“Sorry.” I’m not, though. I’m actually really curious to read what’s on his phone, more than I was before.
“It’s cool.” He shuts his book, giving up on us finishing the assignment. “We should probably finish the project up after band practice or something since we wasted so much class time.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I close my textbook and shove it into my bag.
For the next seven minutes, I mentally chant the lyrics of an angsty song I wrote during first period, trying to cool off and not get jealous over the fact that Ayden texted Sage before me.
Am I another obsession?
An aching in your brain?
Am I a complicated attraction?
Driving you insane?
Tell me why I can’t get you out of my head!
What it is you’ve done to me?
Why do you drive me so fucking crazy!
Please, please, tell me
Something.
Anything.
That will help me think
Clearly agaaaaiiiin!!!!
By the time the bell rings, I’ve chillaxed a smidgeon. I enter the busy hallway and spot Ayden leaning against the lockers across from the classroom. He’s texting on his phone with his head angled down so he doesn’t see me right away.
Sliding the handle of my bag over my shoulder, I push people out of my way as I march up to him. “Hey, what’s up, buddy?”
His head jerks up at the sound of my voice, and he almost drops his phone. “You scared the shit out of me.” He presses his hand to his heart and his breathing turns ragged.
My lips tug upward. “Clearly.”
“Hey, we’ll talk at practice later!” Sage shouts to Ayden as he walks backwards down the hallway. “I seriously have something important to talk to you about, so no blowing me off again!”
Ayden holds a thumbs up in his direction as he finishes sending his text.
I scroll over his black jeans, red logo T-shirt, his soft lips, dark eyes, and inky black hair to make sure every inch of him is okay. The last thing I ever want to do is be angry with him if he’s hurt or something. When every visible part of his body checks out okay, I place my hands on my hips. “So, what’s up with texting Sage before me?”
He scratches at the scars on the back of his hand, a nervous habit of his. “I texted him because I wanted to talk to you in person. Not through a text. I wanted us to go have lunch so we can talk in private. I want to… well, try to tell you what happened today.”
“Oh.” I feel so silly and kind of douchey for being irritated. “Sorry. I feel like an ass now. And kind of childish. I was thinking you liked Sage more than me.”
“That will never, ever be true.” He reaches for my hand. “And I’m pretty sure you could never be an ass, even if you tried.”
I hold up a finger. “That isn’t true. I’m pretty sure your brother thinks I’m an ass.”
His brows knit. “My brother…? Oh.” He shakes his head. Again, I feel like an asshole. He probably thought of his real brother, the one he just lost. “You mean Kale or Everson?”
“Kale.” We start down the crowded hallway with our fingers linked together, like we have every day since Ayden entered my life. “I had to give him a ride to school this morning. I think the kid is totally terrified of me. He wouldn’t say a word, and every time I said anything to him, he scowled at me.”
Ayden snorts a laugh as he weaves us around a group of cheerleaders blocking the middle of the hallway.
“What’s so funny, Shy Boy?” I tuck my elbows in as we squeeze by a group of jocks.
I find myself searching around for William in the midst of them, since he generally hangs with the athletes. Thankfully, he’s nowhere to be seen.
Hopefully, it stays that way.
“It’s nothing.” Ayden’s lips expand into an amused smile. It’s been a while since I’ve seen that smile, so even though I have no idea what’s causing it, I smile, too.
“Tell me what’s so funny.” I prod his side with my elbow. “Or else I’ll tickle you until you pee your pants.”
His muscles spasm, and I worry that I’ve crossed a line again.
“I’d like to see you try.” He flashes me a genuine smile, and I relax.
“I accept that challenge.” I poke him in the ribs.
“Lyric,” he chuckles, wrapping his arm around his midsection for protection. “I can’t tell you. Kale would get pissed off at me.”
“I wouldn’t tell him that you told me. Jeez, who do you think I am? Maggie?”