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Jace.
Internally signing his name puts a bit of pep in my step, even though I’m still puzzling out how he’s gone from a completely platonic friend to the person I want to brush up against and maybe sniff a little.
A steady breath releases. Jesus, I’m a stalker. I need to calm down before I hyperventilate in the middle of class.
The bell rings, signaling the release of my last course. I gather my books and head for the door. As soon as I turn the corner, I run smack dab into Andrew, the guy putting the moves on Jasmine at the party, and one of her candidates for the dance.
“Oh, s-sorry about that,” he splutters, reaching out to grab me before I can bounce off of the wall.
I laugh, “No problem.”
Andrew releases his hold and stands taller. “Did you and Jasmine have a good time at the party?”
I smile as flashes of the night dance in my memories. “Yeah, we had a blast.”
“Good… good.” He glances down, seeming nervous. “So, how’s Jasmine?”
“Good.”
There’s an awkward silence as he waits for me to elaborate, but I don’t, letting him sweat it out.
“All right. Well, I’ve got to get going. I’ll talk to you later. Tell Jasmine I said hi, will you?”
He turns and walks faster than normal, away from me, while I stare after him. I’m lost in my train of thought, wondering if I should set Jasmine up with him after all. He doesn’t seem much like her type.
“What are you doing!” Jace grumbles in my ear, scaring the ever-loving shit out of me. I can’t help the squeal that escapes. “Jace! You scared me to death.” I slap his arm.
His laughter’s tearing his eyes. “Sorry. I didn’t think I’d scare you that bad.”
“You ass.” We laugh as my heart slows, attempting to return to its normal speed. “Are you heading to practice?”
He nods, “I was heading that way when I saw you talking to Andrew. What’d he want?” The question seems casual, but his expression is intense.
“Ran right into him coming out of class; literally.” I laugh, remembering the collision. “He asked about Jasmine.” Toss that tidbit out there to see his reaction.
A storm brews, turning his bright blues a dark gray, clearing slightly when confusion catches up. “Why’s he asking about my sister?”
“I think he likes her. They danced at the party, remember? Anyway, I was thinking about setting them up for the dance.” I saunter down to my locker, only a few feet away.
Jace grunts his disapproval. “Do you two have to go to this dance?”
My heart flutters in my chest. “Yes, we do.”
He leans against the lockers. “When is it?” He asks, surprising me.
My eyes snap to his. Why is he wondering? Does he want to take someone? “A few weeks away.”
“Good to know.”
Good to know for who? Him or me? Hopefully me.
My head tilts, studying him. Sometimes he’s impossible to understand. “Oh, I forgot to tell you.” Subject change. “The University invited me to tour this weekend. They might offer me a scholarship.”
“That’s amazing, Mare! Is that the college you were applying to?” Jace knows University is only a two-hour drive from here. For the first time, the thought of being that far away from him was uncomfortable.
“Yeah.” My voice sounds insecure, so I clear my throat. “The coach said I had a great chance of getting recognized.”
“That’s great,” Jace smiles. His words are sincere, but lack merit.
