"You should check it out."
I blink a few times. "Uh, check what out?"
"Alfredo's. Ugh. Haven't you been listening?" With an eye roll, Kiera tosses her curly black hair over her shoulder. "Anyway, I've been meaning to ask you."
Clutching my books to my chest, I shut my locker and face her. "About what?"
"Is it true that you're dating Grayson Turner now?"
I just shrug.
"You sly girl!" She swats my arm playfully. "And here I thought you're still moping around for Brad. But look at you moving on at a lightning speed, with the hottest guy no less. Brad must be foaming at the mouth right now." Her eyes dart around the hall as if searching for him. Then she steps closer and drops her voice to a whisper. "But he's, like, with Daphne Lynch now, right? So maybe he doesn't mind at all."
Brad's scowling face flashes through my mind. Oh, I'm pretty sure he does.
"I don't care what he thinks, Kiera. He's nothing but a thing of the past. I'm with Grayson now, and frankly, I couldn't be happier," I say in an airy tone as we stroll down the hall to our next class.
I haven't seen Gray around since he drove me home yesterday. To say that it was a quiet ride would be an understatement. The awkwardness in the air had been palpable. We couldn't even seem to look into each other's eyes as we said our goodbyes when he dropped me home.
So much for thinking that a kiss wouldn't make things weird between us. So much for thinking that it was just Gray.
One kiss and those assumptions were blown out of the water. One kiss and I'm already feeling things I shouldn't feel.
But who knows? Maybe the awkwardness will only last a day. Maybe we were just caught off guard by the kiss. I mean, we've never done it before. So maybe a little weirdness is normal. Then, maybe tomorrow, we'll finally laugh it off.
I really shouldn't make a big deal out of it anymore. It's still Gray, after all.
"Is it just me or is Brad making his way toward us?" Kiera’s voice pulls me back from my thoughts.
I glance toward the direction she’s looking at, and sure enough, Brad has his eyes zeroed in on us. And by us, I mean me.
Uh-oh. Is it about his car? But something tells me this has nothing to do with it.
"Can we talk?" he asks without any preamble when he’s just a few feet away.
"Yeah, no," I scoff, keeping a casual front, not even bothering to stop. "We don't have anything to talk about."
He has no trouble matching my quick strides. "It won't take long."
"I told you I'm not interested." I turn to Kiera, who's staring at us with wide eyes instead of paying attention to where she's going. "We'll be late to class. Come on."
Just in case he decides to bust me about his car.
"Kiera, why don't you go ahead? Indie will be with you in a second." Brad gives her a blinding smile, intending to charm her off into submission.
"Sure." Kiera smiles dreamily, which only makes me roll my eyes and my stomach sink in disappointment. "See you later, Indie."
Weak girl.
"Don't waste your breath, I'm right behind you."
"Damn it, Indie, just wait." Brad grabs my arm, forcing me to stop.
I glare at him. "You're seriously manhandling me now?"
People turn their heads to stare at us, but I don't care. It's Brad who's making a scene here, not me.
He pulls his hand away, giving me a sheepish look. "No, of course not. I only want to talk to you, I swear. Just give me five minutes. Please."
"Three minutes. That's it."
He nods. "I'm okay with that."
Hesitating for a beat, I walk over to an empty classroom, hearing his footsteps right behind me. I don't bother closing the door. The sooner this conversation gets done, the better. Leaning against the wall next to the open door, I demand, "Okay, what do you want?"
Please don't let it be about your car. Please don't—
"I can't believe you're going out with Turner." Well, that's a relief. Although the accusation in his tone is almost laughable.
I flash him a saccharine smile. "And how is that any of your business?"
Nose flaring, Brad starts to pace the floor. "You know how much I can't stand that conceited prick's ass." He shoves his fingers through his hair, messing it all up.
He looks completely flustered. Like he's frustrated that he has no control of the situation. I've never seen him this way before. It's like he's crazed or something.
