Me: NO.
Jaxon: THEN YOU’RE FAIR GAME.
My jaw dropped, and a surprised laugh erupted. What was with this guy? We’d met only once, so there was no way he could like me already—he didn’t even know me. I’d probably hurt his ego, so now he had something to prove to himself.
Me: I’M OFF LIMITS. SORRY.
I added the shrugging emoji, then hit send.
Jaxon: WHAT’RE YOU DOING?
That was an abrupt change in topic. Hopefully, he accepted my answer and wouldn’t push it anymore.
Me: SITTING IN MY ROOM DOING HOMEWORK.
Me: YOU KNOW… THAT THING YOU SHOULD BE DOING, TOO.
Jaxon: I SHOULD BE SITTING IN YOUR ROOM? THIS ESCALATED FAST.
I laughed.
Me: HOMEWORK! YOU SHOULD BE DOING HOMEWORK.
Jaxon: BOSSY.
Me: GOOD NIGHT JAXON. I’LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.
Grinning, I set my phone on the nightstand and tried to focus on my homework, but my head was starting to ache, and my eyelids were getting heavier by the second. I yawned. There was no way I was getting any work done tonight.
My phone buzzed, and I grabbed it, even though I was half asleep.
Jaxon: SWEET DREAMS CHLOE.
I sighed. What on earth had I gotten myself into?
CHAPTER SIX:
Mean Girl
“YOU ARE NOT CRASHING THIS CONCERT,” Olivia said the following morning. Her voice was disgusted but a bit high pitched, too, with obvious anger.
I barely glanced at her as I hitched the strap of my backpack higher on my shoulder and marched toward class. Maybe if I ignored her, she’d just go away.
“Did you hear me?” Her heels clicked hard and fast against the tiled floor as she fell into step beside me.
Well, so much for her going away.
I stopped and faced her. “If you have a problem with me going, maybe you should talk to Simon. He invited me,” I said, knowing that bothered her just as much as me physically being at the concert.
Even though I’d tried to wiggle my way out of going, he was very convincing, and I did like him… in a strictly platonic way. I refused to let his sister bully me.
“Oh, I did.” She crossed her arms and raised one of those perfectly manicured brows. “He refuses to listen to me, but you will.”
I snorted. “Yeah, right.” Shaking my head, I turned and walked away.
Olivia once again caught up to me. This time, she clutched my elbow and stopped me. “Get it through your thick skull. No one wants you here. And trust me. My brother will get bored with you.”
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes.
Should I tell her I was the one who wasn’t falling for her brother? That I’d been consistently telling him not to get attached because I was leaving in a month? Not that she’d believe me anyway, and I didn’t want to waste my breath.
“You’re going to regret this,” she warned.
“Oh, I’m sure I will.” I sighed, yanked my arm from her hold, and tried again to get to class. And then, because I apparently had a death wish, I smiled sweetly and gave a small wave. “See you Friday.”
Behind me, she let out a shrill scream and stomped her foot.
I laughed and walked into class. I had no idea what had gotten into me today, but I was fed up with Olivia thinking she could get whatever she wanted simply because she said so. And it wasn’t like I’d have to deal with her much longer. There was less than a month left of school, and then a couple weeks after that, I’d be back home.
Class went by in a blur, and then it was lunch. Normally, I hated this period, but it wasn’t so bad now that Simon sat with me. I hurried to my favorite spot, but loud voices had me pausing. Simon and Olivia were arguing. I knew I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help it, especially when my name was being thrown around like confetti.
“You absolutely cannot take Chloe to the concert,” Olivia said. “She’s a bloody nobody, Simon. No one likes her. What do you think is going to happen to my reputation when it gets around that I was hanging out with her?” Disgust dripped from her tone.
“Shut up, Livi.” Simon sounded more than a little annoyed and angry. “I happen to like Chloe a lot. She’s going, now bugger off.”
“No. You can’t do this to me.”
There was a moment of silence, and I’d give anything to see the look on Simon’s face right then.
“And what about what you’re doing to me? Making me choose. That’s low even for you. I like her, Livi. Deal with it.”
