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Amanda isn’t really my date. She likes someone else. So you correct it or I will.

I smile to myself. I know very little about men, and know even less about men who can’t be seen with you in public yet act as if they like you in private but...

I’m pretty sure he’s jealous.

I arrive at school the next morning some combination of terrified and thrilled. I want to see Ford again. I am hungry for the way his eyes rest on my face. And I’m terrified that they now won’t rest the same way.

I get my answer when I walk into English and find Ford sitting in Daniel’s seat.

His eyes rise to mine as I walk into class, his mouth moving into a slow grin.

Daniel walks in and immediately objects. “That’s my seat,” he says.

Ford shrugs. “I’m having a hard time seeing the smart board. Mrs. O suggested I move closer.”

Daniel turns to her, outraged, and she winces. “I’m sorry, Daniel,” she says. “It’s just until Ford gets an eye exam.”

There’s something about the cocky smile on Ford’s face that tells me he won’t be getting an exam anytime soon.

I pull out my phone and text him from my lap.

ME

Suddenly you need glasses?

FORD

I’m just trying to be a more diligent student.

So this had nothing to do with Daniel’s supposed crush.

Two birds, one stone.

We don’t speak once for the rest of the day. All our conversations are through simple things—a quick smile, the brush of his hand passing mine in the hallway. Oh, and constant, constant messages through Calcul8.

FORD

I saw you watching me. That day I mowed your yard.

ME

I have no idea what you’re talking about. I wasn’t watching you.

Liar. I saw you. Bedroom on the upper left.

Shit. That’s my bedroom. And I guess I was looking at him, even if I was trying not to.

Don’t worry. I stared at you first. I know you remember it.

At the pool.

At the pool. Yeah.

Before you knew who I was.

I was so pissed when I found out.

What would you have done if I’d been someone else?