I have to go.
Even though it’s the only night our group can hang out this weekend, no one argues with me about going to the study session when I show them my grade at the lunch table. They’re giving me a free pass tonight. The sick and twisted irony is not lost on me. I’m finally free to attend his study session—guilt free—when it’s the very last place I want to be.
I DON’T BOTHER looking my best for the study session. It’s obvious I overstepped my boundaries with Mr. Slate, and even though it’s been almost two weeks since I made such a fool of myself in the back of his Tahoe after the baseball game, he’s clearly still keeping his distance. As much as I hate to admit it, his brush-off still leaves me feeling hollow—it seems unreal that not that long ago, he was admiring my dress and we were sharing our favorite candy at the movie theater. I throw on a pair of ripped jeans and a plain navy-blue T-shirt, then pull my hair back into a ponytail and head out the door.
When I arrive back at school, a wave of nausea rolls over me. I apply my bubble gum lip balm, then pop a peppermint in my mouth, hoping it will settle my stomach. I try to keep my legs steady and my head held high as I enter the building. His classroom door is propped open, and I’m thankful to see four other students already seated at the back table. Safety in numbers. I join them without looking in the direction of Mr. Slate’s desk. Avery is the only student I’m acquainted with, so I sit next to her. Shortly after, Mr. Slate pulls up a chair and sits across the table from me.
“Okay, let’s get started,” he says. “First of all, I just want to say that I’m happy you all showed up. It shows me that you care about improving your grade. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible if you’re willing to put in the work.”
And so it begins.
He reviews the last chapter and answers every question that is asked. I remain silent throughout the session, but try my best to pay attention. I really do need to improve my grade, but I’m too intimidated to ask him anything. Luckily, the other students are asking the same questions that I have, so I just follow along . . . or attempt to. The way Avery gushes over Mr. Slate’s every word distracts me. Does she not realize how obvious she is? Memories of my own boldness in the back of his Tahoe flash through my mind, immediately humbling me. Can’t get more pathetic than that, I suppose.
But wasn’t he a little bold, too?
I shove the thought out of my mind and scold myself. Clearly, he’s not that into you, Kaley. I think he’s made that pretty damn obvious.
As if he can read my mind, he breaks my train of thought. “Kaley?”
“Huh?” I look up at him, making eye contact for the first time tonight.
“Do you know the answer?” he asks. It feels like a challenge. “I’ve heard from everyone but you tonight.”
I have no idea which problem we’re working on and my cheeks flush with heat. “Um . . . no, I’m not sure.”
He drops his pencil on the table and leans back in his chair. “Why are you even here?”
Everyone’s eyes swivel in my direction as his stare turns me to stone.
I gape at him. “W-what?”
“Why are you even here?” He folds his arms. “It’s one thing to not pay attention in class, but this is my free time, and it’s not to be wasted.” His words carve into me like a rusty, serrated knife.
A lump builds in my throat, and I push back my chair, bolting out of the classroom. He calls after me, but I charge down the hall, not stopping until I’m safely in the bathroom. I rip a paper towel out of the dispenser and blot my eyes, putting all my strength into stopping the flow of tears. I’m sick of crying. I want to hide. I want to leave the building. I want to go back in time and grab my damn car keys so I can just go home. Actually, if I could go back in time, I would never have let him play with my mind, and I sure as hell wouldn’t have approached him in the parking lot after the baseball game.
I don’t know how long I stay in the cold, desolate bathroom. . . . Minutes? Hours? It feels like years. Screw it. I can’t stay in here forever. I’ll just go get my stuff and get the hell out of here. Maybe someone else can help me with my math—I’ll figure something out, but enough is enough. I’m not going to let this jerk have power over my emotions anymore.
I swallow what’s left of my pride and step out of the bathroom. When I near the classroom, I’m relieved to see that the session is over and everyone is leaving. Avery is the last to leave—of course. Her mock concern as she passes by only fuels the growing anger within me. I watch her stroll down the hall and start to wonder if she’s ever thrown herself at him, too. She’s always hanging on his desk and is often the last to leave his classroom. Geez, am I no better than Avery Jenkins? I shudder at the thought. I slip quietly into the room, grab my stuff off the table, and rush back to the door.
