“You returned the money right away, right? And you like her despite the money, don’t you?”
I nod.
“Then what’s the problem? The way I see it, you gave me back the money and still hung out with her after that. It’s like the money didn’t exist.”
I take some time to let his words make sense in my head. “But you still paid me. Maybe if I explain it to her—”
“No. Listen to me, man. Don’t tell her. You won’t gain anything. You’ll only hurt her feelings. Look dude, when you’re in a relationship, you’ve got to decide what to keep to yourself and what to tell your girl. This is something you keep to yourself.”
I lift a brow. “You didn’t tell Jenna about the money?”
“Of course not. Because it’s not worth it, especially because it doesn’t mean anything. I tell her other secrets, sure, things that are important and stuff like that. But listen to me. This isn’t something you want to tell your girlfriend.” His face hardens. “Remember what I said about you hurting her?”
I hold up my hands. “Geez, okay. I won’t tell her.” I stand. “And you don’t have to worry about my hurting her. I’ll never do such a thing.” She means too much to me.
He claps me on the back again. “Good. Glad to hear it.”
We head to our classes just as the bell rings. I find Artemis at her locker, her head whipping around like she’s looking for someone. I don’t need to guess who.
I slip my arm around her waist, yanking her to my chest. She thrashes for a few seconds, but then must realize it’s me and relaxes.
“You scared me!” she hisses.
I bend my head to kiss her, but then I remember we’re at school. I twist my mouth up, trying to muster a smile, but I fail miserably. Crap. I want to smile, just for her. But it looks like I never will.
“We’d better get to class,” she says, leading me toward history. I’m forced to release her from my clasp because PDA is forbidden at school. That’s bull. Wish I could show this girl every second of every day how strongly I feel about her.
Maybe Jason was right. Why cause Artemis unnecessary pain? Ididreturn the money, and anyway, I’m glad I went to the dance with her. It was the start of everything.
“What? You have this weird look on your face,” she says.
“I’m just happy you’re in my life.”
She beams. “Me, too.” She takes a deep breath. “And I think I might be falling…”
“Mr. Rogers, Miss West, you’re late,” Mrs. Lee snaps as soon as we enter the room. She motions for us to quickly grab our seats, and I’m glad she didn’t toss detention slips our way. Maybe because I’m still the guy who’s mourning his parents’ deaths.
Throughout the lesson, I can’t stop thinking about what Artemis was in the middle of saying. That she might be…falling in love with me?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel the same. It’s crazy. I never felt that way about a girl before. Honestly, it scares me a little.
But at the same time, I like it.
Artemis sends me sweet smiles all through class, and that makes my heart pound stronger and makes me want to wrap my arms around her. Just hold her, never wanting to let go.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Artemis
Ryan, Jenna, Jason, and I are all sitting together at lunch. We’re talking about silly things and I’m surprised and glad to see this calm, happy side to Ryan. He hasn’t smiled yet, but he’s having a good time with my brother and best friend. It’s weird to think that only a few days ago, he sat alone at a table or in the art room.
Jenna and Jason kiss and rub noses, and I catch Ryan looking at me. I’m not really ready to display our relationship all over school and it doesn’t look like he is, either. So we’re fine with holding hands under the table.
“Any special plans for your three-year anniversary?” I ask the lovebirds.
Jenna and Jason smile at one another, with love shining in their eyes. “Yeah,” Jason says, taking Jenna’s hand. “Got lots of stuff planned.”
Jenna giggles.
