Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 88080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88080 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
I’m shocked. Teachers never want feedback from me. Mostly I’m an annoyance—someone they have to work extra hard for.
“Mr. Ewing, I’d love that.”
“Call me Wes.” He smirks. “When we’re alone, of course. The other students have different rules.”
His words make my stomach twist in a strange way and I don’t know why. He’s just being friendly. Still, I have a small bout of nerves suddenly.
“Okay,” I mutter. “Sounds good, er, Wes.”
He chuckles, scratching at his jaw. “Don’t sound so horrified. I’m just a regular guy like your brother. How is Roan these days? He played basketball with my brother Brody.”
“He’s well. Mostly, he works for the tire factory, but he also volunteers for the fire department. Married now.”
“Married, huh? I never took him for the type to settle down with some girl, but I guess when you find the one—”
“A man.”
His brows lift. “Oh?”
“They’re happy.”
“That’s all that matters.” He nods and motions to the door. “Your boyfriend is waiting.”
I snap my head to find Kayden loitering, looking like I kicked his puppy. Grinding my teeth, I gather my bag and shake my head.
“He’s not my boyfriend.”
Mr. Ewing—Wes—flashes me a knowing smile. “See you tomorrow, Miss Hirsch.”
“Roux.” I smile and give him a small wave. “Bye, Mr. Ewing.”
As I make my way over to Kayden, he’s glaring at Wes. I roll my eyes, shoving past him and into the hall. Ignoring him, I head for the stairwell.
“Roux!” Kayden calls out. “Jesus, slow down. I want to talk to you—to apologize.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” I grumble, taking the stairs down quickly.
He grabs my arm, stopping me. “Roux-Roux.” His lips are pouted out and his brows are furled. This act used to work. It got him his way with nearly everything where I was concerned. “Please don’t shut me out.”
I scowl, shifting on my feet. “What?”
“Forgive me.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“But it is, baby. I was fucked up that night. I didn’t mean to get so rough with you. That party was dangerous and I let it get out of control. It wasn’t safe for you to be there.” He steps closer, running his knuckle along the side of my throat that no longer bears bruising or hickeys. “I’m so sorry.”
“Apology accepted. Can I go now?”
He runs his fingers through his hair, messing it up. “I want us to get back together.”
“Look,” I say with a sigh. “You need a girlfriend who’ll be intimate with you. I’m just not ready for that.”
Never mind the fact that I won’t ever be ready.
With him.
Now Jordy, on the other hand…
I can wait for Jordy. He’ll be worth the wait.
“I don’t need that,” he murmurs, dipping low so his face is near mine. “Just you, Roux-Roux. Kissing you is enough.”
He starts to kiss me, but I pull away. I expect anger since he’s been acting like a twat lately. Instead, his features crumble.
“I really fucked this up.” His voice is hoarse, like he might cry. “Roux, baby, let me make it up to you.”
“Kayden,” I say in exasperation. “I need space.” I’ve barely made it to the bottom of the stairs, when he grabs my hand, pulling me to him. I jerk my hand free, but he’s undeterred, stepping closer.
“Fine. I’ll give you space, but then I’m going to win you back. You’ll see. I can be romantic.” He flashes me a flirtatious grin that used to make me weak. “Prepare to fall back in love with me.”
He walks backward down the now-empty hall, grinning at me. Eventually, he makes it to the outside doors and leaves. I let out a heavy sigh filled with frustration. It’s then I get the creepy sensation I’m being watched.
I swivel around, looking down both hallways and back up the stairs. Nothing. No one. I’m about to head out the door when someone coughs. A man. I creep over to Mrs. Duffy’s classroom. It’s empty, with the lights out, and she’s no longer in it.
“You’re not supposed to be in there,” I tell the man who’s standing near the whiteboard with his back to me.
He’s definitely a teacher, I think, based on his dressy suit. The guy is probably Mike’s age. Older, but not too old. He checks his watch and turns toward me, smiling. “Pardon me.”
“Are you a teacher?”
His lips thin out. “No.”
“A parent?”
“No.”
“You’re a cop,” I breathe out.
He blinks hard at me. “I’m not a cop.”
“What’s your name?”
His jaw clenches. “Tom.”
“You’re being creepy, Tom.”
At this, he laughs. “Duly noted.” He cocks his head to the side. “I couldn’t help but notice you having a fight with your boyfriend.”
“He’s not my boyfriend.”
“Er, friend. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. He just thinks we’re something we’re not.”
“I see. Take care, miss. Stay away from pushy assholes.” He smirks. “And creeps.”
“I’m trying,” I grumble, “but you guys are so plentiful in this town.”
“I’m not from this town,” he argues, a smile in his voice.