Kyland

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I spotted Tenleigh a few days later as she walked ahead of me toward the road leading to our homes. She had a book in her hands and was reading as she walked. Stupid girl—she was going to trip and break her neck. I lagged behind, watching her as she walked. I guessed I owed her a little something for what she'd done for me. I could make sure she got home safe from school. And I'd make sure she didn't see me. I'd make sure I never spoke to Tenleigh again. It was just better that way.

I startled slightly when she suddenly took a turn onto a forest path. What the hell? I stood on the road for a minute watching her disappear into the woods. That girl would deserve it when a bobcat ate her. I let out a frustrated breath and followed her.

I'd been down this trail before. I'd been down every trail on this mountain either with my brother when he'd still been alive, or on my own. But I had no idea what Tenleigh was doing because there was nothing this way except for the abrupt edge of a limestone cliff.

After five minutes or so of trudging along the narrow path, I came out through the trees. Tenleigh's back was mostly to me as she stood staring out at the setting sun, the horizon glowing orange and yellow, white rays emerging from the clouds as if heaven had broken through.

The colorful sky stretched before us—magnificent—as if it was trying to make up for the ugliness of our lives, our constant struggles. And for just the briefest, most fleeting of moments, maybe it did. If only I could grasp it and make it stay. If only I could grasp anything good and make it stay.

Tenleigh sat down on a rock and looked out at the glowing sunset. I began walking toward her and her head turned to me abruptly as she let out a little shriek, bringing her hand to her chest, her eyes wide. "Good gosh! You scared me! Again. What is it with you?"

"Sorry." I went and sat down next to her.

She rolled her eyes and leaned back, putting her hands behind her on the rock, staring out at the sky once again. She remained quiet for a minute. Finally she looked at me, raising one eyebrow. "I suppose you think if you keep showing up where I am, eventually I'll fall in love with you."

An amused laugh bubbled up my throat, but I remained serious. Tenleigh constantly surprised me. And I loved it. I nodded. "Very probable."

Or worse, I'll fall in love with you.

She laughed softly, staring back out at the horizon. "I'm sorry to tell you, it won't happen. I've sworn off men."

I made a chuffing sound in the back of my throat. "That's what they all say."

She looked at me, amusement dancing in her eyes, lighting up her face. "Hmm, so how long do you figure I have before I succumb to your mesmerizing charms?"

I pretended to consider. "One of my conquests held out for three weeks once."

"Ah. She sounds like a tough cookie." She cocked an eyebrow and looked at me out of the corner of her eye. "How will you know when I've buckled?"

"It's a look, something in the eyes. I've come to know it well." I gave her my most obnoxious smirk.

She shook her head as if in exasperation, but the small smile remained on her lips.

I cleared my throat. This flirting needed to stop. "No, but really, I'm just making sure you don't require my bobcat-fighting skills. I kinda figure I owe you that, if anything."

She let out a breath and shook her head. "You don't owe me anything. I got myself fired from my job. It wasn't your fault I did what I did."

"Yeah, but you wouldn't have had to do what you did if I hadn't been stealing sandwiches for old drunks."

"Hmm," she hummed, "so then I expect this will be a regular thing? The bobcat protection service? I mean, until I throw myself at your feet and you cast me aside like all the rest of your victims . . . er, conquests?" she finally asked, raising an eyebrow teasingly again.

I shook my head. "Regular? No, no, definitely not. This is the last time I put myself in potential bobcat harm for you." I ran my hand through my hair. "It's just that I usually study at school as late as I can. I walk home about this time every night anyway. This was just a coincidence."

She tilted her head. "Oh, I see. Why do you stay at school to study?"

"It's not so lonely." I didn't know what made the words fall from my mouth. I didn't even realize I'd said them until they were out.

Tenleigh looked at me curiously. "Don't you live with your mama?"

"My mama's not much for conversation."

Tenleigh studied me for a moment. "Hmm . . . well, this really is the last time you'll be protecting me from a possible bobcat threat then. I'm only walking home this late because I was asking about a job at Al's."

"Al's? You're too young to work in a bar."

She shrugged. "Al doesn't seem to mind. My sister works there—he said I could pick up extra shifts. So see," she smiled at me, "you don't have to feel guilty about me getting fired. I've already got a new job. On-call anyway."

I scowled, something strange moving into my chest. Al's was a shithole—and a known pick-up place. Still, it was good she'd gotten a job. Around here, that wasn't easy to do. After a minute, she turned to me. "Quite a view, huh?"

I looked out to the sky. "Best seat in the house."

A look of peace came over Tenleigh's face as she gazed at me, her lips parted, and for just a second, I almost couldn't breathe. Did I think this girl was beautiful? I was wrong. She's stunning.