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Pushing away from my desk, I flee the classroom, running down the hall, my vision blurred with tears. I don’t know where I’m going. Definitely not the bathroom. I don’t stop running until I push through the double doors and I’m outside, the cool, early fall breeze smacking into me, making me shiver. I stand on the steps, my head swiveling left, then right.
That’s when I spot him.
Arch, striding toward the building. Toward me. The expression on his face is grim, his mouth a thin line, his brows lowered. He walks with determined steps, clad in his full uniform, even the jacket.
He eventually spots me and the look of pure relief on his face when he does makes my heart trip over itself. I should probably remain where I’m at on the steps and wait for him to approach me, but I can’t take it.
I bolt into a run, heading straight for him, and he does the same, meeting me in the middle, reaching for me, pulling me into his arms. I cling to him, pressing my face against his chest, breathing in his familiar scent, my eyes falling shut.
I’m immediately calm, my earlier worry and anxiety evaporating at finally being in his arms. Being with him.
“I missed you,” I tell him when I pull away so I can stare into his eyes.
“I missed you too,” he says, his troubled gaze making my anxiety return tenfold. “But I thought you might’ve wanted some…space.”
I blink up at him, unsure of what to say. Maybe he was the one who needed space? “Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s good,” he murmurs, his gaze searching my face. As if he’s trying to memorize my features. “Why aren’t you in class?”
“I couldn’t stand being in there without you,” I admit, briefly closing my eyes when he cups my cheek. I lean into his palm, savoring his touch.
“I was just running late,” he admits sheepishly, his hand dropping to grab mine. “Come on, let’s go before Winston gets pissed.”
I let Arch lead me back into the building, the two of us entering the classroom together and when Arch walks in, Winston stops mid-lecture, remaining quiet until both Arch and I are in our seats.
“Glad you decided to show up this fine Monday morning, Mr. Lancaster,” Winston says.
There are nervous titters of laughter throughout the class.
“I’m happy to be here, Mr. Winston. Sorry for being late,” Arch says, sounding affable. Like his normal self.
But I can tell there’s something troubling him. I want to know what it is.
I need him to tell me everything.
* * *
“You’re sittingwith me in the dining hall today, right?” Arch asks, as if he can read my mind.
Nodding, I slip my hand into his as we make our way down the hallway. The bell just rang, indicating that it’s lunch and I gave myself a mental pep talk that I was going to sit with him.
With his friends.
And if that includes Cadence and Mya, then so be it. I can handle them, especially with Arch by my side.
He’s grinning, seemingly pleased with this bit of news. His earlier moody behavior is forgotten, and I’m relieved. Maybe he was just grumpy. Mondays have a way of doing that to people. “You’re not going to run off and read one of your sexy books by yourself and dream of me?”
“You wish I was dreaming of you,” I tell him, making him chuckle.
“I know near the end of that last book you were. Have you read any other romance books since the one we shared?” He lifts his brows in question.
I shake my head, trying to fight the blush that wants to stain my cheeks. “I haven’t had time lately. The homework is endless.”
Arch frowns. “You’re working too hard.”
“I don’t mind.” My voice is overly bright and I can tell by the way he’s looking at me that he sees right through it. I tug on his hand, needing to distract him. “Let’s hurry. I’m starving.”
Once we’re in the dining hall, we separate, making our food choices. Once that’s done, we walk together to the usual table. JJ and a few of his other friends are there, including Mya, who’s planted right next to JJ with Cadence sitting on her other side.
