She shrugs like I’m the idiot. “With Kai and the guys.”
I scoff and blink hard at her audacity. I move to the side and hurry my pace. “No, I’m not going to the cafeteria. You’ll have the boys all to yourself.”
She reaches out to me. “Did I do something wrong?”
I turn off, toward Mr. Birch’s classroom, and don’t dignify her question with a response.
“The nerve of her!” I screech, entering the classroom.
“Whoa,” Milo mutters, his mouth staying open in an o.
I slouch forward, frowning. “Sorry. Just had a run in with Tabitha. Apparently, my lunch table is now hers.”
“You mean, like, you’ve swapped tables with her?”
“No. Like she’s now sitting with my friends.” I shake my head and walk up to him. “I don’t want to think about her right now. Hi.”
He chuckles, cupping his hands against my waist. “Hi.”
I look back at the door. “Are you sure we have this place to ourselves?”
“Yep. I’ve been in here plenty of times with zero interruptions.”
“What about Christie and Ash?”
“I don’t think Ash is at school today. Have you seen him in the halls?”
“We don’t exactly have the same schedule.”
“Even if those two came in here, I doubt they’d blow our cover.” He brushes a hand across my cheek and into my hair. “Last time Christie asked if we were dating, but all anyone heard about were the milkshakes. I don’t even think we’re part of the story.”
I unbutton my blazer. “If we’re truly alone, I’m getting out of this thing.”
I hang it on the back of the chair, and Milo wags a finger. “You know, taking off your blazer is a detention-worthy offense.”
I unravel the neckerchief from under my stiff collar. “You want me to put it back on?”
He bites his bottom lip and slowly shakes his head. I grab onto the lapels of his blazer and back onto a desk. I sit on it and Milo leans over me. His lips meet mine as if they’re magnetized. I tug on his tie, ensuring he stays close to me. He mumbles a laugh in the kiss, making me want him more.
He nibbles along my jawline, and his breath tickles against my ear. I slide my hands behind his neck and close my eyes. Never has a moment felt more perfect.
“I really appreciated your support this morning during soccer practice,” I say, letting my fingers play in Milo’s lush mop of hair. “Sorry if I seemed snappy or ungrateful.”
“No problem,” he replies, his fingers wandering along my back. “I get how it feels to be on the outside.”
“Will you come to the cafe with me after school?” I ask, tilting my head and attempting to appear cute. “I think dealing with these society women will be easier if you’re in the same room.”
His arms hug around me with avid strength. “I’ll be anywhere you need me.”
A Disney princess-worthy sigh escapes me. I run my hand down the side of his face and kiss him softly. “Thank you. I don’t know how I’ve been surviving without you all this time.”
Milo smirks. “You weren’t. You were failing your classes.”
“You’re doing more than helping me with classes. I feel safe with you.”
An adorable smile lights up his face. “Really?”
I nod eagerly.