My face heated at the emotion behind Simon’s words. I knew he liked me, but I hadn’t realized he liked me that much, and here I was, thinking of him as nothing more than a friend, a bright spot in an otherwise dark situation. I shook the thoughts away—I’d been totally honest with him about my intentions. It wasn’t my fault he refused to listen.
“God, you are impossible.” Olivia huffed. In the next moment, she was gone.
I took a deep breath, waited a few seconds to make it seem like I hadn’t been listening, and then rounded the corner of the building. I smiled and dropped my backpack to the ground.
“Hey,” I said, sitting.
Simon’s face lit up. “Hey.” He gently nudged my shoulder with his.
“So, your sister yelled at me this morning, said I couldn’t go to the concert with you.” I had no idea why I said that, especially when she’d just argued with him about the same thing seconds ago.
He rolled his eyes.
“Look, if it’s easier for me not to go, I won’t go. It’s fine. I promise,” I said.
“No way.” He shook his head. “She can’t tell me what to do.” He shifted so he was facing me. “I want you to go.”
“Okay,” I said before I could stop myself.
Using Olivia as an excuse was too easy, and I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction. Like Simon told her, she’d just have to deal with it. Besides, it was a concert. There would be tons of people there. I wouldn’t have to actually talk to her.
“Good.” Simon grinned, and my stomach fluttered. “We’ll have a smashing time. Promise.”
Surprisingly, I actually believed him.
I RACED OUT OF school and straight to Declan’s car. Thanks to the fact that the teacher liked to talk nonstop and couldn’t answer a simple question I had without rambling, I was now going to be late meeting Jaxon for his first tutoring session.
Out of breath, I raced into the bookstore and made a mad dash for the back. All the tables were occupied, and none of them by Jaxon. I glanced around frantically, my heart sinking. He’d left. I fumbled to get my cell phone from my pocket to check the time.
“Chloe, over here.”
I whipped around to find Jaxon lounging on the small couch situated in a reading alcove. I exhaled with relief and made my way toward him. Dropping my backpack onto the floor, I sank onto the couch, which was a lot softer than it looked. The cushions dipped, and I tilted toward Jaxon. I quickly righted myself, but not before he got a good chuckle.
“You seem frazzled,” he said, his voice all smooth confidence.
“Sorry I’m late. I had to talk to one of my teachers after class, and then traffic was horrendous,” I said, smoothing my hands over my hair. “So, did you bring your stuff?”
“Wow. You’re all business.”
I glared at him. “Well, that is what we’re here for, right?” I’d been very clear with him that this was a business relationship—nothing more.
He shrugged, the motion so fluid and graceful and carefree. “Yeah, but you look like you need a few minutes to decompress. Want something to drink?” He stood.
I tilted my head back to see his face. “Actually, yeah. I’d love a strawberry smoothie.”
With a small nod, he disappeared, and then reappeared moments later with two plastic cups. He handed me one and then returned to his spot on the couch. I cradled the cold cup in my hands and took a hearty sip.
“Mmm,” I said, eyes closed. This place m
ade the best smoothies.
When I reopened my eyes, Jaxon was staring at me, his gaze heated. Something deep in my gut flared to life. Not desire, really, but close. Like a mix between curiosity and attraction and a healthy dose of fear.
I cleared my throat. “Thanks.”
His only response was another nod.
“Okay, so, what do you want to work on first?” I set my cup on the small table next to the couch and reached for my backpack.
Jaxon placed his hand on my arm, and heat exploded on my skin. “Will you please just relax for a minute?” There was a teasing lilt to his voice. “And tell me what has your panties in a twist.”
My jaw dropped. Did he seriously just say that to me? Like I was going to tell him I was a social outcast with no friends, except for the hottest guy at school, which I still couldn’t quite figure out.
“It’s nothing,” I said. “Just been a long day.”
“Why?” He took a sip of his drink.
I sighed heavily and leaned back, resting my head on the back of the couch. He was the very last person I wanted to confess all my problems to, but I didn’t really have anyone else I could talk to. I mean, sure, I could call Abby or Ellie, but I didn’t want to bring them down just because I was miserable. They were both so happy, and I didn’t want to ruin that for them.
