But why was I worrying about her? I might not be able to play hockey again because of the accident. My heart hammered in my chest, and I gulped through the emotion about to choke me.
What if the second opinion didn’t go well?
What would I do?
No. It’ll go fine. Everything’ll be fine.
Grace looked up at me, wide blue eyes ripping right through me. Her auburn hair framed her face. Her jaw was set. Long eyelashes shadowed her eyes, and she had high cheekbones. Her square jaw, and how she handled herself at the car wreck, told anyone near her that she was strong. Confident.
And she was gorgeous. As in model-worthy beauty. Even with the scowl that overtook her features as she leaned back into her seat, now holding her phone. She held my gaze with such intensity, I had to look away.
Wind steered the Jeep into the school lot.Finally, I had to get out of this car like now.
The second he put the gear into park, I was out the door.
“Preach!” Wind yelled over the roof. “Get her door, man.”
I slung my bag over my shoulder as I made my way around to her side. I yanked open her door, and she ambled out of the Jeep. As awkward as she was handling that backpack, she was a righty for sure.
Cue the ping of guilt.
“Well, wasn’t that a fun little ride to school,” she said as she slammed the door shut.
“It’s no picnic for me, either,” I said, striding ahead of her.
“Yeah, well, let’s lay down a few rules here, buddy.” She shoved the back of my shoulder, and we came to a stop.
Wind laughed, then coughed and looked away as he loitered a few feet ahead of us on the sidewalk leading to the front of the school.
“You’re my ride, and that’s it. If you see me during school or out in town, don’t talk to me. As a matter of fact, don’t even look at me. And no texting at all unless it’s ride related.”
She was laying down rules? As in…rulesIhad to follow?
Standing to my full height, I stared her down. I was about six feet, and her forehead came up to right below my chin, so that made her about five foot five or so if I had to guess.
“Got it?” she asked. “Or should I write it on a bumper?”
Chapter Six
Grace
“Preach! I’m so glad you’re okay,” an older lady with graying brown hair pulled back in a ponytail at the base of her head said when we walked into the main office.
“Hi, Miss Johnson,” Preach said as he followed me in. “This is Grace.”
“Oh yes, Grace Milner. New student from Alaska. Welcome to Woodhaven High.” She smiled, and her dark blue eyes smiled right along with her. “How was your first day of classes?”
“Oh, fine, thanks.” Wow, this town really was small. Not that my last school in Alaska was big or anything, but to know that it was my first day and actually ask me how it went…impressive.
“Is Principal Rogers ready for us?” Preach asked.
“Sure, hun. Go on in,” she said, then turned to her computer.
“Principal Rogers? As in…Mr. Rogers?” I chuckled.
“Sweater and all…” Preach said. “Only…well, you’ll see.”
Preach knocked on the door with the nameplate affixed to the front: MR. ROGERS. A deep voice boomed, commanding us to enter.