He gave me a curious, sideways glance. “Did you want me to tell people Asher attacked me? I’m trying to be considerate of you.” I wanted to believe that. It was very sweet if true. But a little voice inside me whispered, doubt. Viciously, I wondered if he kept it secret simply because no one would
Lamar was leaning in for a kiss. There had been no ask for permission. There had been no indication that he’d wanted this at all! I’d been about to say goodnight, and he was leaning in. He was almost on me, when I recovered from my shock enough to turn my head. His lips pressed against my cheek in
“Me, too,” I said. With one last bright smile, he said goodnight and hobbled down the hall. Quickly, I rushed and hid in my dorm room. I wasn’t as tired anymore, and knew I wouldn’t sleep even if I tried. I had to talk to someone about what just happened. I couldn’t keep it inside, I thought I
The next morning, I dedicated entirely to my studies. I had finally made it through the entirety of one of my textbooks. Tabs and highlights marred every single page. Though I surely didn’t remember everything I had read, I felt confident in my general level of knowledge on the subject. The practi
He glanced around us. Then he said, “The investigators are still going through the lab. She has so many files, which is good for us. She’s smart, too. From the start, she’s been planting false leads in case something like this might happen.” “But they have…” I lowered my voice. “My blood.” “That
After the game, I waited by the locker room for Lamar. I didn’t know what I would say, how I would explain why I was standing so close to Asher. But I had to tell him something, even if it was just another apology that he would make fun of. Unfortunately, the first person outside the locker room
Then Joseph stepped away from me. “See you lovebirds later.” He waved as he disappeared into the parking lot. I glanced at Lamar. “What was that look about?” “What look?” “The one you between you and Joseph just now. It seemed meaningful.” “It was just a look, Cynthia. I don’t know.” He se
Asher walked quietly beside me. We didn’t speak the entire way back to my dorm, but his steady presence was a comfort. I’d almost forgotten what it was like to have someone care about me for the sake of caring. Ever since our fight, I missed Asher desperately. What I would have given to be able