Jaxon, on the other hand, was essentially a complete stranger. He barely knew me, and he certainly didn’t know Simon or Olivia or anyone else I wanted to talk about.
“Chloe?” His voice was soft and tender.
“So, there’s this guy, Simon, and—”
“A boyfriend?” he asked.
“No.” I laughed. “Definitely not a boyfriend. He’s literally the richest, most popular, and hottest guy at school and—”
“Maybe I need to transfer to your school. Show them what hot really looks like.” Jaxon winked.
Smiling, I shook my head. Okay, so maybe talking to him wouldn’t be so bad.
“Anyway,” I said. “For some unknown reason, Simon seems to like me.”
“Some unknown reason?” Jaxon’s eyebrows rose. “You’re kidding, right?”
I stared at him. What was that supposed to mean?
“You do own a mirror, don’t you?” he asked, his tone incredulous. “You’re gorgeous, Chloe.”
Wait… what? Jaxon thought I was gorgeous? What was with these hot guys suddenly taking an interest in me? I couldn’t deny it was flattering, but why did this have to happen now, when I was so close to leaving?
“Right,” I said, my voice cracking. “Well, Simon asked me to go to a concert with him on Friday, and—”
“So, he asked you out on a date?” There was an edge to Jaxon’s tone that sent a shiver up my spine.
“It’s not a date,” I said through clenched teeth. “And will you please stop interrupting me?”
“Sorry.” His lips twitched with a very unapologetic smile. “Go on.”
“Simon asked me to go to a concert with him—not a date—but his sister can’t stand me. She’s such a snob, and she keeps telling me not to go with Simon, threatening me with God knows what if I do.”
“Want me to kill her?”
“What?” I gave Jaxon a dirty look. “No.” Then I laughed, but there wasn’t a trace of humor in his expression.
He shrugged off my answer and took another drink. “So, the certified king of your school likes you and asked you out, but his snobby sister is giving you a hard time. That about right?”
I rubbed my hands over my face and sighed with frustration. “It’s not a date.”
Jaxon laughed and set his cup on the table next to mine. “Chloe, sweetheart, let me give you some advice. This Simon guy absolutely thinks this is a date. You can deny it all you want, but for him, this is a date. Trust me. I know. I’ve played the let’s-hang-out-just-as-friends card more than once to get closer to a girl.”
I groaned. “What should I do?”
“What do you want to do?” He raised a brow, waiting for my answer.
“I want to go to the concert. It’s Black Veil Brides, my favorite band of all time, but I don’t want to lead Simon on.” I grabbed my cup and took another drink.
“So, you don’t like him the same way he likes you?” Jaxon’s words were slow and calculated.
“No. I mean, I don’t think so. He’s nice, but…” I chewed on my bottom lip, unsure how or if I should keep talking.
“But?”
“He doesn’t give me that spark, y’know? That feeling of coming alive, of needing to be with him every second of every day or else you feel like you might die. When I’m with him, I have fun, but I don’t want fun. I want passion.”
My words shocked me. Since when did I want a passionate romance? I shook my head. Clearly, today had gotten to me more than I realized.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to vent like that.” I laughed nervously.
He probably thought I was a silly girl with even sillier dreams.
“Have you ever felt that way before?” he asked.
I almost said no, because I hadn’t, but something stopped me. I couldn’t describe it, but I had this soul-deep knowledge that I had felt that way once before. Even though I couldn’t say with who or when, I knew I’d felt that type of passion before.
“I don’t think so,” I finally said. “Have you?”
I met his gaze and gasped at how close he was. My mind shouted at me to put some distance between us, but my body wouldn’t move.
“No,” he whispered. “At least, not like you’re describing.” He gave a faint smile. “There was this one girl, but things didn’t quite work out like I wanted them to.”
“Oh.” I glanced away and took another drink. “We should study.” Anything to get us off this topic and back onto something safer.
