Release (Off Balance 3)
“Huh, what?”
“Well, it’s just that no one’s ever called me Johnny before.”
“Really?” Alyssa kind of felt stupid for calling him that now.
“I would have corrected anyone who said that, but I kind of like it on your lips. Know what else I would like on your lips, sugar?” His eyes were gleaming with wickedness and that stupid dimple of his was showing. His smile caused a flutter in her stomach, but she pushed it down.
Alyssa rolled her eyes. Talk about coming on strong. “If you call me those stupid nicknames, then I get to call you Johnny.”
“Fair enough.”
“Are you going to be late by walking me to class?”
“No, I have a break for the next hour then another class.”
She nodded her head.
“What do you do in between classes?” she asked. John dropped his arm from her shoulders and held the door open for her as they stepped inside another building.
“Depends, I
guess. Sometimes school work, sometimes I hang with my boys. Wherever the day takes us. Where’s your schedule?”
Alyssa handed it to him.
He scanned it. “These are the hours you’re with me, Alyssa. We have two classes together.”
“Lucky me,” she said sarcastically. “I’m surprised you even remembered my name.”
“I didn’t. It’s at the top of your schedule.”
“Hey!” she laughed. Alyssa had the sudden urge to smack him.
“What? I’m being honest.” Laughing, he returned her schedule and asked, “What are you doing after class?”
“Not talking to a guy who can’t remember my name, that’s for sure.”
“Ouch, you wound me,” he joked. “Hang out with me. Let me make it up by showing you around town.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t know you?”
“But that’s how you’ll get to know me, by hanging out with me,” he stated obviously.
A low chuckle rolled off her lips. She couldn’t help it.
“Well, here we are.”
When they reached the classroom, they both faced each other and locked gazes. John loved a quick witted girl, especially when she was easy on the eyes. “Thanks for walking me to class. At least I won’t be late for this one.”
He winked. “See you around, sugar.”
* * *
The first half of the day passed quickly, and by noon Alyssa found herself in the dining hall. She hated being the new girl. She should have been used to it by now, but she wasn’t. New school, new friends, new everything.