I’m not sure if it is, because the truth is, I’m starting to really like this girl, and it could backfire spectacularly. But we will be seeing a lot of one another, whether we do this or not, so we might as well milk the benefits. “If you’re sure, then I’m down with it, putting boundaries in place like we discussed the other night.”
“Gwen knows, and I’ll have to tell Renee if you plan on telling Thor, but I won’t be telling anyone else.”
“Thor already knows, so it’s only fair his girlfriend knows, but no one else will hear it from me.”
“And we agree to end it if either one of us wants to, and we’re exclusive, which means we won’t date or kiss or hook up with anyone else.”
“I have no issue with any of that.”
She licks her lips, running a hand along the back of her neck. “So, we’re doing this?”
“Yeah.” I place a hand on my stomach. “Fuck it, why not?”
“How should we handle it?”
“I have training on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with weekly matches on either Friday or Saturday, so I can drive you to and from school on Mondays and Thursdays, and when my schedule allows it, I can drive you to and from work on the weekends and hit the gym while I’m there.”
“So, I’ll ride with you in the morning?”
I bob my head. “And I’ll sit with you at lunch. It’ll send a clear message we’re together and exclusive. If we tell our friends, they’ll spread the word, and we can mention it to our parents tomorrow night.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Cool.”
“Cool.”
We stare at one another, the intensity of the moment not lost on either of us, before I snap myself out of it and retrieve myrunners, bending down to tie the laces. Don’t want to fumble over an untied lace and fall from the tree. That would be one surefire way to ruin my football career before it’s even started.
“Be careful,” she whispers as I grip the window frame, preparing to swing myself out onto the tree.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be grand. I’ll see you in the morning,” I call out quietly as I exit Astrid’s bedroom, hoping we don’t end up regretting the decision we’ve just made.
17
CALLAN
“Is this what it’s like for you all the time?” Astrid asks as we walk hand in hand down the school hallway toward the lockers. “People staring, whispering, and pointing at you?”
“It’s not usually this intense,” I say, slowing my steps as we near her locker.
“It’s unsettling and invasive.” She drops her bag at the foot of her locker. “When Joe and I first got together, it made waves, but it was nothing like this.”
“Changing your mind already?” I lean against her neighbor’s locker as I watch Astrid open hers.
“No.” She flicks hair out of her eyes as she searches for the books she needs for morning classes. “I just hope the interest dies quickly. I hate people gossiping about me.”
“I’m sure they’ll find something else to talk about soon. It is American high school, after all. The home of teen drama,” I deadpan.
Her light laughter stirs something in my chest. “True.” She dumps a few books from her bag into her locker, replacing them with others, before shutting it. Her gaze wanders behind me,and her lips kick up at the corners. “Maybe they’ll switch their attention to Scott and Gwen.”
Sliding my arm around her waist, I turn us to look to where Scott and Gwen are kissing against a locker like they’re aiming to make The Guinness World Records for the longest time sucking face.
“Excellent.” I glance around, noticing the crowd fervently watching the Gwen and Scott show. “They’re already drawing the attention away from us. Let’s go.” Taking her hand, I lead her around the corner toward my locker, grateful it’s quieter here. I switch out books like a pro and escort my gorgeous fake girlfriend to her first class.
“This is me,” Astrid says, stopping at the door. “Thanks for the ride and for walking me to class.”
“I’ve got this boyfriend thing nailed down already,” I joke, holding her waist and drawing her into my body. My heart thumps wildly against my ribs as I lower my head, marveling at every tiny, perfect detail on Astrid’s face.
