Chapter One

My feet move faster as I look at the time on my phone. I cringed thinking about all eyes on me walking in late to class. I quickly open the heavy door leading into the small school. Two more months of this place and I was free. Free from this school, free from this town, and most importantly, free from my Dad.

I jogged down the hall as the last bell rang, managing to squeeze into class just before everyone had taken their seats. Relief washes over me now that I can blend into the back of the classroom where I was most comfortable. I hated attention. I just wanted to coast through these last few weeks undetected. At the end of summer, I was leaving no matter what. Of course I’d have to get a car first, but I’ve been working at the Diner for almost a month. I calculated that by the end of July, I would have enough money to have my car and my freedom.

I sift through my bag and pull out my history book. The door clicks open and all eyes move up front, curious as to who was late. My eyes meet his and my body freezes, unable to even breath. I couldn’t move. It was as if I was suddenly paralized apart from my pounding heart. His eyes were such a bright blue that I could see them from the back row. He had shoulder length caramel hair that brought out his sun kissed skin. His dark clothes and chain hanging from his jeans gave him an edge that made my heart rate quicken. Reality came crashing back down as I realized he was staring just as intently at me. I turn my eyes to the textbook and try to control my ragged breathing.

Who was this man and how did he encite such magnificent feelings in me? Red flags went off in my brain, telling me I should probably stay away from him, but I knew I wouldn’t listen. I had to know who he was. My interest peaked and that rarely happened.

“We have a new student finishing out the year with us.” The teacher, Mr, Gates, announced. I snuck another glance at the mystery man and immediately regretted it. He was staring at me with a curious expression. I moved my attention to Mr. Gates as if I was unfazed by him. I pretend not to notice the half smile that made my heart throb almost painfully. “Would you like to introduce yourself?” 

“I’m Zak.” He says in a deep, husky voice. Shivers course through my body and I feel like he's only talking to me. “I just moved here from up north.” His eyes never leave me and I feel my body start to warm. Am I actually blushing? Who am I? I’ve never been so attracted to a man in my life and certainly have never reacted this way. I needed to get a grip on myself. 

“We’re glad to have you.” The teacher says, giving a small pat on Zak’s shoulder. I second that, I think to myself. “Have a seat wherever you’d like.” Mr. Gates waves a dismissive hand at Zak and goes back to his desk.

Oh, no.

He was coming straight for the empty seat next to me. There’s no way I could get through the next two months with him so close. What if I have other classes with him? I’d flunk out before the end of these last two months. I swallowed hard as he finally reached the seat next to me. A wave of his scent hits me as he plopped down, filling my lungs with the most delicious smell. An aroma of cologne mixed with a woodsy smell overtakes my senses.

Get a hold of yourself, girl. He's just a guy, not a God.

Certainly looks like a God.

I groan internally and wipe a hand down my face. Why was this so difficult? Why is the pull to him so strong? I sneak a sideways glance at him and for the first time, he’s not looking at me. I take this opportunity to study him more closely. He was definitely tall. I could tell even when he was sitting. Being this close, I could see some stubble on his chin that just made him look even sexier. Moving my eyes down, I watched the way his arm flexed as he moved. There’s no way he didn’t work out everyday with the size of his bicep. It had me wondering what his chest looked like under his shirt…

“You know,” My cheeks instantly redden as the sound of his voice pulls me from my thoughts, knowing I’ve been caught staring. His eyes meet mine and a playful half-smile is painted on his lips. “It’s rude to stare.” 

My mouth fell open and then I quickly shut it, looking around to see if anyone else had noticed. No one seemed to be paying attention to us so I decided to play his game. “I could say the same to you.” I say quietly. 

“That’s fair.” He says with a small laugh. “What’s your name?”

I hesitate for a moment. This boy screamed trouble and here I was, diving in head first. “Eliza. Everyone calls me El.”

“Eliza.” He draws my name out and fire courses through my veins. How on Earth could he get such a reaction from me by just saying my name? Seriously, what is wrong with me? “It’s nice to meet you, El.” The small smile never leaves his face. 

“Uh, likewise.” I stammered then forced my eyes up front where Mr. Gates was talking. I tried not to look again, but I couldn’t help stealing glances. Everytime I did, I caught him staring right back. I hoped there wouldn’t be a quiz on what we learned today, because I didn’t hear a single word of the lecture.

The last five minutes of class the teacher let us talk among ourselves. I wanted to talk to Zak, but instead found myself face to face with Ryan Davis, the school heartthrob. Ryan was deemed the most popular and hottest (second hottest now) guy in school. I’ve never had a conversation with him in the four years we’ve been going to school together.I suspect he must want something.

“How are you doing, El?” He says, flashing me his famous flirtatious smile. I’m shocked he even knew my name. He sits in the seat in front of me after the scrawny kid scrambled away.

“Uh…” I hesitate, blinking several times trying to figure out if this is even real. Since when does Ryan Davis speak to someone like me? “I’m good, I suppose. What can I help you with, Ryan?” I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest.

“Some friends and I are going out tonight. You should come.”

I let out a surprised laugh. I just couldn’t help myself. “Is that a joke?”

