He pulled the hoodie off us and slipped it over his head, covering his white, sleeveless T-shirt and his tan, toned, beautiful arms that always made my mouth hang open like an imbecile.
We entered Thunder Bay, heading back to our campus where everyone would pick up their cars and head to parties, but I’d be walking and heading straight home, as always.
I stared out the window, seeing the village breeze past, the twinkle lights of the park, and my neighborhood before we got up into the cliffs where Will and the wealthy resided. Part of me wanted it. Part of me loved how good his attention felt, because he was cocky and confident and good-looking and smooth. He was popular, looked great in everything he wore, and I liked his smile.
He was untouchable, and he wanted to touch me.
&nbs
p; Tonight, anyway.
My eyes dropped to my lap. Even if I wanted to, though, my brother would never tolerate it.
The phone vibrated in my hand once, and then again and again, but I just bobbed my head to the music like I didn’t notice. The school came into view, and liquid heat rushed my chest, but I ignored it. I was almost out of here, and he could spend the rest of the night taking whomever he wanted home, for all I cared.
We were nothing.
Another text came in, and I finally looked.
“When the bus stops, get in my fucking truck.”
I breathed out a bitter laugh. Aw, someone’s lost his temper.
“Why?” I asked.
And the next thing I know, the bus stopped, he yanked the earbuds out of my ears, and I sucked in a breath as he leaned into my face.
“Because you’re mine,” he growled in a whisper.
And all at once, the Horsemen rose from their seats, grabbed their bags, and charged down the aisle, leaving the bus first.
My heart hammered. What the—
Seriously.
Because you’re mine. I ignored the flutter in my chest as I grabbed my bag and fumbled for my dangling earbuds.
I mean, for Christ’s sake. What was his deal? Was I on some scavenger hunt he was doing or something? Nail the Nerd?
I rose with everyone else and stepped into the aisle, getting ready to leave the bus.
I’m not yours, Will Grayson.
And I’ll walk, thanks.
The bus emptied, engines out in the parking lot already firing up and headlights glowing in the night. I walked to the undercarriage to see if anyone needed help with their equipment, but it was empty already, the band and players quickly clearing out.
I turned to bolt and make my escape before he saw me, but Elle clasped my hand.
“We’re getting a ride home,” she said.
“Huh?”
“Will,” Elle explained, pulling me along. “He’s taking us home.”
“Um, no.” I yanked my hand away. “He’s not.”
“You don’t want me riding alone with him, do you?” She planted her hands on her hips. “A mature guy, used to getting what he wants?”