River bristles, his hand going still around his coffee mug. “We were having a conversation.”
Luca finally spares him a glance. “You’ll live.”
“Luca,” I warn under my breath.
He leans closer, elbow on the table, his voice dropping low. “What? I’m just saying hi. It’s not my fault if things get… uncomfortable.”
River’s smile is strained. “You always make things awkward?”
“Only when it’s fun,” Luca says, his gaze sliding back to me. “So… didyou miss me?”
I roll my eyes, heat prickling beneath my skin. “You should be resting.”
“I am,” he says, not missing a beat. “Resting my eyes. On you.”
River looks between us, clearly trying to piece together whatever the hell this is.
“You know,” Luca says to no one in particular, picking up an untouched strawberry from my plate without asking, “I can’t help but wonder what someone likeyouis doing with someone likehim.”
River’s shoulders tense. “Excuse me?”
I open my mouth to shut it down, to snap at him, I don’t even know, but Luca gets there first.
“Chill out, dude. I’m just saying. You don’t really seem all that interesting,” he dares River, biting into the strawberry with a grin. “Bit of a safe bet.”
“And? You’re the better choice?” River’s eyes narrow.
Luca beams. “Exactly.” He turns to me. “Even he says I’m the better choice.”
“Okay,” I cut in, holding a hand up to Luca. “Enough.”
Luca holds up his hands in mock surrender, but the gleam in his eyes saysI’m not done.
River looks at me, his voice softer. “You don’t have to deal with that, y’know.”
“I’m fine. I can handle Luca,” I say, though my heartbeat begs to differ.
Luca leans back, folding his arms behind his head. “Youarefine. That’s the problem. I hope you dohandleme.”He winks.
I glare at him. There’s no real heat behind it—the flush on my cheeks betrays me.
River stands, gathering his tray. “I’ve got to get to class.”
“I’ll see you later?” I already regret this circus.
He dips his chin, giving Luca one last glance before walking off.
The moment he’s gone, Luca leans in again. “So… when are you going to put that poor lad out of his misery?”
I scowl. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Then tell me this,” his voice as smooth as velvet. “When he kissed you, did you feel butterflies?” His smile curves knowingly.
“How do you even know about that?” I already know the answer. I stand too fast, tray rattling. “Never mind, you aresoinfuriating.”
I walk away to the sound of his laughter.
26 HALLOWEEN
