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ASPEN
I’ve become a damn ninja at avoiding Quinton. In passing between classes and in the cafeteria, I can feel his eyes on me, watching every step and breath I take. It’s only been a couple of days, but it feels like an eternity.
After I grab breakfast, which I force myself to eat, I walk to the locker rooms to change into my workout clothes.
I’ve been dreading this day since I walked out of his apartment. It’s the only class we have together, and if he’s going to make a move to talk to me, it’s going to be here. I pull my long brown hair into a messy bun and walk into the arena.
My stomach is in knots over it all, and my muscles tense with every step I take. I’m expecting the worst but surprised when I survey the room of students standing around and don’t find Quinton among them.
What the hell?
I’m hit with worry, worry that something has happened to him. That worry intensifies tenfold as I continue to look through the throng of students, but I don’t see his familiar frame towering above everyone.
Quan’s deep voice slices through the air. “All right, let’s partner up. I want everyone to work on speed today. Go through everything from last week and make sure you do it faster this round.”
I continue scouring the room for any sign of Quinton. Maybe he’s running late? Or he’s sick?
Vito steps in front of me, his hulking frame blocking my view. I’m tempted to push him out of the way but resist at the last second. I don’t want to seem like I’m looking for someone. Of course, the mysterious Vito sees right through me.
“If you’re looking for Q, he’s not here.”
I drag my gaze to his face. I’ll be the first to admit that something about Vito has me curious. His dark gaze is penetrating, and it helps that he’s attractive too.
“What do you mean, he’s not here, and who said I was looking for anyone? I’m merely trying to find a partner,” I half-lie. I’m actually trying to findmy partner,but it appears he’s not here.
Everyone else is moving, breaking up into teams, and I know I have to choose someone quick.
Vito’s lips tip up at one side. “I’ll be your partner,” he announces.
Looking around one last time, I realize everyone else is partnered up. I guess it’s him or no one.
“What? You don’t like me anymore? I thought I was special to you.” He places his hand on his chest and fakes a heartache. “First you kiss me and then discard me like I’m nothing to you?”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“You mean use me to make Quinton jealous?”
“Yes. It was an impulse decision. I was angry and wasn’t thinking straight. I am really sorry.”
“I guess I can forgive you. It’s not that it was bad for me. At least I got a kiss out of it.”
He winks, and my cheeks heat. Damnit, I really regret kissing him.
We square off against each other, and even with all the moves Quinton taught me, it’s not enough to keep me on my feet, not against this man anyway. My curiosity over where Quinton is gets the best of me, and after having the wind knocked out of me on the mat three times, I finally build up the courage to ask him. I look up at him from the floor. Pain prickles across my back. My chest heaves with every breath I take. I’m winded, and we haven’t even done anything.
“What happened to Quinton?” When he doesn’t answer right away, I continue, “You said he’s not here. What did you mean?” I’m afraid of what the answer to my question will be. Turns out, avoiding him really did more harm than good this time around.
“You both act like you hate each other, but everyone with a pair of eyes can see right through it.”
I grit my teeth. “Think what you want. I don’t have to explain anything to you.”
“I suppose not, but if you hate him so much, why do you care to know where he is?”
I shrug. “Because it’s better to keep your enemies closer.”
We face off again, and I let out a deep growl when Vito kicks his legs out, and I trip over them, tumbling backward onto my ass.
Like the gentlemen he is, Vito offers me his hand, but I bat it away. I don’t want his help. A long moment passes, and the sounds of others battling around us filter into my ears.
