warm if it wasn’t for the breeze in the air. “Why would you want that?” I mumbled.
He took my hand and pulled me around to face him. “I do. Want that.” The breeze ruffled his hair playfully, a stark contrast to his jaw, which was set like he was expecting rejection.
Something about that slightly vulnerable look in his eyes melted me. I gave in, if the hottest guy in school wanted to date me – and I know I wanted to date him – then I would stop wondering why he liked me and just go for it. “Me too.”
“Really?” His eyes shone like the summer sun with a hint of surprise.
“Really.”
A grin broke his face, exposing straight, white teeth and suddenly he was lifting me off my feet to plant a quick, firm kiss on my lips. When he put me down, he took my hand, and we began walking across the campus to his truck. I noticed that people were outright staring, and for once, I didn’t care.
“Do you usually go to your grandma’s after school?”
“As often as I can. Tuesdays and Thursdays I have to go to Bible study.” He slid his eyes away from the road to look at me, then back. “My mother is very religious,” I explained and noticed a tightening around his eyes and mouth. Was he against religion then? “She wasn’t always that way, but then my father died.”
“Your father died?”
“Yeah. A few years ago. He was on the police force here. He was shot during a robbery.” That single bullet had changed everything in my entire world.
“That must have been really hard. I’m sure it still is.” He reached across the seat for my hand.
“Sometimes.” I liked that he didn’t automatically apologize. Whenever I told someone about my dad, it was the first thing people said: ‘I’m sorry.’ I knew they meant it, and it was supposed to be comforting; but it really wasn’t, and it wasn’t necessary. It wasn’t their fault that he’d died, so why apologize for something they had nothing to do with?
“Your grandma is your dad’s mother?”
“Yeah. She’s really special to me.”
“I’m glad you have her, then.”
“Who is special to you, Sam?”
“You,” he rasped the word and sent goose bumps across my skin.
“Where are your parents?”
Seconds passed before he answered. “I’m emancipated. I don’t see them.”
“For how long?”
“About a year and a half.”
No wonder he seemed so lonely, and it could even explain his rude roommates. “You’re roommates…?”
“They’re emancipated too.”
“Oh.” It was ironic because ‘I’m sorry’ popped onto my tongue, but I bit it back. “You’re not alone anymore.”
A groan built in his chest and rumbled out of him. The topic was clearly hard for him, so I changed the subject. “What do you do after school?”
“I have a job,” he said it low, like he was ashamed.
“Really? Where?”
“Planet Fitness, at the front desk. They’re coaching me to be a personal trainer.”
“Wow. That’s really cool.” I guess his job explained the muscles I’d seen rippling beneath his clothes.
He seemed embarrassed, but added, “I just got hired for a second job too. Down at the lake renting paddle boats and stuff. It’s just for spring and summer though, mostly on weekends.”
“That’s really responsible,” I said before I could stop myself. He threw me a look, and I giggled. “Sorry.” I laughed again.
He tried not to, but laughed anyway. When we sobered he said, “I can take care of myself.”
That seemed really important to him, and I nodded. I guess he didn’t have a choice. Undoing my seatbelt I slid closer to him. “You’re doing a good job.”
He cleared his throat but said nothing. When we pulled up to my grandma’s house he parked, letting the engine idle. “Thanks for the ride.”
“How long do you usually stay here?”
“As long as I can.”
“I get off at nine. Want me to pick you up?”
Nine was later than I usually stayed, but I would wait just to see him again. “Sure. Unless you’ll be tired and want to go home.”
“I’d rather see you.”
“See you later then.” I peeked up at him from beneath my lashes.
He moved fast, taking my face between his palms and lowering his head until his lips covered mine. His lips were full and moist, and he knew how to use them. Too soon he moved back, and I gripped his wrists before he could pull completely away. His hazel eyes were an intense burning gold, and I felt my hands begin to shake. Almost as if he knew, he closed his eyes and came back to me, his lips brushing a gentle kiss over my scar. The simple act melted me.