Ember X (Death Collectors) - By Jessica Sorensen Page 0,34
for Farrah Taverson, who is the only girl at the table. She’s been dating Laden Miller for a while and she scowls at me, gathers her medieval era dress before she leaves the table and heads out into the parking lot.
“You looked like you needed help,” Asher whispers in my ear and then his takes a gentle nip at my earlobe. “Was that guy harassing you?”
My shoulders spasm as I stir a fry in a cup of ranch. “No, he was being…” I trail off because I don’t really have a clue what Cameron was being toward me.
“So, Raven still not shown up yet, huh?” he asks and I shake my head, frowning as he takes a bite of his burger. He licks a dab of mayo from his lip and I imagine licking it off him, along with many other things.
As my body starts to hum with the images of where his tongue could search, I squeeze my legs together. “No, I think she’s probably bailed and went shopping for the day. She loves to shop.”
He offers me a forced smile. “I’m sure she does.” His eyes scan me over. “Are you okay?” His gaze travels to my forehead. “Did you go to the doctor after the accident?”
“Yeah,” I lie. “And I’m fine.” I wiggle my arms, bending my elbows. “No broken bones. No concussion. I’m like a walking miracle.”
“What about your car?” he asks with concern, leaning closer to examine me and I can feel the heat of his breath on my lips.
My mood plummets. “That’s definitely a goner.”
“And how about… How are you doing with what everyone else is saying?”
I shrug. “It’s not the first time they’ve wanted to burn me at the stake.”
Leaning back, he takes another bite of his sandwich and changes the subject. “So you never answered my question.”
“About what?” I asks, sipping on my soda.
“About the guy you were with just now?” He chews on a French fry.
“That’s Cameron.” I unwrap my chicken sandwich. “He’s the other new guy here and coincidently, he’s also from New York.”
“That’s weird.” His jaw tightens and he throws the rest of his food into his bag. “I don’t have to worry about him being competition do I?”
I snort a laugh, figuring he’s joking, but the serious expression on his face silences me. “No, you don’t have to worry about that.” Heat swells inside my body as he smiles and bites his lip.
“Would you do me a favor?” He stands up and collects his garbage. “Would you show me around the town a little bit?”
“Sure… Although, I’m surprised no one else has offered to yet, especially Mackenzie.” I grab my sandwich and garbage and rise to my feet.
He laughs, glancing at Mackenzie in the corner, and I realize he’s already talked to her. “I don’t think I’m really Mackenzie’s type.”
I eye his goth/emo style; a plaid shirt, black jeans, combat boots, the studs and skulls on his leather bands. He has piercings and even though he’s not, it looks like he is wearing a hint of black liner around his eyes hooded by long, thick eyelashes. He’s not her type, but he’s still strikingly beautiful, especially his eyes.
“Give her time,” I say. “In fact, I’m pretty sure if you decide to show up at the next frat party, she’ll probably whisk you away to the upstairs room in a heart beat.”
He throws his garbage into the trash, but holds onto some French fries. “And what about you? Would you whisk me away to the upstairs room?”
I dump my tray into the garbage, my skin growing warm. “I don’t know… Would you want me to?”
He doesn’t answer and my heart sinks into my chest. I don’t understand, though, because he kissed me and touched me pretty much all over.
We walk for the exit door, side-by-side, and at that moment, everyone else doesn’t exist. I crave for him to touch me again, for him to feel every inch of my body.
I eat my sandwich as we roam up the sidewalk, walking passed the park, the town square, the shopping mall. I explain where everything is, who everyone is that’s walking around, and it doesn’t take long since the town is a mere blip in the center of massive amount of mountains
“I used your name this morning,” I admit quietly when we stop in the center of the park. “When a cop brought me in for questioning.” He appears mystified so I add, “Questioning for Laden’s disappearance.”