Chasing Nikki(8)

“Yep.”

“Just as well. She probably wouldn’t like me at all.” I made up my mind to forget about her.

The teacher entered the classroom right as the bell sounded and headed to the front. “We have a new student, class. Mr. Walker, can you please come up here?”

I couldn’t help the soft groan and eye roll that sent Brett into a chuckle. I got up and went, wondering why every teacher today had seen the need to introduce me in front of the entire class.

“Everyone, this is Chase Walker. He’s new here, and you should all make him feel welcome.”

I was starting to wonder if they made the teachers rehearse this speech as part of their job training.

“Chase, why don’t you tell us something interesting about yourself?”

Nikki was staring at me intently, and all of my attention zeroed in on her. I didn’t even register the question until I heard Mr. Ralston call my name again.

“Chase?”

There were snickers throughout the room, and I looked around. “Something interesting? Well, let’s see. I was arrested for underage drinking. My mom decided some good ole fashioned country living might be just what I needed so she forced me to move here.”

“Uh, okay,” Mr. Ralston stuttered, caught off guard by my reply. “That wasn’t exactly what I meant. I was thinking more along the lines of things you like to do, or activities you’re interested in.”

I turned to look straight at Nikki and smiled. “I like to do girls, and I’m interested in football.” I could hear the gasps of shock and laughter as I walked back to my seat, leaving the teacher gaping where he stood.

“Dude, you rock!” Brett said when I slid into my desk.

“He asked.” I shrugged. “I was just being honest.”

“Mr. Walker, please see me after class,” Mr. Ralston spoke up with a disapproving look on his face.

“Yes, sir,” I said seriously, with all the politeness in the world.

When class was over I saw Nikki stand up. I waited until she was about to pass my desk and stood, blocking her path.

“You’re a punk,” she said, and I noted that I liked the sound of her voice.

“And you’re a quick learner,” I replied, winking as I cast my gaze down her form once again.

She tried to push past, but I reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her against me. “Tell me you like punks,” I whispered into her ear.

“Let go.” I did as she asked, but she didn’t move away, instead narrowing her eyes at me. “Do those lines really work for you, pretty boy?”

“The name is Chase, and you should remember it because I’m coming after you, baby.”

Her face flushed pink, and I knew then I had a true chance. She wasn’t unaffected by me, and I was going to wear her down. She swallowed thickly, staring before letting out a huff and walking away.

I chuckled after her. As of this moment, Operation Chasing Nikki had begun.





The detention on my first day of school pretty much secured my reputation. Most of the student body had pegged me as the coolest guy ever, and the faculty had arrived at the conclusion I was now trouble maker number one to watch out for.

It was cool with me. I didn’t mind making the new friends, or being surrounded by all the doe-eyed girls who wanted me to pay attention to them.

All the girls but one that is—unfortunately for me, she was the one I was determined to have.

I’d let her stew over my previous comments for a couple days, not paying any attention to her when she walked into class, though I found myself staring at her back a lot during the hour.

My personal resolve to forget about her had gone right out the window. There was just something about her that drew me. I thought of her a lot the past few nights while I was tending to the horse stalls for grandpa.

I’d received a stern lecture from him about my comment in class and how important it was to respect women. I let him say his piece, just to get it over with. I didn’t disrespect women. I adored them, but I didn’t think he would approve of my adoration either so I held my tongue.

The bell rang, signaling the release of class, and I watched Nikki hurry from her seat, going through the door without looking in my direction. I grabbed my books and hurried after, catching up to her in the hall.

She cast one glance out of the corner of her eye at me and started walking faster. “Go away,” she said.

“Go out with me.”

“No.”

“Go out with me. I like you.”

“You don’t even know me.”

“Exactly! That’s why you should go out with me. How am I going to get to know you otherwise?”

“Not going to happen.” She stopped at her locker and began twirling her combination numbers.