“Kaley, can I talk to you?”
Damn it.
I grudgingly turn around—but only half way—and meet his eyes. “I wouldn’t want to get you into trouble by being alone with a student,” I snap.
His expression remains impassive. “Shut the door, please. I want to talk to you.”
I hesitate before doing what I’m told. My heart pounds against my ribcage, but I’m not going to let him intimidate me anymore. Squaring my shoulders, I stare at him with ice in my veins.
He gestures to the back table, his voice gentle. “Sit down for a minute.”
I set my belongings down on a nearby desk and meet him at the table. He waits for me to take a seat, but I refuse, leaning against it and crossing my arms. I remain motionless, staring straight ahead at the door.
“Well?” I say impatiently.
He steps directly in front of me, forcing me to look up at him. “Are you okay?”
I scowl. “What do you care? I’m fine.”
He pulls his hand out of his pocket and carefully places it on my arm. “I’m worried about you.”
Whatever bravado I’ve been holding up vanishes, and I struggle to meet his eyes. “Why? I’m fine, really.” His touch burns through my arm, quickly thawing my icy façade.
“I’m sorry if I’ve been cold to you.” His warm copper eyes peer down at me, melting me into the floor. Why does he have this power over me?
“No problem,” I mumble.
“It is a problem. I don’t like seeing you upset.”
“Why do you care if I’m upset?” I ask, my voice barely audible.
That familiar unreadable emotion crosses his expression as several moments of silence pass between us. He slides his hand down my arm, locking his hold onto my elbow. My pulse beats into my eardrums, but I don’t move a muscle. I can’t.
“I care about you, Kaley.”
I try to swallow over the dryness of my throat. “What do you mean?”
His deep chestnut eyes surge into me, and he gently tugs on my elbow, causing my arm to fall to my side. My breathing halts as he slides his hand around my waist, awakening every inch of my body, and slowly erases the distance between us. My heartbeat is deafening, and I’m sure he can hear it reverberate through the silence. He lifts my chin, and before I can process what’s happening, he leans down and presses his warm lips tenderly against mine.
If I could combine every kiss I’ve ever shared in my entire life, it still wouldn’t compare to this one delicate kiss upon my lips.
He pulls his head back, his penetrating eyes burning into mine, questioning, searching. He leans forward again, this time pressing his entire body against me. His invigorating scent wraps around me, pulling me under. A small gasp escapes my throat as his lips take hold of mine, kissing me with an animal-like aggression. His hypnotic mouth is delicious, tasting minty and sweet.
Grabbing my waist, he lifts me onto the table with ease and presses his hips between my legs. I run my hands through his tousled hair, then clutch the back of his neck. His lips are soft, but fearless. He leans me back, cradling me in his arms, so I’m almost parallel to the table. His body feels strong around me, and I wrap my legs around his waist. My body rouses as his commanding lips travel down to my neck, simultaneously shutting down all coherent thoughts. I inhale sharply when he bites at my collarbone, then kisses the dip between them. He trails his mouth back up my neck, and his lips return to mine with new urgency.
“Kaley,” he whispers.
Hearing my name sends shivers down my spine, and I kiss him back with a magnitude I’ve never experienced before. I feel him pull away, but I don’t want him to stop. I can’t let him stop. I need this. Nothing else matters right now, except his mouth on mine, his body flush against me. I tighten my hold, and he chuckles, his breath tickling my lips.
“The night-shift custodians will be here any minute,” he murmurs against my mouth.
He pulls back again, but I clutch onto him tighter.
“Damn it, Kaley,” he whispers. But he gives in to my demands, securing his lips over mine once more. This time he teases me with a slow, deep kiss sending electric shockwaves down to the deepest part of my belly. He pulls me forward into an upright position, but remains wedged between my legs.
He finishes with a succulent kiss on my bottom lip. “We really do have to go.”