A knock echoes through the observatory, and Sutton springs away, diving into the shadows behind the telescope. I grab my book and whirl toward the entrance just as Lexington strides in, hands deep in his jacket pockets.
“Fuck, it’s cold,” he says, shivering visibly. He grins when he spots me, blue eyes brightening. “You rang, m’lady?”
I shift away from the telescope. “And you came.”
“Of course. I told you I’d help you out with anything you needed.” He walks over, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “Though it appears you didn’t actually need my help getting in here.”
“Ah, yeah.” I let out a nervous laugh, trying to turn us away from the front of the deck. The toes of Sutton’s loafers are visible beneath the giant machine, and though Lexington seems chill enough, I can’t be sure he wouldn’t report us for violating school policy. “I think I was turning the knob the wrong way.”
“Not used to opening doors, I guess?” he jokes, giving me a shake before glancing around. I tense up as he slows on the telescope, but then he keeps going until he’s looking at the sky. “How come you’re here so early? Or, like, at all? The school’s astronomy program is super small, and you’re not in it, right?”
“Not in the program, but I am fulfilling a science credit with an introductory planetary exploration course.”
“So you came to do homework for it?”
“No, just to study.” I point at my book.
“Ah, philosophy. I dropped that course freshman year. Too much posturing for my liking.”
“Not used to using your brain much, huh?”
Lexington snorts, poking my cheek.
My face heats as he stares down at me, and I quickly avert my gaze, checking to see if Sutton’s moved at all.
His feet are no longer visible, but I can feel his eyes on me.
Lexington’s hand falls away, and he blows out a breath. “Well, are you wanting to stay, or can we go get coffee? Gaea’s Beans is open early.”
“Gaea’s Beans?”
“Vegan coffeehouse in town. My mom’s friend is the owner, and he makes afantasticcappuccino.”
I hesitate, wondering what this sounds like to Sutton, and then immediately brush that off. It doesn’tmatter. He said nothing else can happen between us, so why should I care what he thinks?
“All right. But we can’t be late for class.”
“Leave your worries to me, m’lady. I haveimpeccabletime management skills.”
As we weave our way out of the room, I toss a quick look over my shoulder. Just to see.
Sutton stands behind the telescope, mostly bathed in shadows, but the displeasure etched into his face sends a shiver down my spine nonetheless.
By the time we get to Acting for Beginners a few hours later, the sun is peeking through gray clouds, and I’ve downed a large iced coffee, waking myself up. Hair sticks to my forehead, and everyone turns to gawk when Lexington and I slip in the back exit together.
My stomach churns as I drop into a seat next to Meg, who whistles under her breath. “You don’t waste any time, do you?”
I frown, sliding a notebook from my backpack. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothingbad, just an observation.” She offers me a fuzzy purple pen to write with and reaches for a mint tin in the bag hanging off her wheelchair. “Lex is cute, but beware. There’s a vicious streak hidden behind those blue eyes of his. I’m also pretty certain he and Percy are hooking up on the DL, but I have no proof to back up this claim.”
My gaze flickers to Lexington as he leans in to whisper something in Percy’s ear. “How well do you know him?”
She shrugs. “We went on a few dates in high school before I realized I was more into femmes. Nothing too intimate. He’s a good dude but cagey and secretive. Founding family trait if you ask me.”
“Huh.” I smooth my fingers out on my desk. “Well, that’s okay. I’m not interested in dating him anyway.”
“Have your eyes set on someone else?”
