Arrogant Heir (The Heirs #2) - Michelle Heard Page 0,18
between feeling upset that I messed things up with Jase and dying of embarrassment because he knows my secret.
I’m also avoiding Jade, Fallon, and Hana, knowing my friends will want to talk about the fight between Jase and me. At least the part they saw in the restaurant.
My thoughts keep spinning around the mess my life has become, and I don’t even notice the lecture is over until Jade taps me on the shoulder. “Hey, you look like you’re miles away. What’s wrong?”
I pack my bag again, and getting up, I shrug. “I’m just tired. I didn’t sleep too well last night and totally overslept this morning.”
We walk out of the auditorium, and with an hour to wait until our next class, I say, “I haven’t eaten yet? Want to grab something with me?”
“Sure.”
Fallon catches up to us and shoots me a questioning look. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I smile widely at my friends. “Just tired. I’ll go to bed early tonight, but right now, I need food.”
Walking across the lawn, I hear Jase’s familiar laugh, and my head snaps in his direction. He’s standing with Jessica and her friends. Jessica is practically hanging on his arm, and I quickly glance away from the sight.
I hear Jessica giggle, and then she asks, “Will you go with me to Nate’s party this Friday?”
I walk faster, not wanting to hear his answer. Who Jase dates has nothing to do with me.
“Mila!” Justin catches up to me and smiles. “I haven’t seen you around campus this past weekend.”
“I went home.”
He falls into step next to me and asks, “Are you on your way to the restaurant?”
My eyes go to his face, knowing what his next question will be. The poor guy’s been trying really hard the past week.
Maybe I should give him a chance?
I nod to his question. “Yeah. I’m starving.”
“I know you said you aren’t dating right now, but would you consider eating with me?”
What do I have to lose?
“Sure.” I turn my gaze to Fallon and Jade’s, who both stare at me with wide eyes. “You don’t mind if I skip lunch with you today?”
“No.” Fallon’s answer bursts over her lips.
Jade shakes her head, her eyes darting between Justin and me, then she says, “Don’t mess with my cousin, or I’ll kick your ass.”
Justin lets out a burst of laughter. “It’s just lunch, Jade.”
“Yeah.” She continues to give him a look of warning until Fallon pulls her away.
Walking into the restaurant with Justin, I gesture to a random open table. “Want to sit there?”
“Sure.” He pulls a chair out for me, and once I’ve taken the seat, he sits down next to me. “How was your weekend with your parents?”
I smile because I love spending time with them. “Good. I got to go for a manicure with my mom.”
Justin’s eyes drop to my hands, and I hold them out for him to see.
“Black nails. Kinda looks cool on you.”
“Thanks.” I scrunch my nose. “I like it.”
Justin hands me a menu, then glances at one. “Are you in the mood for anything specific?”
Without looking at the selection, I answer, “I’m going to have a gourmet chicken sandwich.”
“Sounds good, actually.” He signals for a waiter and places our order, then glances at me. “Anything to drink?”
“A coke, please.”
When the waiter leaves, Justin turns his attention back to me. “Mind if I ask you why you’re not dating?”
My eyes dart to the table where Fallon and Jade are sitting, and my gaze collides with Jase’s. He looks pissed off and only glances at me for a moment longer before his eyes turn away from me.
Owing Justin an answer, I say, “I want to focus on my studies.”
He nudges his shoulder against mine and smiles. “Yeah, but you should make time for fun as well.”
“I suppose,” I reply.
This time I can feel someone staring at me and know it’s Jase. My eyes snap to his, and I give him a look of warning to stop it. He shakes his head, and getting up, he leaves the restaurant.
What’s his problem?
Justin glances over his shoulder. “What are you looking at?”
“Nothing.” Focusing on him, I ask, “How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?”
“We went to Studio 9 on Saturday. I saw Jase and the rest of the group there.”
“Oh yeah, Jade told me they went.”
“She’s dating Hunter now, right?”
“Yes.”
Justin lets out a chuckle. “It doesn’t look like Jase will be settling down any time soon.”
The smile drops from my face. “Why do you say that?”