“But also maybe a bit of studying.”
I quirked an eyebrow. “Actual studying?”
“Hey, that homework you aced for me has set a dangerous precedent I have to keep up with now.”
I giggled. “Come here, you idiot.”
I gripped his shirt and pulled him down to me, crashing our lips together. As the last of the school bells tolled, signaling the end of the day and the departing of the busses, the ringing swallowed the world around us. My tongue found his, rushing goosebumps along my body. I felt students running by us, trying to get to their rides home before it was too late. Clint fell against me, pinning me to his locker. His hands fell to my hips as I slipped my arms around his neck. I giggled against him. His warmth surrounded me. And as he pulled me closer to him, his arms engulfed my back.
Making me feel safe, and reminding me of just how far he’d come with his recuperation.
“You know, that crash might actually be the best thing that’s ever happened to my academic career.”
I snickered against his lips. “You just like the fact that I did your homework.”
He cupped my cheeks. “I mean, I’m also showing up to classes. Paying attention. Generally not being an ass.”
I paused. “Maybe a little bit of an ass.”
“Oh, now you’re just asking to get punished.”
“That obvious, huh?”
I smiled before I captured his lips again. His hands cradled my cheeks softly as the rest of the student body slowly trickled beyond us. I slid my hands through his hair, enjoying how he’d grown it out. The stubble on his jawline tickled my skin, sending shivers up and down my spine.
And as I groaned softly down the back of his throat, he broke the kiss. Nuzzled our noses together. Pressed his forehead against mine.
“Maybe we could go somewhere more private so I can dole out the punishment accordingly.”
I giggled. “Only if you admit I had a little bit to do with how well school’s going for you.”
He paused, gazing into my eyes. “Don’t you ever get it twisted. Rae. You’re the sole reason why I’m doing so well.”
I felt my heart skip a beat with his words. “Come on. Let’s go back to my place.”
“Your mom’s not there?”
I shook my head. “Nope. Went out with D.J. last night, which means she won’t be home for a day or two.”
“I’m sorry, Rae.”
“It is what it is. I mean, she made her choice. I can’t do anything to change her mind about that choice. She’ll just have to deal with his shit, I guess.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
I shook my head. “Nope. But, I can think of other things I want to do.”
I winked at him and that impudent little grin of his stretched across his face. I helped him exchange his books for the ones he needed out of his locker. Then, together, we started for the school doors. Our hands laced together as we started for my house. We walked across the school lawn as the summer sun beat down against our shoulders. His hand wiggled away from mine before he threaded his arm around my waist, pulling me close to him.
Then he kissed the top of my head. “I could do this after school every day, you know.”
I grinned. “Come back to my place and punish me?”
He snickered. “Spending time with you, you numbskull. But, also yes, now that I think about it.”
I swatted his chest. “You’re relentless, you know that?”
“And you're gorgeous. Not my fault I can’t stop staring at you.”