“Anyway, yeah, look, I know the dealio with you and Astrid, and it’s my duty as her bestie to tell you if you hurt her, I’ll make you pay, and I’m not someone you should underestimate.”
“I’m shaking like a leaf,” I drawl, maneuvering around a few students to avoid bumping into them.
“I’m not joking, Cal.” She jumps in front of me, forcing me to stop. Her hands land on her hips, and she narrows her eyes as she stares at me. “I think this is a bad idea, and it won’t end well, but I hope I’m wrong.”
“I’m not going to hurt Astrid, and while I’m getting sick of that accusation being thrown around, I respect you and Thor for watching out for her.”
“Astrid is special, and I won’t have anyone playing her for a fool.”
The insinuation is clear, and now she’s just getting on my nerves. “That’s not what I’m doing,” I say through gritted teeth.
“You misunderstand,” she says, placing her hand on my arm. “I’m not saying you are, just that Astrid is going places, and I’d hate for thisarrangementto mess with her plans. You hear me?”
“Loud and clear, Gwen.” I shove her hand off. “Unless there’s anything else, I’ve got a class to get to.”
“Astrid has been there for me, through so many things, and I’m as protective of her as she is of me. Don’t hate me for needing to say this to ensure my best friend is okay. I would be a shitty friend if I said nothing.”
Not sure I agree, but I’m so over this conversation. “I get it, and it’s cool. No bad blood.” I hold up my palms. “I swear.”
“Great. I’m glad we had this talk.” She wiggles her fingers. “Catch you later, Cal!”
I rotate my shoulders, easing the tension I feel there, before heading to my final class of the day. The only one I share with my new girlfriend.
The class is full when I arrive, so I’m grateful to see an empty desk beside Astrid and her hand in the air, motioning me forward. She’s only wearing a shirt, jeans, and runners today,but she still looks pretty as a picture, and every other girl pales into the background.
“Saved you a seat,” she says, removing a book from the chair to let me sit.
“Thanks.” I slide into the chair and take out my books.
“You were cutting it close.”
I open my mouth to explain it’s because her bestie accosted me with unnecessary warnings when the teach arrives and the class begins.
Students are milling about in the hallway after class ends, and I push our way through the crowds, eager to grab their stuff and get the hell out of Dodge, heading for my locker with Astrid’s hand firmly entwined in mine. Warmth from her soft palm sinks bone deep, easing the irritation I’ve been feeling since Gwen’s little ambush.
“I’m glad this day is almost over,” Astrid says, waiting by my side as I sort stuff in my locker. “Being popular is stressful and not something I want.”
A shrill laugh grates on my eardrums, and I glance over my shoulder, annoyed to find fucking Ana standing right behind us, looking down her nose at Astrid.
“You can’t be this naïve, surely?” She cocks her head to the side, her gaze trailing Astrid from head to toe. “I’ll spell it out for you, Astrid.You’renot the popular one, and as soon as Callan wakes up and realizes there are far prettier girls in this school, you’ll be back on the outs where you belong.” She tosses her hair over her shoulder and thrusts out her chest, and it’s laughable she thinks she’s prettier than the girl at my side.
“If that’s meant to insult me, you’ll have to try harder,” Astrid coolly replies.
“Funny,” I say, slamming my locker closed and turning around. My arm wraps protectively around Astrid. “All I see right now is an ugly girl who thinks it’s cool to make fun ofothers. There is nothing less attractive than a bitch with a chip on her shoulder.”
“You can’t speak to me like that!” she shrieks. “Trav!” she calls out. “Callan just called me ugly!”
“Oh my god,” Astrid says before burying her face in my chest. Her shoulders shake gently with her laughter.
“You got some beef with me, Hunt?” Travis Garner says, squaring up to me. His teammates surround him, and suddenly, Astrid is pulled back, hidden behind the row of soccer players gathered at my sides and my back.
“Nah, mate. We’re cool, but you need to put a muzzle on your girl. Maybe a leash, too, because she spent far too much time trying to hump my leg Saturday night to be trusted to go out alone.”
Garner’s nostrils flare, and he raises his arm just as a shrill whistle pierces the tension hanging in the air. The American football coach stalks forward, wearing a face like thunder.
“What is this?” he demands, glowering at his QB before turning his glare on me.
“Nothing, Coach.” Garner physically steps back, holding up his hands. “Just a little friendly rivalry.”
