He opened his laptop. “What is it, Ms. Smith?”
“Um. I don’t think Train is the right partner for me,” I whispered. Thankfully, the noise level was rather loud with everyone talking.
He crossed his arms over his red golf shirt. “And why is that?”
“You said yourself that my grades are borderline, so I assume I would need an A to bring up my grades.”
“So you think by working with Train, you’ll fail?”
Oh, hell yeah.“He’s got football and practice.” I couldn’t exactly say whether Train was smart or not. That wasn’t even the reason for my protest. But I certainly wasn’t about to tell Mr. Salvatore that I didn’t trust myself around Train. Nor could I argue that Train didn’t like me or want to work with me since Mr. Salvatore had said he was teaching us life skills. He also probably wouldn’t accept the argument that Train had ex-girlfriend issues I didn’t want to deal with.
“Regardless of football, Ms. Smith, Train has to do the work like everyone else.”
“But why did you put me with him?”
He studied me. “I’m giving you an opportunity to get a good grade in this class.”
“Wait, you think I can get a good grade with Train?”
“Ms. Smith, if you have any questions about Train’s capabilities, ask him yourself. Now return to your seat and start brainstorming with your partner.”
With all the willpower I could muster, I headed back to my seat, only to find Train with a smart-ass grin.
“Didn’t get your way?” His Southern drawl about made me weak in the knees.
I flared my nostrils. “What’s your problem?”
“Right now, it’s you complaining. I don’t want to work with you, either.” He pinned me with his gaze as if I were the scum of the earth. “Tell you what. You think of an app, and when you’re ready, I’ll do my part. That way, we spend little time together.” He slouched in his seat.
I ground my teeth together. “I was going to apologize for yesterday, but forget it. I’m glad I suggested football. Or maybe your little ego is also bruised over a girl throwing a football.” Derek’s had been.
Train let out a low growl.
“Ah, I hit a nerve. Mmm.” Maybe all his anger yesterday hadn’t only stemmed from Nina’s presence. Maybe he was upset over me throwing a football. I nibbled on my bottom lip as I considered him. “You know what? I might pay a visit to your coach and see if I can try out for the team. Girls do play football.” Okay, I was stretching things a bit. Girls did play football, but I didn’t. Plus, Train was irritating me with his snarl and the disgust written all over his face.
He bared his teeth.Bingo.I hit a really deep nerve. He wanted to be an ass.Well, let the games begin.
