the second time. “Jamie told you he’s giving you a ride to school?”
That was when I noticed he was still in his pajamas: long plaid bottoms and a white T-shirt.
“He did.” I moved closer and realized I might have been a masochist. I now stood in front of him with barely a foot of space between us. “Are you sick?”
“I said I’m fine.” He went completely still when I stepped closer until the tip of his sock-covered toes kissed the front of my patent leather ballets. “What are you doing?” he snapped when I peered up at him.
“Checking for signs of distress.”
“Archer.”
I reeled at his brusqueness. “Is this about the bet?”
“What?”
Before I could talk myself out of it, I rose to the tips of my toes and kissed his cheek. “There. All debts have been settled.”
My smile fell when he shoved me away and wiped his skin where my lips had been.
“Keep that shit to yourself, Archer.” And then he spat, “I have a girlfriend.” Without another word spoken, he stalked from the kitchen, leaving me to wonder if I had any more room in my heart for another scar.
“I think I’m ready,” Tyra whispered as our lunch trays were filled.
“Ready for what?”
When she blushed and wouldn’t meet my gaze, I got a pretty good idea of what she meant. I took a deep breath to stall for time to figure out how to proceed. Girl talk was still a novelty for me, and now we’d ventured into discussing our sex lives. Neat.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m pretty sure.”
“Are you sure pretty sure is a good enough sure?”
“Can we stop saying sure?”
“Sure.”
We shared a laugh despite my alarm and her uncertainty before the conversation turned serious again.
“I’m ready, and I can’t think of anyone better to turn my card in to.”
“How about someone who’s not a rich playboy?”
Her face fell, telling me my attempt at humor was unappreciated. “You don’t know him like I do.”
It was hard to argue her point. Hadn’t Ever claimed much of the same last night? On the outside, we can only see what people choose to show us. Had Vaughn let Tyra in?
“You’re right, I don’t, so I should just trust your judgment, huh?”
Her sharp nod was followed with, “Right.”
Empty seats were in abundance today. Unfortunately, Tyra insisted we sit at the middle table again. Ever’s absence was noticeable when we sat down even though the table was crowded as usual with people standing around hoping to rub elbows with the chosen ones.
Tyra barely touched her food or spoke as she shared frequent, lustful glances with Vaughn. Jamie wasn’t around to offer a distraction either, so I kept my nose damn near mashed in my potatoes and ignored the curious glances and obvious snickers.
I wolfed down my food and bolted. The cafeteria door swinging shut behind me cut off the sound of Tyra calling my name. The hallways were mostly empty, but I felt vulnerable left out in the open. I made my way down the hall, hoping to find an empty classroom to duck into until lunch ended.
I was making my way to the second floor when I heard two voices, only one of them familiar.
“I know what you’re after.”
A feminine snort and then, “I doubt that, but go ahead…shock me.”
“You think you’re so much better, but your ship is sinking, and you and I both know Captain Prick isn’t going to save the day. He’s got a shiny new toy, Barbie.”
“You let me worry about that.”
“I could help you.”
“Baby steps, Jason. You can’t even help yourself.”
My fist tightened on the banister, but I forced myself to stay put. Information was much more satisfying than confrontation.
“This is your last chance to join the winning team.”
“Why would I betray Ever?”
His sharp smile was pure evil. “Because unlike him, my father will make yours an offer. I have to be a better choice than your old man’s golfing buddies, right?”
“You’re about neck and neck.”
Before Jason could respond, a tall figure brushed past me. Casually, the newcomer rounded the banister and climbed the stairs to the landing. I stifled my groan when I recognized the skin fade and tattoos disappearing under the wave of thick reddish-brown locks. “Interesting place and time for secret meetings.”
Jason’s scowl deepened, but Barbie’s icy composure held as Jamie pushed between them, effectively creating space, before leaning against the wall in a casual pose. The tension was thick enough to choke on as he locked gazes with Jason after a dismissive glance at Barbie.
“What do