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“No, I’m trying to save your ass from a trip to the principal’s office,” Eric fires back. The reminder that we are still on school grounds and fighting would lead to suspension seems to knock some sense into him, and he finally relaxes in Eric’s hold. Deciding it’s now safe, Eric releases him. Logan rolls his shoulders to shake off the tension, then points his finger at Mason. “This isn’t over, freak.”
Mason remains steadfast, his stance unwavering as he stares back at him, seemingly not the least bit perturbed by Logan’s threat.
Eric grabs Logan’s arm and pulls him away. “Come on, man, let’s go.”
“Fine,” Logan mutters, giving me one last look before allowing himself to be dragged away.
Mason turns around and looks down at me with concern. “Did he hurt you?” he asks, gently caressing the area that was manhandled by Logan.
A warmth vibrates through my arm at his touch.
“I’m fine,” I sigh. “Thank you, Mason.”
He nods his head then lets go of my arm.
“Holy mother of shit! I’m looking at a dead man,” Cadence blurts out, looking at Mason in astonishment, and he shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly.
“Well, I think we’ve all had enough excitement for one day,” Lyndsey chimes in. “Let’s get out of here, girls. Thank you, Mason.” She leaves, heading in the direction of her car with Cadence and Chelsea following behind.
“Ava, are you coming?” Lyndsey calls out when she realizes I haven’t moved.
“I will be there in a minute,” I reply, turning my attention back to Mason. “I really appreciate what you did, but be careful, okay? Logan isn’t someone you want to get on the wrong side of.”
“Don’t worry about me. I can handle him,” he assures me.
The confidence in his tone is so profound that I look up at him feeling intrigued. This is the most conversation we have ever had. In fact, today is the first time I have even heard the sound of his voice, and from the little interaction we have had, his self-assurance is somewhat… alluring.
He looks down at me intently, and I take the opportunity to study those sparkling blue irises staring back at me from behind his black-rimmed glasses. I’ve never really noticed his eyes before, but then again, I’ve never got close enough to really see them. They are blue like mine but have various hues of light and dark blue with a faint hint of green that closely resembles turquoise. The color is so vibrant that it reminds me of a cerulean blue ocean, and I can’t seem to help, feeling slightly awestruck by the sight.
They are beautiful.
Feeling heat rise into my cheeks, I look away and break the connection. “Okay, well… I will see you later then?”
“I will see you tomorrow, Ava,” he replies in a tone that sounds more like a resounding promise.
Walking over to Lyndsey’s car, I feel the burn of his penetrating stare on my back.
As I get in the car, Cadence and Chelsea babble with excitement over what just happened. I put on my seat belt, looking over at Mason, still watching me with his hands in his pockets. My stomach flutters as we pull out of the parking, and confusion sets in over the strange sensation.
ChapterFour
AVA
Imindlessly pick at my fries as Chelsea continues to ramble. I have no idea what she is talking about. I tuned out ten minutes ago, my mind elsewhere, but where that place is, I’m not exactly sure. The cafeteria seems noisy today, or maybe it’s always been this noisy, and I have just never noticed before.
Someone slides in beside me and wraps an arm around my shoulder. “Hey, baby girl,” Eric says, giving me a kiss on the temple.
Nate takes a seat next to Lyndsey, stealing one of her fries and flashing her a wink. The rest of the boys join us, including Logan, who looks at me briefly before sitting down across from Connor at the far end of the table.
It’s been a week since our big blowup in the parking lot, and the ongoing tension between us has caused a bit of division in our group. Not only did he continue to text me after that day, but he texted me a total of twenty times last night, which left me with no other choice but to block him. And by the looks of that permanent scowl etched on his face today, I’m guessing that he isn’t overly impressed by it.
Well, tough shit.
I look over to Eric, devouring his turkey and rye sandwich like he hasn’t eaten in days. “How are things going, Eric?” I ask as he swallows down a mouthful.
“Well, your boy over there has been acting like someone pissed in his Cheerios all morning. But other than that, the usual shit,” he replies, then takes another bite.
“He’s not my boy anymore,” I mutter. “And I think someone should piss in his Cheerios. It’s the least he deserves.”
