End Game (Bellevue Bullies 4)

Oh, I know that. “So? Cover up,” I say, still walking, though he has stopped.

He laughs as he catches up with me again quickly. “Hold this.” I take his coffee but keep walking. He somehow dresses and runs back to me in no time. “Man, a weaker man would think you don’t like them.”

“Kinda wish you were a weaker man.”

“No, you don’t,” he says before flashing me a grin. “So, computer science, with Mr. Gav?”

I nod. “Yes.”

“He’s brutal, but I think I still have my notes I can lend you. He teaches the same thing every year.”

“Oh, thanks,” I say, having not expected that, but I need all the help I can get.

“No problem. I’ll get them to you.”

I bite my lip, unsure what to say next as we round the science hall.

“Do you like it here?”

“Yeah, I guess. When I’m not being harassed by guys in short shorts.”

“Tell me who they are, and I’ll take them out.”

I stop and look at him. “Ryan Justice.”

He scoffs. “No way. He’s a great guy. He wouldn’t harass you.”

“Gah,” I complain, though he just laughs.

“My mom says you’re gonna work for her this week.”

“Yup.”

“I’m gonna drive you and Amelia.”

“Oh.” That’s super awesome. Not.

“Maybe afterward, we can get a bite to eat.”

“Eh, probably not.”

“Why not?”

“I have a meet that following night, and we have to ride in a van to get there. Amelia is making me watch Lord of the Rings.”

His eyes light up. “Oh, you’re going to love it!”

“That’s what your sister says.”

Ryan grins as he walks ahead of me, walking backward so he can look into my eyes. I have to admit, it’s a mighty fine view from where I am. “Fine, I’ll get us some dinner, and we can go back to my place and chill.”

“Um. No.”

“Rude!” he accuses, and I can’t help it… I laugh. “We would have a blast.”

“I’m good.”

“Give me a good reason why not.”

“Because,” I say then, holding my hands up. “I’m not interested.”

He shakes his head. “Such a liar. You know I’m onto you, right?”

“Nothing to be on me about.”

“Oh, Sofia Castilleja, there is plenty reason to be on you.”

My heart skips, does a flip, and sticks its landing at his words. He’s killing me. My face is burning, and I don’t know what to do. Amelia was right; it’s really hard to resist this guy. When we come to the clearing that leads to my dorm, along the tree line I can see the sun starting to come up. It’s always my favorite thing to admire in the morning. It’s absolutely stunning. I’ve learned that fall in Tennessee is one magical thing, but having Ryan in front of it makes it a million times better. To my dismay though, he turns, pointing up to it. “Wow.”

That’s what I was going to say.

About him.

When he turns back, facing me once more, the dark oranges and grays play off his features perfectly. I can even pick the color of his eyes out of the sky since they’re so dark at this moment. Gazing up at him, I’m breathless as he looks down at me. He moves his eyes along my face and then to my lips. Drawing in a deep breath, I lick my lips, and I hate how much I want for him to kiss me. I shouldn’t want it, and honestly, how did we get in this position?

And why aren’t I stopping him?

When he steps toward me, my eyes widen, and I think I see his grin grow. He looks like a cat about ready to pounce on a poor little birdie, and I’m the birdie. With his eyes burning into mine, he reaches out but cautiously. I could move, I should move, but I don’t as his hand comes to cradle my face. Taking another step, he moves his body in line with mine, not touching me, but I can feel his heat. I drop my head back to look up at him as I part my lips ever so slowly. At this moment, breathing is not an option.

His eyes search mine, and I’m pretty sure my heart is about to come out of my chest. When his lips quirk up at the side, I’m convinced I’m going to cry in anticipation of what is about to happen. What should happen. Which is his lips coming down on mine. But instead, he whispers, “I love the way the sun is giving your hair a reddish hue.”

What?