Page 13 of Prickly Romance

My cell phone chimes.

It’s an alarm I set to remind me of my next class.

I jump to my feet. “I need to go.”

Niko pouts.

“I have a graduation project I need to prepare for,” I say apologetically to her. “But I’d love to hang out again.”

Purple Hair gestures to the door. “Goodbye.”

Jeez.

I stalk past Sazuki, but I’m not rude enough to leave without at least acknowledging him.

Careening to a stop, I tear off a piece of paper from the notebook in my bag and scribble on it. “This is my number if Niko wants to get in touch with me.”

He takes the number without a word.

Okay then.

I smile at Niko once more, shoot another glare at Purple Hair—who returns it, and leave Sazuki behind.

It’s strange, but I swear I feel his gaze burning into my back long after I’m gone.

CHAPTER2

THE UNWANTED KEY

SAZUKI

“What am I watching?”Adam frowns at the cell phone that I stick in his face.

“Look at her.”

“You brought me out here to boast about your new girlfriend?” He sounds annoyed.

I scowl.

He scowls harder and brings his coffee to his lips. “Spit it out, Sazuki.”

“I think she is the missing link.”

“Congratulations.”

“Do you see it?”

“She’s beautiful and she seems close to Niko.” He yawns. “Why do you need my opinion before you date someone anyway? It’s been years since your divorce. It’s about time you moved on.” He shakes his head and takes another big gulp of coffee.

I make a disapproving sound in my throat. “You misunderstand, Adam.”

“About what? Her age? As long as she’s legal, I don’t have a problem with it.”

“I’m not interested in dating her.”

Adam gives me a disbelieving stare. “So youdon’tfind her attractive?”

These Americans and their obsession with appearances.

---