I’m suing you,” I grumble.
She sniggers. “The cool air is good for you.”
I scowl. Cool? We might as well be at the fucking North Pole. We’re sitting on a bench on campus, just hanging out between classes. We could have gone to a cafe or somewhere warmer, but no, my insane friend wants to hang outside.
My heart stutters as soon as I pull up my messages and see Bryce’s name. Actually, I have him stored as Cancun in case anyone gets into my phone. He got a good laugh out of that.
C: Bet I know what you’re thinking.
I lift a brow, confused about the random text.
I tap out, Um… okay. What am I thinking?
C: You’re thinking about Mexico.
My brows dip. Yeah, I was just thinking about it.
A: You’re good. How do you know?
C: (grinning emoji) You look cold.
My head snaps ups, and I survey the campus. There are several other brave students lounging outside and some are strolling by. In the parking lot, a good distance away, I see his car. He’s leaned against it, a paper coffee cup in hand, peering in my direction. Looking at him anyone would think, he’s just finishing his coffee while checking emails or something, before he gets into his car.
A: I’m freezing. How long have you been standing there… watching me?
C: Too long.
A: Stalker.
C: I’m not even ashamed anymore.
I let out a giggle and Charlie stops talking to look at me funny. “I gave you the joke like two minutes and now you’re laughing?”
“Er…” I don’t have the heart to tell her I spaced out and missed the joke. “It’s just clicking right now.” She lifts a brow and launches into another topic.
Glancing back at Bryce, I see him smile. I’m glad we talk like this, over texts and phone calls. He makes me laugh. I blow out a breath. It’s time for me to stop pussyfooting around and just go out with the guy. He’s been patient and so sweet. I’m going to make time this weekend. I let him know.
A: I’m free this weekend…
I look his way to see his expression. He’s looking at his phone, wearing a broad grin.
C: I’ll call you.
“Okay, who are you talking to?” Charlie reaches for my phone and I stretch my arm away just in time before she can take it from me. She gasps. “Oh my god, you are talking to someone!” she screeches, and it has my ear ringing. I had no idea voices could even go that high. “Who is it? Who is he? What’s he like? Tell me everything. Does he smell good? Men who smell good are the best,” she sighs in a dreamlike state.
Actually, Bryce does smell good.
Really, really fucking good.
“What’s he do? Is he a student? Does he go here? Is he older?” she drops her tone salaciously.
I can hardly keep up with all her questions.
“Oh! Is he married? I’ll support you the best I can, but between you and me, I don’t think that’s right to do.”
“Okay, woah. Just stop. You’re getting way ahead of yourself. He is not a student. We are just friends right now. Nothing more. I don’t think I want more.”
“Don’t do that. Don’t ruin something good because of your family again. I’m sure the only person on this campus that cares so much is you.”
“Charlie—’
“Does he know about your dad?”
I sigh, my breath leaving my lips in froze puffs. “Yes, he does.”
“Does he care?”
“I don’t think so,” I grumble.
“Well, maybe you should think about being more than friends and if you want to talk about him, when you’re ready, I’ll be here with open ears. And of course I’ll be totally freaking happy for you.”
I grin and look out toward the silver car again, seeing Bryce behind the wheel still watching me.
I want Charlie to be right.
But something tells me, the relationship between me And Bryce will be a lot harder than she is making it out to be.
A mayor’s rich son and a convict’s daughter don’t belong together. It isn’t a love written in the stars.
It isn’t written at all.
Because it never happens.
It doesn’t make sense.
Chapter Six
Bryce
I’ve been on countless dates― too many that meant too little. This impending one, however, has me on edge. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been nervous about… anything. Wait, I can remember a time. Two weeks ago in Cancun when I caused a pretty girl to spill her drink all over herself. Yeah, I’d been nervous then. I’d lost my cool for a