“Okay, class, eyes up here,” Mr. Day announces.
I don’t bother following those directions, because I’malmostfinished. So! Close!
“We have a new student, so I want you all to warmly welcome him to class,” Mr. Day continues. “Would you like to introduce yourself?”
It’s at this moment everything comes to a record-scratching halt. I freeze, still hunched over the equations, and squeeze my eyes shut. I already know what will happen when I open them—it’sjustmy luck. The new student is Subwayboy. I’m so certain that I’m willing to place another bet with Patrick.
Thiswouldhappen to me. Now I’m going to have to see him every single day in calculus class.
My gaze flicks to the front of the room and—oh.
Whew.
It’s not Subwayboy.
Butoh my gosh. This boy has a dazzling smile, the kind that sets your soul aglow. His green eyes scan the new faces before him, but he doesn’t seem intimidated or shy. He’s totally comfortable, really. If I was starting a new school my senior year, I’d be terrified. He only radiates outward friendliness—like a golden retriever.
His grin widens. “Hi, I’m Joseph! But please just call me Joe.”
Joe. He’s so cute. I can’t stop staring, heart thrumming like tiny hummingbird wings. He’s got a swoop of jet-black hair with stray pieces falling effortlessly over his forehead. And—wow. He’s tall. Extremely attractive. So much so that my eyes might have morphed into hearts.
Mr. Day picks up his chalk. “Go ahead and take a seat, Joe.”
Joe starts down the aisle, heading my way. Because the only empty desk is in front of me.
My breath catches in my throat. As he grows closer, our gazes tangle. Oh my. Two dimples frame his adorable smile, and the warm sunlight streaming through the window enhances his forest-green eyes. My world slows. From the way he’s looking at me, it’s like I’m the only person in the room.
His hand moves to scoot out his chair, and then he says, “Hi.”
He’s saying hi! Tome.
Say something, Sara!
“Hi,” I manage.
He slides his backpack off his shoulders and sits, turning his attention to Mr. Day. I’m not sure how long I’ve been staring at the back of his beautiful hair when a wad of paper hits my temple.
My infatuation haze lifts. When I blink back to reality, I peer around and find all the girls arealsostaring at Joe.
Oh—well, then. It’s not just me who’s entranced by his appeal.
As I whirl around to figure out where that paper came from, Patrick glowers at me, aim poised to throw another paper wad. He looks more annoyed than usual, mouth twisted in a deep grimace.
He points at my desk. “Gimme back my homework.”
EIGHT
Patrick
I don’t get it. The new guy isn’t eventhatgood-looking. I don’t see the big whatzeedo about him—and why is Sara suddenly so enamored, anyway?
NINE
Sara
When school ends, I skip out the double doors with Patrick and Tammy, ready to embrace my sweet, sweet freedom, before I remember—oh, right. Tutoring. I can’t escape yet.
Ugh.
