Chasing Shadows (Shadows 2)

I ignored Simon's comment, even though I wanted to remind him that he didn't have to come with me. Instead, I let him pull me close to keep me warm when we reached the steps of the dorm hall, his hands burrowing inside up the back of my coat. I looked longingly inside the dorm hall, but no one was allowed to enter unless they had a pass designating them as a resident or if they were a guest of someone.

"You should have worn gloves," Simon admonished, glancing down at my hands on his waist. He slipped them under the front of his coat and they immediately warmed from his body heat. He then slid his hands back underneath the back of my coat, holding me close.

"I could say the same for you."

Simon grinned. "Point taken."

After thirty minutes, the cold was getting to both of us. I looked up and saw that Simon's nose had gotten red. "This is pretty ridiculous, huh?"

Simon leaned down, brushing his cold cheek against mine. "I don't want to complain, but I think I'm starting to lose the feeling in my toes."

I sighed, leaning my forehead against his shoulder. "I admit this isn't the best plan. But it's the only one I have."

I looked up to tell Simon we could go home when I suddenly caught sight of a boy with thick sun-kissed blond hair, looking like he belonged on a California beach rather than the chilly east coast. I automatically looked down at his wrists, but they were covered by his coat.

"He's here."

Chapter Seventeen

I pulled away from Simon, staring at the boy as he came closer to us and started walking up the steps leading into the building. I hadn't really thought this through and had no idea what to say to him. Panic surged as he walked past us, afraid that I would lose my chance, so I stepped towards him, blocking his way.

The boy looked at me in surprise, and then glanced at Simon, who hadn't moved from his spot. Simon's frown didn't help the situation.

"Hi!" I said brightly, groaning inwardly at my forced tone.

The boy gave me a slight smile. His brown eyes looked warm but confused. "Hi."

"You're Brian, right?" I was grasping at straws, but I didn't know what else to do. What was it with me and B names? First Bob the fake boyfriend, and now Brian the fake acquaintance.

"No, I'm Neal." He was looking at me quizzically, like he didn't know what to make of me.

"Oh, that's right. Neal! I'm sorry, I'm horrible with names." I turned to Simon, pasting on a bright smile and willing him to play along. "Simon, this is Neal."

Simon nodded at Neal, still not looking pleased. "Hey."

"Nice to meet you." Neal turned back to me. "And you are..."

"Caitlin! We met the other night at the East End! Remember? When you came to see the Henchmen?"

Neal furrowed his brows and he glanced back at Simon, recognition blooming. "Hey, you're the lead singer. I've heard you guys a few times. You guys are really good."

"Thanks." I wanted to elbow Simon for his less than enthusiastic response, but it would be hard to do so without Neal noticing.

"I'm sorry, but I don't remember meeting before." Neal had the grace to look embarrassed and I felt a little bad, but I didn't have the luxury of feeling guilty.

"Oh, that's okay. There were tons of people and it was dark." I bit my lip, trying to think of a way to prolong the conversation. "So, what are you up to today, Neal?"

Neal raised an eyebrow but answered blandly. "Nothing much."

"Why don't you come over to my place for dinner? A bunch of people are coming over, and I'd love to finish our conversation from the other night." I made a mental note to invite everyone over for dinner.

Neal studied me for a moment before answering. "Our conversation about what?"

I frantically tried to think of an answer. I looked at his blond hair and took note of his laidback demeanor and took a chance. "About surfing!"

Neal smiled widely at me, and I knew I had hit pay dirt. "I'm not surprised. I'm always babbling about surfing. It's my one regret for going to school on the east coast. The lack of waves."

"So, seven o'clock?" I dug into my bag and pulled out a pen and a scrap of paper, sc