Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
This is insane!
This is wrong.
I’m about to turn around and backtrack when he suddenly looks up, spotting me. His expression doesn’t change, but his eyes meet mine and we’re stuck in this reverie, my deep browns against his ocean blues. It’s easily the most personal moment we’ve shared.
The girl becomes aware he’s no longer paying attention to what she’s saying and her hand touches his elbow. I wonder if I could ever muster up the courage to do something so bold. To feel how hard he feels through his shirt. Hell, I just wonder if I can stop gawking at him all the time, or not live for the moments when we have too brief a conversation.
I need to try harder to focus on something else.
Something normal.
The bell rings just as I’m passing his classroom, the hallway now emptying rapidly. I feel him still watching me, the heat of his glare on my back. I glance slowly over my right shoulder to see if I’m right, if my body truly is that in tune to his.
It is.
He’s halfway in his classroom as our eyes meet again, but this time, I see something in him alter, like a mask melting off in front of me, for his face instantly transforms into the slightest of grins.
I practically skip to the gym.
LAB ASSISTANT
I stayed late after math class today and didn’t have time to take the long way to pass by Mr. Harrington’s classroom. However, in English, the pathetic person I am asks Ms. Harrington if her brother is here today. I don’t know why I admit to the things I do, because it only proves what a sad, pitiful person I am, but I just had to know, to make sure. To feed this stupid sick pattern I’ve gotten myself into.
“He is,” she smiles. “Do you need to see him?”
It’s like an opportunity in disguise. I’m easily the best in her class, and here she is outright giving me a chance to go see him. Right here, right now. I know he’s in class, and despite simply wanting to pass by, I can’t possibly stoop that low. Besides, his door is usually closed while he’s teaching. Shit, but if I could just think of an excuse to knock so I can see his face. What I’d give for an extra opportunity to look him in the eye.
Nevertheless, I shake my head no and go back to my seat.
By lunchtime, I’m practically bouncing off my chair because today’s a lab day, which means double time with my favorite teacher.
“Why are you so peppy?” Chloe asks. “We have lab and chemistry. This suck.” She places her head on the table, and it’s hard to hear her with all the lunchroom noise.
“I know!” I beam.
“God you are so weird,” she shakes her head. “At least I get to gawk at Kyle. Do you ever notice how he looks my way?”
“Yeah,” I agree, even though I’ve never paid attention to it. I’m a terrible friend, but we each have our own gawking to do.
When we get to lab, I’m sure the excitement can be seen on my face. Maybe that’s why Mr. Harrington calls on me to assist him with his demonstration. Or maybe it’s because I am the only one who is point blank looking his way when he asks for a volunteer. I’m too much in my own world to register what he is actually asking for, but I’m sure everyone else was looking every which way but his.
“I don’t think you want me over there with you,” I shake my head. I’m definitely not one to go up in front of the class. I’m far too nervous, my hands will probably shake, and I’ll mess it up and look stupid.
“Please, Luci,” his smooth voice pleads.
I’m butter.
I put my notebook down and walk over to the lab table while everyone crowds around us. He puts on safety glasses, looking sexy as hell.
“Put these on,” he hands me a pair of goggles and I give him a look. These are not the sleek looking glasses his are, but flat out dorky goggles. No one looks good in these things! They should be banned from existence. It’s the first time we’re using them, and I’m going be the first in the class to look like a total loser. He shoves them my way again. I take a deep breath as I pull the strap over my head.
“Ouch,” Kyle snickers, and the rest of the class lets out a small laugh, but I’m too busy watching Mr. Harrington gape at me to care. Can you guys all stop laughing and let me bask in my moment? His mouth opens a little, and when he doesn’t say anything I break the silence.
“So what’s next,” I whisper. We’re standing close, closer than we’ve ever been. I can smell his familiar spicy cologne mixed with his minty breath.