Always You (Love Hurts 1)

Sinking back into my chair, I tried to process what had just happened. What was I doing? Creating little fantasies in my head over a student was just plain wrong. But there was something about her, something different. Something special that made me want—no, need—to know more.

Chapter Eight

Wrenn

I found myself looking forward to History classes much more than I should have. After two weeks of Dalton being in my life, any chance I got to see him was something I looked forward to.

A schoolgirl crush? Maybe. I wasn’t sure.

In class he always treated me the same as everyone else, but unlike some of my other teachers, he didn’t sit back and ignore Paige’s snarky comments. There was no special treatment toward me—perhaps I imagined a glance here and a smile there, but nothing concrete. Out of class, he treated me like an equal.

It was something that would never go anywhere, but it gave me comfort to think about him as being something more than just my teacher. I didn’t for a second dream that my crush would be reciprocated. I wasn’t stupid. He had been nothing but above board when he was with me, in and out of class.

Still, I couldn’t stop myself from fantasizing about him when I lay in bed at night, or imagining what it would be like to kiss him. As each day progressed, I found myself thinking about him more and more.

***

I practically skipped to class on Thursday, which earned me an odd look from Kass. She never saw me this happy about school, so I didn’t blame her skepticism.

“What the hell is with you?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.

Shit. I needed to settle down. Nobody was this excited about History. “Nothing. Just feeling good today. Being almost the weekend, and all.”

She seemed to accept that and proceeded to ramble on about her plans for the weekend.

“Wrenn?”

“Huh?” I said, embarrassed that she had caught me lost in thought.

“I said you should come with us. Up the coast.”

This weekend? Hanging around the school gave me the chance to possibly see Dalton. I wasn’t about to give that up. Besides, a weekend away with those two, watching them make out? I think I’ll pass.

“I promised I’d help my aunt with something,” I fibbed, biting my lip. The chances of running into him were small, but I’d still take it. Besides, I knew Kass and Trina enjoyed their alone time.

Kass nodded. “Too bad. If you get out of it, let me know. It’ll be fun.”

We walked into the room, taking our usual seats in the back. Dalton was there already. Paige and her sidekick, Deena, stood next to him, giggling and flicking their hair. I almost chuckled at how uncomfortable he looked. Obviously his handling of her behavior on Monday hadn’t dampened her interest in him. His eyes caught mine and narrowed slightly as I giggled. It was those little connections we had, like just then, that made me wonder…

“What’s funny?” Kass asked, interrupting my thoughts.

“Paige and Deena. Look at how awkward Mr. Reid looks.”

Kass glanced over at them and began to snigger loudly. Paige glared back at us, her expression one of pure hatred.

“Okay guys, settle down.” Mr. Reid waited as the last few students scuffled into class and sat down. He held up some papers. “I have your assignments to give back. Some are excellent, and some of you need to focus more.” He began to work his way around the room, handing back papers. He winked as he reached me, dropping my A+ paper down on my desk.

“Good job, again,” he muttered softly. I couldn’t help it, I was grinning like an idiot. Paige rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything. I didn’t even care.

Even she couldn’t ruin how good I felt right now.

***

“You wanna come to mine?” Kass bit down on her apple as we walked outside. It was overcast and cold, a typical day for this time of year. All I wanted to do was curl up in front of the fire with a book, or maybe a movie.

“Nah, I might have an early night. I’m exhausted.” I yawned and stretched out my arms.

Kass rolled her eyes. “You’re weak,” she said with a grin as she walked toward the parking lot. “But okay. See you tomorrow!”