Dropping my half-eaten breakfast in the trash, I fill up my takeout coffee cup to the brim and head out, wavingbyeto my new friends.
Would it be super weird if I sat in the parking lot, asking everyone who leaves if they’ll take me with them?
Probably...
Besides, I doubt anyone would agree to lock me in the trunk until we pass the gate.
Lost in my absurd thoughts, I don’t spot the tall, dark figure leaning against the building. Not until I hear the jingle of keys. My head whips to the side where Nash stands, absorbing the space around him like a black hole. Everything else fades into the background while he pins me down with a pointed stare.
His face is always so stoic and impassive, only occasionally breaking into an arrogant smirk.
“You ready to go?” he asks, nothing warm about his tone, or his eyes as they slowly rake over me, starting at the crown of my head and traveling all the way south. My skin heats on cue.
He does this every time we meet, like he enjoys making me squirm.
“Go?” I cuckoo. “Go where?”
“Town. I heard you asking Jensen for a ride.”
“Chloe did,” I correct. “I didn’t realize you had a car here...” Otherwise I would’ve asked him.
Who are you kidding?
Exactly. Who am I kidding? I’m too scared to ask him fora favor.
I roll my eyes at the last thought. He’s notthatscary...
Nash inhales a sharp breath, taking a threatening step forward and proving me wrong.
“Why did you do that?” he grits out, his warm breath tickling my forehead.
“What?”
His jaw works in tight circles, annoyance exuding from him in waves. “You rolled your eyes.”
“I had a silly thought—”
“Don’tdo that again.”
“Why?”
He rakes a hand through his hair, letting his dark eyes trail down my frame. “Just don’t. You want that ride or not?”
I’m honestly not so sure it’s smart getting in a car with him. “Why would you take me with you?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
I bite my lip, weighing my options.
I can’t figure him out. He looked ready to hurt me on Wednesday. He toned it down last night and today there’s almost no trace of anger as he waits until I make my mind up.
“I don’t bite,” he adds, straightening his back, ready to walk off—a clear signal that I’m running out of time. He makes me feel like a rabbit in a trap when he’s this close. Small, helpless and insanely thrilled.
“Are you sure? I bet you have rabies.”
The smirk curling his lips resembles an actual smile.
“Let me rephrase. I don’t bite unless you want me to.” He motions through the trees toward the parking lot. “I won’t askagain, Hailey.” And with that he starts walking, keys jiggling in his hand.
