“Oh” is all she says, and my smile is big.
“Oh? Is that your way of saying thank you?”
“Thank you,” she mumbles, like she doesn’t want to admit it. Then she sighs and shrugs. “Okay, seriously thank you. That saved my ass.”
“What are you doing on this end of the building so early?” I glance down the hall and see someone go into the teachers’ lounge up ahead. It won’t be long before the bell rings.
“Um, I think I’m lost?” She looks around and then down to the piece of paper I didn’t realize she was holding.
“Let me help you out.” I take it from her and then notice she’s biting her lip. “Don’t worry, Celeste, your secrets are safe with me.” I wink at her, and she tucks her chin and stares at her Converse. I think maybe she’s trying to hide her blush. “You’ve got Darth first period. He’s actually on the other side of the campus.”
“Oh no.” She looks at her watch and then to the double doors up ahead that lead outside.
“It’s okay, I’m headed in that direction. I can show you the way.”
“I owe you,” she says in relief, and I straighten.
“Careful who you give favors to.” I begin to walk, and she falls in step beside me.
“What do you mean?”
The first bell rings, letting us know we’ve got ten minutes to make it to class. As we talk, I notice her dark hair is up in a bun today, and some of it has come loose around the nape of her neck. It looks so soft, and my fingers twitch to touch it.
“I think owing someone in Craven Cove might be the equivalent of making a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. One minute you’re telling someone you can spin gold, and the next you’re giving away your firstborn.” When I look over at her, I see she’s watching me with sharp focus. “Sorry, maybe that doesn’t make sense. I just mean that some people around here will take and take until there’s nothing left.”
She looks ahead as we walk, but I can tell she’s thinking this over.
“Okay, so maybe that’s not a great representation of the beautiful island of Craven Cove.” I spread my hands wide like a television gameshow host as we pass the cafeteria. “Allow me to regale you with today’s lunch menu.”
“You’re ridiculous.” Seeing her smile and shake her head makes me want to do it a million times more.
“Seriously, though, avoid the meatloaf.” I make a face, and she bites her lip like she’s trying to stop herself from laughing.
When was the last time I felt this good? I can’t remember, and I’m not sure I want to. After having Celeste run into me in the coffee shop, I was pissed, but one look in her beautiful dark eyes and I wanted to take back every bad thing that’s ever come out of my mouth. Something about her makes me feel protective of her and the space she occupies. Like maybe I can just follow her around all day and keep people from bumping into her. Or at least knock away a bucket of water here and there. Fuck, what is wrong with me?
“I think this is me.” She points to a door with the correct room number on it.
“Yeah.” I blink as she interrupts my thoughts. “So look out for Mr. Darth. I had him last year for calculus, and he’s a pain in the ass. He always calls on people in the back row, so sit toward the front. Oh, and he loves to give pop quizzes the day after you’ve finished covering a chapter.”
“That’s helpful advice.” She glances down at her schedule, and I look at the rest of her classes.
“Looks like we’ve got gym together during fourth period.” The corner of her mouth turns up in a cute grin. “Think you can find the rest of them?”
“Yeah, I think so.” Her smile falters, and I shake my head.
“I’ll meet you here after class and show you where your next one is.” I give her my best cocky grin as I tuck my thumbs in the straps of my backpack. I start to walk backward because I just want to watch her a little longer.
“Hey, you didn’t tell me your name.”
“Apollo.” When I wink at her, she turns around, but I don’t miss the flush in her cheeks. Goddamn, she’s cute when she blushes.
The second bell goes off, and I curse because now I need to haul ass. Despite what I told her, my first period is on the other side of campus. I wasn’t about to pass up a chance to spend more time with her, and it was the right decision. I had to pull out of Emerson what her freaking name was yesterday when I couldn’t find her.