Page 84 of Never His Girl
I laugh a bit before answering. “Like I can stop you.”
He laughs, too, but I think he knows I’m only teasing.
“Looking forward to it,” I add, hoping he knows all his effort to change my mind about him hasn’t been in vain. I’ve noticed.
You wanted me to see you, KingMidas, and my eyes are wide open. Also, damn you for making me admit this, but… I’m open to wherever this is headed.
Just don’t make me regret it this time.
Chapter 29
BLUE
One thing’s for sure. No one can ever accuse West of not keeping his word.
Good or bad. Right or wrong. He’ll do whatever he says he’ll do.
Back when he vowed to make my life a living hell, he made good on that promise. More recently, he gave his word that he wouldn’t give up until I was convinced he’s worth giving a chance, and somehow, he’s made good on that one, too.
He was at my locker waiting this morning, just like he has been nearly every morning since our falling out. He showed up to escort me to every single class after that, but he mostly gives me space otherwise. He watches from afar during lunch and gym, but even when I’m not looking, I feel him.
He’s gotten under my skin in ways I thought it was impossible for him to do, considering our history, but it’s true. I think about him all the time, do everything in my power to seek him out in a crowd.
Like now, as I wait to board the bus that’ll take us to the game. He, his brothers, and Joss are all missing in action. I’m not the only one who’s taken notice. Every few seconds, their coach scans the line again, looking nervous. I’m guessing their absence is the reason we have yet to board, so here I stand, shivering from head to toe.
The forecast said it’d be thirty degrees today, but it feels more like it’s in the negatives if you ask me. Especially seeing as how I had practice before this, then rushed from the locker room, freshly showered with my hair in a wet French braid.
To keep my mind off the fact that I’m freezing, I text Scar, making sure she made it to the diner okay. Jules agreed to drive her after school, and if I know Scar, she complained the whole way. About having to sit there, about having to wait for Uncle Dusty to finish up for the day. But not only does it give her time to get homework done, it givesmepeace of mind.
I hit send and then glance up from my phone, sensing eyes on me. Parker’s staring boldly, not the least bit uncomfortable she’s been caught. I half expect that snotty little smirk of hers to curve her lips, but instead there’s only a wicked glare. One filled with all the bitterness she deserves. It has to burn to have gone out of her way to bring me down, only to see I’ve weathered this storm just like all the others. The cherry on top?
I got the guy, too.
I smile a bit when I avert my eyes from her, breathing into the chilled air, somehow fighting the urge to jump the line and beat this salty bitch’s ass.
Keep focused, Blue. Parker’s a nonfactor. She took her shot and you’re still standing. That’s a win.
At least, that’s what I keep repeating to myself, so I don’t do something stupid. It’s working for now, but if she makes one false move, I can’t be held accountable for what happens next.
A car speeds into the lot and every head turns. There’s no denying how my heart thunders when I realize who’s responsible for the disruption.
My eyes are glued to West’s Chevelle like I assume everyone else’s are. Eventually, all three Golden boys step out, with Joss in tow. Each of the boys grabs a backpack and duffle bag from the trunk, but then they double back to their seats to retrieve snacks and lidded coffees, before heading this way. Of course, my eyes are on West, and within seconds his are on me, too.
I smile a little and he flashes one back. I expect him and his crew to just head to the back of the line, but instead, all four are coming this way.
West approaches first, balancing a tray with two lidded cups nestled into it. And in the other hand, a small paper bag.
“Nice of you to join us, boys,” the Coach says, sounding every bit as surly and frustrated as he looks.
“Sorry we cut it so close,” West answers. “Stopped for a few things.”
When he holds up the bag, it earns him an exasperated eye roll, which has West smiling as he settles beside me.
“For you,” he says next, holding out the tray for me to grab one of the two drinks resting there. “I was torn between coffee and hot chocolate, but I figured hot chocolate was a safer bet.”
I peer up at him and, damn it, I’m smiling again.
“Hot chocolate was a good choice. Thanks.”