Jared lets out a low chuckle and winks. “It ends when it ends. You can stay however long ya like.”
I blush. It was pretty cute how he said that. I brush my hair behind my ear, still holding my books in my other arm tightly to me. “Alright, I'll see you Saturday then.”
He nods and walks off with a noticeable bounce in his step. We don’t have any classes together, but sometimes I’ll see him in the halls or at practice. The last two days are the most we’ve interacted in a long time though. Is he trying to make friends with everyone before we all go our own separate ways?
When I turn back around, Ben’s resting his chin on the back of his chair, staring at the ground, brows furrowedand lips pursed in contemplation. He only wears that expression when he’s had to make big decisions.
I rack my brain, trying to remember if there’s something big happening in his life but nothing comes to mind, which couldn’t mean anything since we haven’t been as close lately. My heart dips into sadness. I miss us.
Bucking up some courage, I step to walk over to him to make up, but as soon as I move, he lifts his chin off the chair and makes eye contact with me, his face going blank before his full lips straighten as if still mad then turns around to face his computer away from me.
I jerk my neck back in surprise and annoyance. Fine. If he’s going to act like that then forget it. I’ll go sit in our usual spot and treat him how he’s treating me.
Setting my books down beside my keyboard, I steal one more glance at Ben and stifle a laugh as Greta sits down next to him, scooting her chair as close as possible until they’re almost touching leg to leg. He cringes, withdrawing an inch before planting an awkward smile on.
Serves him right. I stick my nose up, turning back to my computer with a satisfied smirk.
The rest of the day’s interactions with Ben go the same way. He perks up when he sees me, eyes slightly wide, then quickly looks away. I decide to ignore it. Idon’t care. He’s the one acting like a child after telling me to grow up so, whatever. I’ll let him sort that out on his own.
As the day goes on, I receive increased attention from a lot of my classmates which is an unexpected confidence booster and helps me feel more comfortable in my dress. Being invisible isn’t bad, but this new attention elicits an ego boost I could get used to. I should have started wearing dresses to school much sooner. I could’ve had a totally different experience here.
The last bell of the day rings, so I make my way to my locker to grab my keys and backpack after my oddly thrilling day. I walk down the hallway, a small bounce to my own step when a heavy arm hangs over my shoulder.
Smirking, I tilt my head up expecting Ben but instead see Jared, smiling down at me. His blonde hair’s still in the bun from earlier, but a few wisps are left untamed near his face. He smiles at me differently, softer, and studies me more deeply, intimately.
My cheeks give away my reaction to his intimate attention, but I act unfazed, smiling softly back and letting him keep his arm over me.
“I’m glad you’re coming. We’re gonna have a blast. Everyone from the cross country and track team’scoming. We’re gonna order pizza, play games, and maybe evenswim.”
The idea of everyone seeing me in my bikini makes me want to crawl back into my turtle shell.
“Well, I probably won’t swim, but it all sounds like a great time. I’m looking forward to it.” This feels nice. Having someone excited to include me in this way is something I could get used to. I just needed a little push. I’m grateful to Jared for that.
He side hugs me harder, pushing my cheek against the right side of his chest. Sandalwood with a hint of citrus fills my senses. It’s very different than Ben’s scent—leather and mint.
My body rebels against me and throws me a reel of the mysterious biker riding shirtless on his motorcycle. A shot of adrenaline rings through me with the pleasure sensation following down below.
Okay, now I feel uncomfortable being under Jared’s arm given my current...situation. Shoving the image out of my mind, I instead focus on the fact that I’ll be home soon and can log onto Xypher to take care of the problem. I quicken my steps, in turn quickening Jared’s since he’s insisting on keeping his arm around me.
“Are you okay? We’re basically jogging to your car. Am I making you uncomfortable?”
His question slows my pace. How sweet of him to care if he’s making me uncomfortable or not.
“Sorry. Yeah, I’m okay. You’re not making me uncomfortable,” I reassure him with a subtle grin.
His eyes soften as they search mine. He gives me another squeeze on my shoulder, pulling me into him again. Butterflies flutter in my stomach at the acceptance of his touch and the reciprocated smile.
He finally removes his arm, only to open my car door for me. I widen my eyes at the gesture and go to thank him, but my voice is drowned out by the roar of a motorcycle speeding out of the parking lot.
We both turn to see Ben pop a wheelie before speeding away onto the road. I roll my eyes. What’s gotten into him? I hate this obnoxious side of him. Nine times out of ten he’ll keep his cool, but when he doesn’t, he’s the one who acts like a child. I exhale forcefully at his obvious childish actions. And he had the gall to tellmeto grow up.
Jared gently shuts my car door and waves to me as he walks off to his truck. Once I’m sure he’s gone, I scan my surroundings to make sure no one else is looking and slide my hand up my thigh to find how drenched I am. I shiver at my own gentle touch, a quick shoot of anticipation rushing through my body, urging me to speed home to explore myself again with the biker boy.
Disappointment creeps in when I notice Dad’s home.
Crap.
Whatever, I’ll just have to be quiet.