“You should go to the concert with Simon,” he said, easing away from me. “Make sure he knows it’s not a date. And as for his sister… if she’s a mean girl, then you be a meaner girl. Don’t let her push you around, Chloe.”
The insistence in his tone shocked me. I nodded, unsure what else to say. I wasn’t sure I had it in me to be meaner than Olivia, but Jaxon was right. I couldn’t let her push me around.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
Mystery Man
MY STOMACH WAS ONE LARGE KNOT as I waited for Simon to arrive. He’d texted me ten minutes ago to say he’d be here in twenty. Frank and Larissa were in the living room, seated on the couch in front of the bay window that overlooked the driveway. Little Frank was upstairs with the nanny. I wondered who was more excited for Simon’s arrival—me or them.
Larissa hadn’t been able to talk about anything other than how important it was to network and build lasting relationships. “You never know when they can come in handy,” she’d said.
Then she proceeded to tell me the story of how she hadn’t liked the dean of my school the first time she’d met him, but her father insisted she be cordial. And now, they were good friends, which had been beneficial when it came to getting me enrolled. Lucky me.
I paced the room. Why was I so nervous? This wasn’t a date. Sure, Simon was gorgeous, but I wasn’t interested in him as anything more than a friend. Mostly because I refused to form any attachments to anyone around here.
Plus, I was not going to deal with his sister. Having to spend tonight with her was enough torture to last me a lifetime. Kind of like the day I’d spent at Bushnell Falls with Abby and Rachel… that had been one of the worst days ever.
The past couple of days had been long and tiring. And tutoring Jaxon on Wednesday had tried my patience. That boy knew he was sexy, and funny, and he used that to his advantage every chance he got. We’d spent more time talking about me and my problems than we had studying, and before I knew it, our time was up. At that rate, he was going to fail every final.
“He’s here.” Larissa stood and met him at the front door, opening it before he could knock.
Kill me now.
“You must be
Simon.” She stepped aside and waved her arm, inviting him in. “Come in.”
Simon stepped into the house, and I swore my jaw came unhinged. His hair was spiker than usual, the tips a whiter shade of blond, and he was dressed in black jeans that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe, and a fitted Black Veil Brides T-shirt. It was a shame he was forced to wear that stupid school uniform every day.
“Good evening, Mrs. Madison.” He extended his hand. “I’m Simon Parker.”
I cringed. I’d forgotten to tell him that Larissa and Frank weren’t Madisons. They were Lawtons.
Grinning like she was the one going out with him instead of me, Larissa shook his hand. “Please, call me Larissa.” She giggled.
I rolled my eyes.
“This is my husband, Frank, Chloe’s father.” She turned to look at my dad.
“Mr. Madison.” Simon nodded and then shook my dad’s hand, too.
“Simon. Nice to meet you.” Frank gave a smile and nod. “And it’s Mr. and Mrs. Lawton.”
“Oh.” Simon’s face paled, and he glanced at me. “Sorry, sir.”
Frank released Simon’s hand and waved him off like it was no big deal. “I thought Chloe would’ve told you.”
Ugh. Watching him was vomit-inducing. How could he act like he was father of the year when he’d been missing for more than half my life? And calling out Simon like that? What was my father’s problem? I hated him so much.
“Thank you for allowing Chloe to go to the concert with me,” Simon said. “We’ll probably stop for food once the concert is over, but I promise to bring her home right after.”
Frank stood beside Larissa, his arm around her waist. “Thanks for inviting her. She’d been having trouble adjusting to being here, and she needs a friend or two.”
“Dad!” I shrieked, eyes wide. I was going to strangle him.
He didn’t bother to look at me. Figures.
I patted my pockets to make sure I had money, my ID, and my phone. Then I moved around him and Larissa. “We should go,” I said to Simon. “I’m sure parking is going to be a nightmare.”
Simon grinned, a knowing twinkle in his eyes. I could only imagine what he must be thinking about what my father had said. Maybe if I “accidentally” tripped on the way to his car, I’d be rushed to the hospital rather than the concert—anything to get out of this awkward situation.
Eternal Choice: (The Cursed Series, Book 2) Page 5