“God, you are impossible.” Olivia huffed. In the next moment, she was gone.
I took a deep breath, waited a few seconds to make it seem like I hadn’t been listening, and then rounded the corner of the building. I smiled and dropped my backpack to the ground.
“Hey,” I said, sitting.
Simon’s face lit up. “Hey.” He gently nudged my shoulder with his.
“So, your sister yelled at me this morning, said I couldn’t go to the concert with you.” I had no idea why I said that, especially when she’d just argued with him about the same thing seconds ago.
He rolled his eyes.
“Look, if it’s easier for me not to go, I won’t go. It’s fine. I promise,” I said.
“No way.” He shook his head. “She can’t tell me what to do.” He shifted so he was facing me. “I want you to go.”
“Okay,” I said before I could stop myself.
Using Olivia as an excuse was too easy, and I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction. Like Simon told her, she’d just have to deal with it. Besides, it was a concert. There would be tons of people there. I wouldn’t have to actually talk to her.
“Good.” Simon grinned, and my stomach fluttered. “We’ll have a smashing time. Promise.”
Surprisingly, I actually believed him.
I RACED OUT OF school and straight to Declan’s car. Thanks to the fact that the teacher liked to talk nonstop and couldn’t answer a simple question I had without rambling, I was now going to be late meeting Jaxon for his first tutoring session.
Out of breath, I raced into the bookstore and made a mad dash for the back. All the tables were occupied, and none of them by Jaxon. I glanced around frantically, my heart sinking. He’d left. I fumbled to get my cell phone from my pocket to check the time.
“Chloe, over here.”
I whipped around to find Jaxon lounging on the small couch situated in a reading alcove. I exhaled with relief and made my way toward him. Dropping my backpack onto the floor, I sank onto the couch, which was a lot softer than it looked. The cushions dipped, and I tilted toward Jaxon. I quickly righted myself, but not before he got a good chuckle.
“You seem frazzled,” he said, his voice all smooth confidence.
“Sorry I’m late. I had to talk to one of my teachers after class, and then traffic was horrendous,” I said, smoothing my hands over my hair. “So, did you bring your stuff?”
“Wow. You’re all business.”
I glared at him. “Well, that is what we’re here for, right?” I’d been very clear with him that this was a business relationship—nothing more.
He shrugged, the motion so fluid and graceful and carefree. “Yeah, but you look like you need a few minutes to decompress. Want something to drink?” He stood.
I tilted my head back to see his face. “Actually, yeah. I’d love a strawberry smoothie.”
With a small nod, he disappeared, and then reappeared moments later with two plastic cups. He handed me one and then returned to his spot on the couch. I cradled the cold cup in my hands and took a hearty sip.
“Mmm,” I said, eyes closed. This place made the best smoothies.
When I reopened my eyes, Jaxon was staring at me, his gaze heated. Something deep in my gut flared to life. Not desire, really, but close. Like a mix between curiosity and attraction and a healthy dose of fear.
I cleared my throat. “Thanks.”
His only response was another nod.
“Okay, so, what do you want to work on first?” I set my cup on the small table next to the couch and reached for my backpack.
Jaxon placed his hand on my arm, and heat exploded on my skin. “Will you please just relax for a minute?” There was a teasing lilt to his voice. “And tell me what has your panties in a twist.”
My jaw dropped. Did he seriously just say that to me? Like I was going to tell him I was a social outcast with no friends, except for the hottest guy at school, which I still couldn’t quite figure out.
“It’s nothing,” I said. “Just been a long day.”
“Why?” He took a sip of his drink.
I sighed heavily and leaned back, resting my head on the back of the couch. He was the very last person I wanted to confess all my problems to, but I didn’t really have anyone else I could talk to. I mean, sure, I could call Abby or Ellie, but I didn’t want to bring them down just because I was miserable. They were both so happy, and I didn’t want to ruin that for them.
Jaxon, on the other hand, was essentially a complete stranger. He barely knew me, and he certainly didn’t know Simon or Olivia or anyone else I wanted to talk about.
“Chloe?” His voice was soft and tender.
“So, there’s this guy, Simon, and—”
“A boyfriend?” he asked.
“No.” I laughed. “Definitely not a boyfriend. He’s literally the richest, most popular, and hottest guy at school and—”
“Maybe I need to transfer to your school. Show them what hot really looks like.” Jaxon winked.
Smiling, I shook my head. Okay, so maybe talking to him wouldn’t be so bad.
“Anyway,” I said. “For some unknown reason, Simon seems to like me.”
“Some unknown reason?” Jaxon’s eyebrows rose. “You’re kidding, right?”
I stared at him. What was that supposed to mean?
“You do own a mirror, don’t you?” he asked, his tone incredulous. “You’re gorgeous, Chloe.”
Wait… what? Jaxon thought I was gorgeous? What was with these hot guys suddenly taking an interest in me? I couldn’t deny it was flattering, but why did this have to happen now, when I was so close to leaving?
“Right,” I said, my voice cracking. “Well, Simon asked me to go to a concert with him on Friday, and—”
“So, he asked you out on a date?” There was an edge to
