“What?” Willow elbows me in the side. “You’re chewing on your bottom lip,” she whispers. I let my lip go. I’m going to ask Reid about that.
Finally the bell rings, freeing us all from class. We have block schedule, so there are four long classes every day.
“I’ll see your ass at lunch,” Willow says before we part ways. Our next classes are in different directions. I jump when someone puts their arm around me. It takes me less than a second to realize that someone is Reid. I try and shake it off, but he doesn't budge. I forgot that we have English together. People part the hallway for Reid. I don’t know if it’s because of his size or something else. I glance up at him as we walk.
“The football team—”
Reid cuts me off. “Means nothing to me. Football is over. I barely talk to them and when I do it’s at school.”
“Jackson,” I remind him.
“The only person besides you that I’ll talk to once this school year ends.” I try and read his face but don’t get anything.
“Remember last year when they did that competition about—” He pulls me closer to him as he again cuts me off. This better not be a habit.
“I reported them.” I stop walking, but Reid nudges me. “You hate being late.”
“Did you really?” I hold my breath for a moment, wanting that to be true. That’s the Reid I remember growing up.
“Yes. It was disgusting. Also one of the reasons I told them all to stay the fuck away from you or I’d kick them from the team.”
“Is that even possible?” Isn't that up to the coach or something?
“If I say it's them or me.” Okay, that would work. This school lives and breathes football.
“Is that why no one ever asked me out?” Things start to dawn on me. “You cockblocked.” This time it’s Reid that stops walking.
“I guess I did. None of them are worth your time, babe. I can promise you that.”
“Well, it’s a load of crap that you got to date and I didn't. Now we’re going to college together. Are you going to keep cockblocking me?” A few people turn to look at us.
“Zoey and Reid, get in the classroom now,” Mr. Hope says. We’re standing outside the door. The bell is about to ring. I duck in, freeing myself from Reid to enter the classroom. I head toward my regular seat. Reid follows me.
“Switch with me, Zack,” Reid says to him. Our seats aren't assigned, but people tend to sit in the same place every day.
“Yep” is all Zack says, and he’s out of his seat, letting Reid sit down in his spot.
“Does everyone do what you say?” I shake my head at him.
“Not you,” he says with a smirk. The smirk playing on his lips makes me think he likes that about me. That I don’t just bend to his every whim. The bell rings before either one of us can say anything.
The teacher starts talking, and of course Reid starts texting me.
Reid: In all fairness you cockblocked me too.
I look over at him and glare. How could I have possibly cockblocked him? He leans back in his chair and openly stares at me. This is freaking nuts. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t keep myself from asking him how he came up with the idea that I somehow cockblocked him.
Me: How did I cockblock you?
Reid: Because you’ve made my cock only want you.
Shocked by his response, I drop my phone. It hits my desk, making a loud thud before it slides off and heads for the floor. Reid catches it easily. I look up to see everyone staring at me.
“Sorry.”
Mr. Hope gives me a nod and gets back to his lecture. Reid reaches over and sets my phone down on my desk. Is this what it’s like to be in shock? I can’t even begin to process what he texted me. I must have misunderstood him. That has to be it. Or maybe I’m going crazy.
Me: I know you dated Megan.
Over the years I’ve heard the small whispers about who Reid was dating. Some of the girls said he didn't date high school girls. That he was more into the college type. It all contradicted itself so I never knew what was true. I sure as hell never witnessed him walking down the hallways with his arm wrapped around a girl like he did to me today.
Reid: Nope.
His text back is instant. I don’t know what to say to that except I’m not sure I believe him. That said, I’ve never seen him around with other girls. I bite my lip, wanting this day to be over. Thinking about all of this is overwhelming. I need to talk to Willow before I lose my mind. Right now my every thought is wrapped up with Reid and the jealousy I feel over him being with someone besides me.