Page 26 of Wicked Scandal

WildMisfit: Guess I need to up my game. What is it that makes you smile?

CatEyes: Right now? Talking to you.

WildMisfit: Look at you being smooth ;)

CatEyes: I’m trying.

I mirror his words, hoping I can help bring him as much joy as he brings me. Even if it can only be like this through messages.

WildMisfit: Well, I’m currently walking around the classroom like a creep, peering over shoulders to see if you’re in here. I’ve officially ruled out this class. That leaves only five other options. One way or another, I’ll find you.

CatEyes: In that case, I wish you luck.

WildMisfit: Thanks. I think I need it. Plans this weekend? Luke Aaron’s party, perhaps?

CatEyes: I wasn’t invited.

I feel like I just got a cold bucket of water dumped over my head. He is going to a party this weekend with high schoolers. Jesus, Catherine, why are you still talking to him?

WildMisfit: Consider this your official invitation. Will I see you there?

CatEyes: Parties aren’t really my thing. I’m not allowed to go out much.

WildMisfit: Strict parents?

If he only knew.

CatEyes: Something like that.

WildMisfit: You don’t know it, but you pretty much just cut my list in half. I’m getting closer to finding out who you are.

CatEyes: Maybe you shouldn’t try so hard. You might not like what you find.

Suddenly, the bell rings, startling me. I immediately slam my phone down, face down. Students rush out of the room and I raise my voice, slicing through the chatter and shuffle of feet. “P-practice exams tomorrow. Get some studying in tonight.”

It’s pointless, no one is listening anyway.

Once the room is empty, I pick my phone up to read the last message from Wilder.

WildMisfit: I can’t wait to prove you wrong.

An instant smile cracks my lips. I know I’ll never expose who CatEyes really is, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the way talking to Wilder makes me feel.

“Mrs. J,” I hear Wilder holler from behind me in the parking lot. I know it’s him because I’d know his voice anywhere.

I spin around and see him jogging toward me, wearing a sweat-drenched white tee shirt with the sleeves cut off and a pair of gym shorts. Nervously, I adjust the stack of folders I’m carrying. “Hey, Wilder.” I smile as he closes the space between us.

“Sorry to hold you up, but I wanted to share the news.” The excitement on his face is uncanny. His hands fly up, his grin stretching from ear to ear. “My father loved the article.”

“Wilder. That’s amazing.” Instinctively, I throw one of my arms around him while the other smashes the folders against his body. He embraces me in a hug and it feels calming, like I can finally breathe. Even as I inhale the smell of sweat, I can’t help but think this is one of the best hugs I have had in a while. There’s a safeness in his arms that has me holding on even when I know I should let go.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” His voice is a whisper in my ear, a yearning deep inside it. I can’t help but want to reach out and reciprocate. I feel his fingers run through my hair and I shiver before immediately letting go and taking a step back, careful to put the folders in my hand in front of me, almost like a shield. I need distance to think around him.

He looks down at the space between us, something shifting in his demeanor. And when he looks up, surprise has whitewashed his excitement.

“Wilder? Is everything okay?”

Time seems to slow down as he stands there staring at me as if he just had an epiphany of sorts. I can’t put my finger on it, but something is different.

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