And did he just call Gray a conceited prick? That's funny coming from him.
"You should get a mirror," I snort.
He blinks. "Why?"
I forgot that it's one of the things I disliked about Brad. He's slow on the uptake sometimes. Well, I no longer have the patience to dumb it down for him.
"Oh, look. Your three minutes is up. Nice chat, Brad." I push away from the wall, ready to leave.
"Come on, you're not being fair. We haven't even crossed the two-minute mark yet."
"Oh, I'm not being fair?” I cross my arms over my chest and give him a challenging look. “Do you want me to remind you who broke up with who?"
He hangs his head, unable to say anything.
"Honestly, what's the difference? It's not like I care about anything you have to say. Especially if you're just going to badmouth my boyfriend," I glare, ignoring how referring to Gray as my boyfriend sounds natural and right to my ears.
"A week ago, I was your boyfriend!" Brad snarls, his face going red.
Which only makes my blood boil. How dare he throw those words in my face? Like I was the one who wronged him?
"Are you kidding me? You dumped me!"
He flinches, guilt flashing through his eyes. But only for a brief moment. It's quickly replaced by indignation. "So, that's your way of getting back at me? By dating Turner? What, you're trying to make me jealous?"
"Wow," I gape. "Have you always been such an asshole?"
It makes me feel even more not guilty for what I did to his precious car. Granted, his accusations are true. But I won't ever admit it to him. As far as he's concerned, I've moved on.
"Indie—"
"I guess I should thank you for breaking up with me, huh? You actually did me a favor," I continue on sarcastically. "Now, I'm with a much better guy. I don't know if I can say the same about you though. I heard Daphne’s track record when it comes to relationships isn’t anything to be glad about. Whatever. Have fun with her." Giving him one last sweet smile, I step out of the room, making sure to close the door behind me.
*******
So, that's your way of getting back at me? By dating Turner?
Floating on my back in Allie’s swimming pool, I grin up at the afternoon sky.
I have a couple reasons to smile about. One: Brad still hasn't confronted me about the egging incident. And two: I officially made him gag with jealousy. I already know that my fake relationship with Gray is infuriating him, but hearing it from him makes it a thousand times better.
It means my revenge plan is working. But even though I've achieved the ultimate goal, I can't put a stop to it yet. Otherwise, Brad would think that I "dumped" Gray because of him. That's the last thing I want to happen.
I'll just have to convince Gray to prolong our charade a little longer. It's not like he's dating anyone at the moment, anyway.
But what if he's planning to date someone?
Jealousy slams through me out of nowhere. Who's the girl trying to steal my boyfriend away from me?
Uh, hello? Boyfriend?
I throw my head back into the water and groan in realization. Do I seriously have a thing for Gray now? One kiss and he already has me hooked. So much for thinking I’m immune to his charms, huh?
A splashing sound comes from one side of the pool, startling me and causing me to submerge my body into the water. I glance around to check if Allie rejoined me, but she's nowhere to be found. In fact, I'm still alone in the pool. What the hell?
"Allie? Are you there?" I call out. When second
s pass and no one responds, I huff. "Are you seriously playing hide and seek with me? Ha-ha. Very fun—" The words end on a squeal when Gray suddenly emerges from the water right in front of me.
"Boo," he chuckles.
"Seriously?" Fuming, I splash some water at his face, making him chuckle even more.
When I don't stop, he grabs my spraying hand and traps it in his. "That's enough."
“You’re an ass,” I glare.
“And you’re still really cute when you’re pissed,” he shoots back with a grin.
Ugh. This guy.
I’m torn between smacking him or kissing him. Considering he’s shirtless and wearing nothing but swim shorts, his solid chest and toned arms in full display, I’m leaning more toward the last one.
Ugh. I do have a thing for him.
Of all the guys to be attracted to, I had to choose the one who happens to be my best friend’s brother. Now, it makes things complicated. But I have to push through.
Just a few more weeks.
