Kiss To Forget (Blairwood University #2) - Anna B. Doe Page 0,128

can feel my cheeks getting hot with embarrassment. What did I do to deserve this kind of day? And it’s just beginning! “So can you do something or not?”

“If you have extra oil in your trunk, then yeah I can do something.”

I bite into my lower lip, uncomfortably switching from one foot to the other.

“I guess you don’t.” The tone of his voice clearly states what he thinks but is too polite to voice—typical girl behavior.

“Well, I called my dad. He’ll come later and take care of it,” I sigh, going to the backseat to get my backpack. Walking it is. Is there anything else that can happen to ruin this day even more than it already is? “Thank you for stopping to help and wasting your time, but I should really go. I’m already late for school.”

“You go to Greyford High?”

Throwing my backpack over my right shoulder, I close the door and turn to look at him, but he isn’t where I left him at the hood of the car. No, he’s right there behind me.

This close, I have a good look at his face.

He’s handsome, his facial features movie–worthy. Strong jaw hidden behind light stubble; straight, white teeth; his lower lip slightly fuller. His nose is straight, no bumps or any imperfections, and his gray eyes stand out even more against his dark, prominent eyebrows and olive skin. Also, he’s tall, over six feet and even behind his clothes, I can see he’s well build.

“Why?” I ask carefully.

“Are you afraid?” he teases. The back of his finger is caressing my cheek, and I feel my body tense, then shudder slightly from his touch. What is he doing to me? How is it that this guy that I just met has this kind of power over my body? “If I wanted to kidnap you, I would have already done it.”

“Then?”

“I’m going there myself.” He shrugs like it’s evident or something. His finger falls from my cheek as he takes a step back. “I just moved here, so it’s my first day. It’s your call, Freckles.”

I watch him go back to the bike. I could easily take his offer and maybe get to school on time. Or I could refuse him and walk twenty minutes with a backpack full of books over my shoulder.

“I don’t know you,” I say, hoping to convince, I don’t even know who really, that this is not a good idea.

This is the first time I’ve seen the guy. Yeah, he’s polite and helpful. Kind of like a knight in shining armor—or knight on a sleek bike—but I learned a long time ago that knights are just a myth, and if you want to survive, you’ll have to do it on your own.

“Max Sanders.” He offers me his hand, and I take it in mine. It’s big and warm, enveloping mine completely.

“Amelia Campbell.”

“So, Freckles, which is it? Bike or walking?” Max is still holding my hand as he asks the question.

“Why do you keep calling me that?” I ask, trying to contain the small shudder that goes through my body. That name reminds me too much of another not-so-cute pet name I’ve got. I look him in the eyes, hoping to find something, anything actually, that will tell me what he’s thinking.

“You have them all over your nose and cheeks.”

“It’s hard not to notice when you’ve looked at this face every day for 17 years.” My tone is sarcastic, but he ignores me.

“They’re cute.” He gives me yet another shrug and a half-smile. “So?”

Taking one deep, shaky breath, I put backpack over both of my shoulders. “How good are you at driving this thing?”

“The best,” he replies with a big, goofy smile. “Hop on.”

I’m so going to regret this.

“So…” Nervously, I look from behind Max.

People started staring from the moment we entered school property. Not hallways. Parking lot.

It was like a scene from one of those chick flicks I make Brook watch with me where everybody turns around and stares at the hot new guy or girl, and then they turn around and start to gossip.

It’s insane and makes me jittery. No one ever pays attention to me, except when Derek and Andrew are around, then they do. Pay attention that is, watching from the side and smirking like they know something, when in reality they know nothing. Some also enjoy getting in my way. Apparently, I’m too close to them, so their foot finds a way in front of my legs, making me trip, or