"I was waiting for him to do something like this." We start walking toward our first period classes, ignoring the early morning chaos that surrounds us in the hall. "I know how he operates. He's like an animal who needs to retreat in the woods and lick his wounds until he's fully healed."
Livvy makes a face. "That sounds disgusting."
"Go with me here," I say with an irritated sigh. "Anyway. He's back. He's ready. And I think-I think I'm ready to hear what he has to say."
"That must've been some note," Livvy says, her eyes sparkling, though she's still frowning. "Maybe you should let me read it."
"No freaking way," I say vehemently, making her laugh.
Some things are better kept private.
I'm in American Government during sixth period when someone delivers a dreaded yellow slip from the office to my teacher Mr. Woodward. He reads the note, his eyes widening beneath his thick glasses before he lifts his head, his gaze locking on me. "Mrs. Maddox would like to see you in her office, Amanda."
Oh. Shit. My stomach bubbles with nerves as I gather my things, shove them all into my backpack and go to his desk, taking the slip from him before I leave the class.
The hallway is quiet as I make my way toward the office. So quiet I can hear my Converse sneakers squeak across the floor's shiny surface. I'm about to round the corner and turn right toward the main office when someone grabs my arm and pulls me deep into an alcove that's tucked just beneath the stairs that leads to the teacher's lounge.
I recognize his touch, his scent, the heat of his body immediately.
It's Jordan.
Of course.
"You scared me." I slap lightly his chest and he takes a step back, away from my still-waving hands. "Let me go."
"Did you get my note?"
"Yes." I stare up at him, hating how good he looks. "I thought you were going to send me one every single day because you knew I wasn't ready to talk to you face to face yet."
Jordan shrugs. "I got impatient and I wanted to see you."
Argh. He makes it sound so simple. He drives me bananas. "I can't stay here, Jordan. I need to go see Mrs. Maddox."
He smirks, and it's the sexiest thing ever. Gah. "More PDA trouble, Winters?"
"Stop." I shove him this time but he barely moves. "Seriously, Jordan. I have to go. She called me to her office."
"I called you to her office." He points his thumb at his chest.
I lean against the wall, confused by his admission. "What do you mean?"
"I, um, convinced someone who works in the office to fill out one of those slips to get you out of class. Looks like it worked." His expression is smug. He's very pleased with himself.
I, on the other hand, am not pleased with him at all.
"You only did that because you knew I wouldn't willingly go with you anywhere," I tell him, completely irritated by his bold move.
"True." He tips his head toward me, his expression solemn. "I messed up. But I also took this time away from you to really think about what I want, and what I want to give to you."
"Oh really." My voice is flat and I drop my backpack at my feet so I can cross my arms. "What have you been doing the past three weeks while you've ignored me, huh, Jordan?"
"A lot. I checked out a few colleges. I flew up to Oregon again with my father and we met with the coaches, but he finally realizes I don't want to go there. So he's on board with my decision."
"What's your decision?"
"USC. That's where I'm dying to go. I went and toured their facilities, met with the coaches, and it looks like I'm in." He grins, and I'm so tempted to throw my arms around him, I almost do.
I stop myself just in time.
"That's wonderful," I say, my voice weak. I really am happy for him. "You're getting everything you wanted."
"Not quite." His smile turns bashful and he shoves his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. "I fucked up with you, Amanda. I should've followed after you that night at the party."
My heart cracks at hearing his words. "I didn't like hearing you tear yourself down."
"I can't help it."
"Well, you should stop. It's annoying. And worse, it's untrue. You're not an asshole. You're not like your father. You're a good guy." I stare into his eyes, desperate to make him believe me. "I wish you could see it."
"You're the only one who ever does see it," he admits softly.
He's breaking my heart I swear.
"Did you and Lauren ever resolve your-mutual problem?" It's probably none of my business, but I have to know what's going on.
Jordan sighs and runs his hand through his hair, messing it up thoroughly. He's wearing a black Nike hoodie and jeans, and I want to jump him. Like usual. "Sort of."