He chuckles and pushes his hair back. His shirt rose up a bit with the gesture, showing a bit of his sculpted abs and the hem of his boxers. Dear Lord, it was hot in here today. “Not at all. You helped my friend Benny with his Calculus last week and he said you were a lot of fun. Wanted to see if that was true.”

I pretended not to hear Zak snicker. The bell rang and I started to gather my things. I like Ben, but I simply don’t fit into their group. “As flattered as I am, I have to work tonight.” I say pushing past him. 

“What about tomorrow?” He follows behind me.

“I, uh…” Think of an excuse, damnit! “I’ll think about it.” He smiles triumphantly, sending my heart racing. What did I just do?

I scurry off, trying to put as much space between me and Ryan as possible. “So,” My breath escapes me as I hear that husky voice behind me. “Got a hot date tomorrow, huh?”

Zak falls in step next to me. He makes it incredibly hard to form sentences. “I never agreed.”

He chewed on his lip for a moment. He even made that look sexy. “He doesn’t seem like your type.” 

I couldn’t help but smile. Even he noticed it was odd for Ryan to be talking to me. “He’s not. I’ve never even talked to him before today.”

“What is your type?” His question takes me by surprise.

“I don’t have one.” Before he can ask another question, I turn to face him. “Do you need help finding your next class or something?”

“Nope. Calculus is my next class. I’m heading in the right direction. Fortunately, it’s the same way you were going.” He gives me a devilish grin that makes me wonder what he could possibly be thinking about.

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. This boy was going to be the death of me. “That is my next class too.”

“What do you know? Must be fate.”

I start walking again. “Or I’m in hell.” I hear his intoxicating chuckle as he follows me in silence to the next class. I take my seat, almost in the back. He still sits close, but this time he was diagonal from me and out of my line of vision. Maybe, just maybe, I’d be able to focus in this class.

I think I heard fate laugh at me.

“What the hell were you and Ryan talking about?” 

“Hello to you too, Kelsey.” I say, rolling my eyes. A petite girl with red hair came stomping up to me. She is perfectly groomed from head to toe and showed way too much cleavage in a dress that was entirely too short for school. She never normally spoke to me, apart from a snide comment about my appearance every once in a while. I was drawn to the color black, and I suppose it didn’t help that my hair was also the color of obsidian. My entire wardrobe consisted of graphic t-shirts, black jeans, and the occasional flannel.

“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away from my boyfriend, you goth slut.” She placed a hand on her hip, trying her best to look intimidating.

I raised an eyebrow. “Okay, first of all, I heard he broke it off with you a while ago. And secondly, he approached me, not the other way around. Third,” I leaned in closer. “We both know you’ve slept with more guys than me.” Her mouth falls open and I hear a few snickers from nearby students that were listening in. “Relax, Kelsey. I turned him down.” Well mostly. The thought of Kelsey being jealous of me puts a smile on my face that I’m sure wouldn’t go away anytime soon. 

“Listen here you little-” She sucks in a sharp breath, recalculating her words. “Ryan and I are so not done. We’re just on a break.”

“Does he know that?” I lean back in my chair and she huffs. It was way too entertaining taunting her. She looked like she would explode from anger at any second.

“Just stay away from him.” She growled like the little kitten she is. I was sure if it came to a fight between her and I, I would most definitely win, not that I was much of a fighter. Quite the opposite really. I could be strong if I needed to, but for the most part, I liked to avoid any conflict.

Which would mean avoiding Ryan.

I shake my head as she takes her seat up front. I must be dreaming. I have to be. With everything that’s happened today, I’m sure I’ll wake up soon.

“She seems like a peach.” Zak's voice reaches my ear and shivers roll through me.

I answer in a sarcastic tone without looking back at him. “Oh, yeah. She’s great. We’re like, best friends.” His small laugh makes my cheeks burn. So much for focusing.

The rest of class, I tried my best to focus on the lesson, but I could feel Zak’s eyes on me. When the bell chimes I race out of my seat, hoping he wouldn’t follow, but also kind of hoping he would.

“Hey!” He calls to me, catching up with me in the hall. “What’s your next class?” As I turn to face him I forget how to speak momentarily. He runs a hand through his hair, pushing it out of his blue eyes. I held his gaze for a moment longer before realizing I was staring.

“Can I see your schedule?” I hold out my hand. He pulls a folded piece of paper out from his pocket. Our fingers brush as he hands it to me and we both jump from the sudden shock, dropping the piece of paper. The feeling of our skin touching was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. All at once, like an electrical current, my body hummed then stopped the moment the connection was served.

He picks up the paper and hands it to me again, careful not to touch my hand. “Must have been static electricity.” He murmured. I didn’t believe it and could tell he didn’t believe it either. I unfold the paper and read down the list. Our afternoon classes were different until the last hour.

“We have art together.” I say handing him the paper back.

His smile makes me melt. All I wanted was to touch him and feel that magnificent feeling again. I wondered how it would feel if our lips touched…

“Perfect.” He steps closer, moving slowly past me. “I get to start and end my day with you.” He was so close that I could smell mint on his breath and feel the warmth of his body. He moved away much too fast and I’m left gawking in the direction he walked in.