Savannah tenses beside me, and that’s when I realize who this guy is. Knox Vaughn. The first time I saw him was at Jace’s New Year’s party. When I asked Sav who he is, she simply told me his first name, that he’s trouble, and not to pay any attention to him. At the time, I couldn’t understand why she was so dismissive about it. He stood there with Grayson, looking so cold, but there was more to him—something hiding in his eyes.
I dreamed of him that night, and the next morning I started to do my research. It wasn’t hard to find out what kind of guy he is. His criminal record is longer than the essay I needed to write for my application to Yale, but all petty misdemeanors. I found out that he lives a few houses down from the shack Sav used to live in, which explained how she knows him, and that he’s the captain and quarterback of North Haven High’s football team.
“What do you think they’re talking about?” Sav asks me as Knox hands Grayson his phone and Gray’s calm and collected attitude falters for a moment.
I shrug, trying not to get her stirred up. “Could be anything, really.”
A few more hushed words are spoken before Knox starts to grow angry. He levels Grayson with a look and tosses a final comment over his shoulder as he walks away. I watch as he crosses the street and gets into a car with one of his friends. Meanwhile, Grayson gets ahold of himself and comes back over to us.
“Everything okay?” Savannah questions hesitantly.
He smiles. “Yeah, everything’s great. So, hibachi?”
And just like that, the two of them leave the situation behind us. I, on the other hand, can’t seem to keep thoughts of Knox Vaughn from flooding my brain.
3
KNOX
Friday comes quicker than I had hoped, but I guess that’s what happens when you dread something as much as this. The fight on Wednesday only helped release a fraction of my anger and frustration. However, half of the five hundred dollars I won was spent on some high-quality weed, and that helped a lot more.
I’m standing behind the school, watching as the guys fuck around with a hacky sack, when an irritating brunette comes around the corner. In an instant, Easton stops what he’s doing and pulls her against him, kissing her deeply. She giggles against his mouth as he grabs her ass.
“Either get a damn room or stop practically fucking in front of me. I’m getting hard over here,” I tell them.
The two of them laugh, and Tessa takes a step back. “Nice to see you, too, Knoxie.”
My eyes narrow. “Call me that shit again. I fucking dare you.”
She doesn’t seem the least bit afraid, which means she’s getting entirely way too comfortable around me. Still, Zayn notices that I’m only half kidding and pulls the attention off me.
“You coming to the party tonight, Tess?”
Taking a hit off Easton’s cigarette, she nods before exhaling. “Yeah, and I’m bringing my sister.”
Surprise overtakes my features as my brows raise. “You have a sister?”
“A twin,” she clarifies, and my eyes rake over her body—wondering what qualities of theirs are the same. Tessa notices my expression and rolls her eyes. “Don’t get any ideas. You don’t have a chance in hell.”
I chuckle. “CBP, have you met me?”
“Are you ever going to tell me what the hell that nickname means?” Her tone reveals her frustration until she shakes it off. “Never mind. But seriously, Laney isn’t that kind of girl.”
“Laney? What the fuck kind of name is that?”
“It’s short for Delaney. I’m sure you’ll meet her later, but no messing with her. She’s my favorite.”
I raise three fingers in the air. “Scout’s honor.”
Zayn snorts as the rest of the guys try to hide their amusement. It’s no secret that I’m full of shit. If I want to fuck with her precious sister, I’ll do whatever I
damn well please. Orders from my friend’s fuck buddy are not something I obey.
I’M WALKING TO MY locker after third period when I spot someone leaning against it. Her back is to me, but I’d recognize that ass anywhere. I consider walking in the other direction until she turns around and her gaze meets mine. She smiles brightly and slips her phone into her back pocket.
“Hey, babe,” she greets me.
“Hailey,” I deadpan. “What are you doing here?”