Thankfully, the bell rings before things go any further.
* * *
Last week I remained invisible during my lunch period, but almost every eye in the room turns to me when I step out of line with my tray.
I haven’t made many friends here compared to my other schools. Part of me regrets my pact to keep everyone at arm’s length. I used to have a lot of fun with my old friends.
It would be nice to have someone for moral support right now.
Brows drawn together, I start toward the table by the windows I think of as mine after sitting there alone last week.
I don’t get three steps before Lucas’ tall figure blocks my path.
I stare at his broad chest for a beat. His blazer is discarded. Damn, his uniform fits nice. It’s tailored, unlike most guys here. The shirt is a perfect mold to the muscles beneath and highlights his athletic physique, the sleeves rolled up to the elbow to show off tan forearms.
Fuck, focus. You need to shut up, lizard hindbrain! Stop making me drool over his stupid sexy forearms.
“Hey, sweetheart. I didn’t realize you had the same lunch period.”
The faux-charm in Lucas’ tone sets my teeth on edge.
I don’t tell him I noticed him just fine. My hope that he’d ignore me today flies out the window when he smooths his hand down my arm without asking.
No need to ask permission when you’re the popular quarterback.
I suck on my teeth and contemplate the effectiveness of dumping my tray of food on him to make him leave me alone.
People give us a wide berth as they find their tables, but the chatter isn’t as loud as usual. Everyone’s watching this little show play out.
We’re the lunchtime entertainment.
“Come eat with us.”
Lucas tips his head, indicating the table behind him that’s packed with his groupies. Including Devlin and that football guy, Burns.
“Oh, too bad.” I hitch a shoulder and lay on the mock-disappointment. “Looks like your table’s all full.”
A cocksure smile curves Lucas’ mouth. It’s too smarmy and mars his attractiveness.
“You can sit on my lap.”
“Yeah,” I snort. “Don’t think so.”
“Come on,” Lucas croons.
He runs his fingers over my braid, using it as a tether. I’m forced to lean in. My fingers press into the plastic tray and the items rattle.
“See everyone over there?” Lucas makes a sweeping gesture. It’s full of beautiful people that I bet are just like Lucas beneath their pretty veneers. “We’re where you want to be, sweetheart. I’m inviting you there. That doesn’t just happen.”
Gritting my teeth, I roll my shoulders back.
“I can open doors for
you. Not just here, but anywhere in town.”
Lucas’ attention drops to my lips. His pupils dilate. He wants another go.
Kiss thief, I call him in my head. Conman. Crooked burglar.