I’m jolted from my thoughts when an arm hooks around my waist. “Um, what are you doing?”
“What do you think I’m doing?” Gray’s green eyes glint with mischief, his lips curving in a wicked smile.
God help me, but I really want to kiss those tempting lips.
He pulls me flush against his chest, and now I’m overly conscious of the fact that I’m wearing nothing but a two-piece black swimsuit. We’re basically skin on skin.
Oh, boy. The temptation is strong with this one.
I swallow hard.
My thoughts must be all over my face. Because the playfulness on Gray’s is quickly replaced by an intense dark look, causing my pulse to race and my skin to heat up. Then he's tightening his arm around me, his face dipping until it’s mere inches from mine.
My breath catches in my lungs. Is he going to kiss me again?
Yes, yes, please!
I shake my head. “No, no, no!”
“Yes, yes yes,” he counters, amusement flashing in his eyes. The cocky jerk clearly knows what I’m thinking.
"We shouldn't."
"Why not? We've done it before."
I gulp. "Once is enough."
"I beg to disagree," he growls, sending electric heat coursing through my veins.
I whimper. Why is he making this hard? "But you're not...We're not..."
Letting go of my hand I forgot he’d trapped in his, he lifts my chin. "Not what?" Gray asks softly, his breath fanning my lips.
And then before I can answer, his lips are there, moving over mine in a gentle yet firm caress, obliterating every reason why we shouldn't and showing me all the reasons why we should.
So I slip my arms around his neck and let myself get swept away in the moment, let myself get lost in him.
His response is to groan against my lips and tighten his hold on me even more. Kissing me harder, kissing me deeper that everything around us blurs into nothing. Until it's just us.
I thought he already blew my mind when we kissed in front of Brad. But this...this is so much hotter than that. It’s everything I didn’t know I wanted.
And I realize a minute later, when we part and stare at each other with fire still in our eyes, I'm in trouble.
Gray knits his eyebrows together at the pained look on my face. "Indie, what's wrong?"
I swallow hard. "I—"
"Indie, you're never going to believe this."
Startled, I push away from Gray as Allison strolls toward the pool.
His jaw visibly clenches, clearly not happy about it, but he lets go of me just the same.
Thankfully, my best friend’s eyes are glued to the phone in her hand, clueless to what just transpired between me and her brother. When she looks up, excitement is written all over her features. "Brad and Daphne just broke up!"
CHAPTER 7
“Dad, you didn’t tell me the latest book in the Kingdom of Thorns is already here!” I squeak out, staring at the book in my hands.
I just finished Soul Prophecy days ago, and I’ve been in a book funk ever since. I’ve been waiting for Thorned Ascendant to come out since the author, A.K. Knight, announced it on her Facebook page months ago. I can’t wait to dive in.
Besides, with what’s been happening in the last few days, I need a good distraction. This book should do it.
“Yeah, I forgot to tell you,” Dad says apologetically as he stacks books on the shelf. “It’s a good thing that you’re here then, huh?”
I came over to help him with the new book deliveries. And, well, to check if I could add a few to my reading list. I can never resist whenever new books come into Indie Reads.
“Well, you asked for my help.”
“Uh-huh,” he chuckles, knowing full well what I’m really about.
With a wistful sigh, I put the book down on the counter and walk over to the nearest box to help my dad with the stacking. It contains Stephen Barclay’s latest release. He’s in the horror genre, and a no-go author for me.
Don’t get me wrong, he’s absolutely great and has an awesome knack at writing stories. I read one of his books one time, after reading rave reviews about it. And it was really good, totally unputdownable. But I ended up unable to sleep for a few nights, paranoid that a monster would come out from under my bed or my closet.
I was fourteen.
In my defense, it was really scary.
I spend the next couple hours helping Dad finish putting all the books on the shelves and tidying up the boxes. All the while, we talk about the books we’ve read in the past month. He’s been reading mostly suspense-thrillers while I’ve been pages deep in the urban fantasy world.
