He scratches the back of his head, his brow crinkling. “I guess not. But I did now.”
A smile wipes away his concern, and my fears retreat. Last time I saw him, he had to walk six miles to make a delivery for his mother—he’s likely even busier than I am.
His gaze drifts from my face down to my sketchbook. “Hey, those are really good.”
“Thanks.”
I glance down at my drawing, then back to his face, tracing his tender lines with my eyes. My fingers twitch, torn between conflicting urges: to draw him or run through his hair as I kiss his invitingly soft lips.
My mind squeals at the latter.What has he done to me?
He looks toward the staircase. “I can’t really stay—I’m already late for class. Do you think you’ll still be here after?”
“I can wait.” My core tingles in anticipation, already imagining the warmth of his body pressed against mine, the taste of his tongue.
Caeo brushes his fingers through my hair. “Then I’ll see you later.” His touch lingers on my chin as he stands.
I nod, biting my lip, then he hurries toward the stairs.
I turn back to my drawing, smiling to myself. The two girls I was sketching have seemingly disappeared, so I flip to a new page, planning to draw whatever comes to mind.
Nothing does.
But my stomach’s grumbling, so I pack up my sketchbook, heading to dinner early.
Chapter 8
Caeo
Islowly exhale, smoke clouding my view of the afternoon sky.
A series of thumps and rustles announces someone climbing over the edge of the roof, and sure enough, Reid grunts as he settles next to me on the slate shingles that have been digging uncomfortably into my back.
Of course he found me here. The blacksmith’s roof was a popular escape during our childhood, with a near-constant stream of hot air flowing from its chimney. It was a lifesaver for us poor kids from the outskirts during Haven’s frigid winters. All we had to do was sneak in through the neighboring lumberyard, stack some wood against the back wall, and climb up. One time, the carpenter dismantled our climbing structure, stranding us for twelve bells—an entire day—until another kid built a new way up.
I offer Reid my pipe of speckled long leaf.
He eyes the bowl as he takes it. “What color?”
“Red.”
“Life’s that bad?”
That’s a matter of perspective: yellow isn’t strong enough to do anything for me anymore, and the giddiness of orange is a waste when you’re alone. Which I was, until he showed up. Explaining all that isn’t worth the effort, though, so I close my eyes rather than answer.
“I haven’t seen you around these last few weeks.” Reid nudges my arm, and I open my eyes, taking the pipe back as he exhales smoke. “Thought I’d at least see you at mealtimes.”
“I’m not living in the dorms, so food costs extra. I can’t afford it.”
Thick, puffy clouds roll in from the west. The arrival of spring means the rains will begin soon. While that’s good for the farms surrounding Haven, it’ll make this rooftop far too slippery to keep using as an escape.
“I’m sure Ellie’d cover it if you asked.”
“Hmm?” I squint at a cloud that vaguely resembles a duck wearing a bonnet.
“Did something happen between you two? I would’ve bet good money you’d be inseparable by now, but she doesn’t even mention you.”
I blink my eyes, unsure what Reid just said. The long leaf must already be kicking in. “What are you talking about?”
