But Hayden? He was a god. Like how did a man-boy like him even go to high school? He should be on a reality TV show or a model in New York. Possibly a superhero hiding out? I always figured he didn’t date because he was better than the girls in Allendale. Now I know why he’s part of the Allendale Four and what that means.
‘Here’ was the small area between buildings that held some kind of garden of sorts from the agriculture club. It was quiet and out of sight. I was waiting here until I could easily make my escape from school.
“Testy today?” he shot back, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I’m hiding from Mrs. Cooper. She’s after my ass for detention for skipping class.”
“I just needed a break.”
“Someone bothering you?” A dark shadow fell over his eyes.
“No. I know you guys agreed to back me and I appreciate it, but I can’t take much more.”
He narrowed his eyes and tucked his long hair behind his ear. “What do you mean?”
“Oliver and Jackson are so nice—both laying their reputations on the line to hang out with me. Anderson is…well, you know…”
He blew a puff of smoke into the air and chuckled. “Yeah, I know.”
“It’s just coming from all sides. The girls still hate me. Amber Wasserman just accused me of trying to steal Benjamin from her.” I rolled my eyes. “As if.”
Hayden howled with laughter at that one.
“What?”
“Benjamin would have no fucking clue to do with a girl like you.”
I’m not sure if I should be offended, but I kind of had the same thought. “Seriously. He just wanted to borrow my notes.”
He smiled. It was glorious. “Figures.”
I leaned against the building. “I’m just tired, I guess.”
“You didn’t mention me on that list…”
I raised an eyebrow. “No. I didn’t.”
“Why’s that?”
I shrugged. “Not sure I know you well enough to say.”
“We can easily fix that, you know.” He walked over and leaned against the building, inches away. He smelled like a mixture of aftershave and rain. I couldn’t keep my eyes off his face, and then he inexplicably reached out and touched my chin. “I’m shocked it took everyone so long to take notice. I’ve had my eye on you since the first day you moved here. All arms and legs. Thick braids. Scared of your shadow. I knew there was more and so did the others. Why do you think the guys befriended you?”
“Because I make a good lab partner?”
He laughed. “Well, obviously.”
I eyed him skeptically. “If you could see all that about me, then how come no one else did?”
“The kids at school? The dickwads like Mark Amerson or Spencer? Oh, they noticed. They’re all terrified of you.”
“Yeah right,” I scoffed.
Hayden placed his palm on the building and leaned close. I saw the dark ink of a tattoo on his bicep. “Totally. You’re untouchable.”
Untouchable. The high school equivalent of a disease.
“That’s ridiculous. I’ve spent the last three years here fairly invisible.”
“By choice,” he pointed out.