Dad just brought up the upcoming movie adaptation of one of my favorite authors when the double door swings open, signaling a new customer.
Dad, who’s facing the door, lets out a welcoming smile. “Grayson, what can we do for you?”
My back stiffens, my heart stopping for a beat. Gray’s here? Swallowing, I turn around as casually as I can, putting up what I hope to be a friendly smile. “Oh, hey.”
Gray saunters over to us, and I take the opportunity to trail my eyes over him. His light brown hair looks a tad shorter—did he just get a haircut? He’s wearing a dark red v-neck sweatshirt over a pair of black checkered shorts, his feet encased in white sneakers. He looks like a gorgeous preppy boy.
My gorgeous preppy boy. Yeah, I’m owning up to my feelings for him.
“Um, what are you doing here?” I tuck stray strands of auburn hair behind my ears, glaringly aware of how haphazard my ponytail is at the moment.
Discreetly, I glance down to check if there aren’t any food stains on my shirt. Dad and I ate cheese dogs a while ago. And did I even bother putting makeup on my face when I left the house this afternoon?
For the first time, I’m painfully conscious of how I look in front of Gray.
He shrugs his broad shoulders. “I was just around the corner. I thought I’d drop by.” To Dad, he says, “Hello, Mr. Jackson.”
“Son, how many times do I have to tell you to start calling me ‘Andrew?’”
My eyes almost bug out. Did he just call Gray ‘son?’ Since when did he start calling him that?
“Right. Andrew.” Gray grins sheepishly. He clears his throat. “Actually, I was also wondering if Indie and I could go grab a bite? I’m kind of starving.”
“Like on a date?” I blurt out before I can stop myself, butterflies fluttering like crazy in my stomach.
His eyes widen, clearly off-guard. “Uh, well—”
Heat crawls up my cheeks as realization sets in. He’s not asking me out. He just wants some company.
I think I just died inside.
This is so humiliating.
“Kidding!” I practically yell, startling him a little, laughing the most awkward laugh I’ve ever laughed. “Got you there, am I right?”
Gray blinks a few times then nods, clearly not knowing what to say.
Dad, on the other han
d, is visibly cringing at my bumbling attempt at humor.
I seriously want to die right now.
Gray clears his throat. "So, uh, Jerry's?"
I let out a weak smile. "Let me just freshen up a bit."
*******
I'm staring hard at Jerry’s menu card, pretending to peruse the food list when secretly, I’m still cringing at what happened back at my Dad’s bookstore. “Like on a date?” God, I feel like an idiot.
No wonder Dad looked like he was embarrassed for me. I acted like an inexperienced girl desperate to be asked on a date by her crush. But considering my growing feelings for Gray, maybe it’s not far off.
Which means I need to curb my expectations and keep myself in check. Just because we made out twice doesn’t mean that we’ll end up going out for real. I have to remind myself that Gray never had a girlfriend. He mostly hooks up with girls in and out of Maple Grove High. Which should tell me everything I need to know.
“Are you ready to order?” Gray prompts.
I put the menu down and force a smile. “You know what? I’ll just have what you’re having.”
He stares at me for a beat. “Are you sure?”
I just nod.
With a shrug, he calls the attention of one of the waitresses and states his order: two plates of BLT with a side of fries, a Coke for him and strawberry banana smoothie for me.
My stomach flutters. He remembers what my favorite smoothie is.
“What’s that smile for?” he asks suspiciously when the waitress walks away.
“Nothing. I just remembered something funny.” With a small headshake, I change the subject, “So, what brought you to Indie Reads, anyway? Were you thinking of buying porn magazines?” I snicker. “Well, sorry to disappoint, we're not that kind of bookstore.”
“What’s this—the nineties? Ever heard of the internet? Get with the times, Red,” Gray teases, smirking. “Besides, do I look like someone who needs porn magazines?”
Ugh. So cocky.
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