Once they released me, I wiped my face to erase my tears, and Mr. Thatch gave me a gentle hug. Patting my head, he crooked his finger at a boy sitting on the other side of the room, who gave me a bright grin when I glanced his way. Moments later, the boy stood in front of me, and I swallowed nervously. He was as beautiful as Kyler. His eyes were a gorgeous sky blue, while his short, spiked hair was white-blond with black tips. He had a dimple on one side when he grinned, which was adorable. He wore a tight black sleeveless shirt which showed off his ripped abs and arms, with ripped jeans that clung lovingly to his muscular thighs. I fought a smile when I discovered he wore combat boots as well and raised my gaze to meet his.
“Hi, I’m the lonesome guy in this here show, so it looks like you and I get to be a pair,” he greeted with a bright smile. “I’m Griffith, but everyone who matters calls me Riff, so make sure you do, or I won’t answer, okay?” I blinked, and his grin widened when my brow furrowed, but I didn’t drop my eyes. Slower than usual, the skin between my shoulders crawled, and I lowered my gaze, but it went away faster than I expected. “As the loner, I’ve always stood in the middle singing solos,” Riff continued with a chuckle when my cheeks burned. “But now you can join me,” he breathed, and my face must have turned bright red from how hot my cheeks were.
“I can dance a little,” I began, and he waved his hand dismissively with an easy smile. In the next moment, that hand was in front of my face, and I gulped before taking it. Riff’s slow, effortless flex had me standing in front of him, and I kept my eyes low. Gentle fingers beneath my chin had me looking up, and in the next moment, Riff laced our fingers together while moving his arm behind my back. Albeit, he was careful not to use pressure.
“Slow dances,” Riff agreed with an indulgent chuckle when my cheeks burned so hot, I thought they might melt. “Maybe a gentle spin,” he added before changing his grip to lead me into a slow circle and bringing me back against him. My breath escaped my lungs in an excited gasp, and his lips curled into a delighted grin. “Otherwise, we can stand together or hold hands. Something simple, but still part of the show. Besides, for you and me, our voices are what we bring to the table. These inferior peasants delight the eyes rather than the ears.” He laughed when the classroom full of students jeered and mocked him. Although, when I glanced around, their eyes were full of laughter while they grinned and tossed insults at Riff.
Slowly my shoulders relaxed, then I had nothing to dwell on other than this new boy still held me. I swallowed and stared at his chest while he cheerfully threw insults back at the choir. Now that I paid attention, I noticed he and Kyler had the same build, and were the same height. Albeit, Riff held himself softer, more approachable.
“I think I would like that,” I admitted, and he beamed. Even the rest of the choir smiled with delight, and I ducked my head. Chuckling, Riff kissed my forehead, and I gasped. I couldn’t remember the last time someone my age gave me so tender a touch, especially of the opposite gender. Usually, I brought out the worst in people. Why was this town so different? I… I like it. But I can’t. What happens when it’s time for me to leave? “You realize I have to leave in a few months, right?” I asked in a hesitant whisper, and he nodded with a frown. “What happens when I have to leave?” The question burst forth from my mouth before I could stop it.
“What happens if you don’t have to?” Riff asked with a gentle smile. His hand cupped my cheek, and I stared at him, speechless.
“I don’t know how to stay, not anymore,” I whispered after a few minutes, and he chuckled. When did my life become a soap opera?
“That’s okay, Angel, I’ll teach you,” Riff promised with a wink. Shaking my head, I would have pushed away from him, but something in my soul was so at peace I couldn’t. Instead, I leaned into his touch, and a pleased smirk curled his lips. When I glanced around from under my lashes, the entire class, including Mr. Thatch, was beaming. My shoulders relaxed, and it surprised me to discover I tensed since I didn’t realize it.
“Every time we get a new pair in our show choir, they perform a duet in the cafeteria at lunch,” Claire declared, and my shocked eyes met hers. There was something in her gaze. It looked like a thirst for vengeance, but that couldn’t be right, could it? Who or what would she seek revenge against? Blinking, I realized who it was for, and a silent gasp left my lips. Poor Riff. What did the kids of this school say to him since he was alone in show choir? If my singing with him helped get the other kids off his back, then I wouldn’t protest.
“I have an idea about that,” Riff grinned, and I hunched my shoulders at the trouble shining in his eyes. His smile gentled, and he cupped
