Page 55 of Racing Hearts

“Thanks for the ride,” Alice mutters from the back.

“Yes, thanks for the ride, Anders.” Evan winks. “I really enjoyed it.”

Sweet fuck. I swallow hard as I reach behind my seat and grab what I was looking for before I change my mind.

“Here.” I hand over a lunch box.

He blinks, looking from it to me. “What is this?”

“Your lunch. I didn’t know if you ate here or not but—” I scrub my neck in embarrassment. “Just take it.” I shove it at him as a slow smile curls up his lips.

“You softie. Thank you, princess.”

“Wait, where the fuck is my lunch?” Alice asks from the back.

“You’re old enough to get your own,” I snap.

“So is he!” she protests.

“He’s pretty,” I retort, reaching back and pushing her toward the door as he watches us.

“I’m pretty too. This is favoritism, and I will not stand for it!” she argues as she gets out.

Rolling my eyes, I grin at him. “I’ll text you later.”

“Sure, have fun at work.” He leans in to kiss me before my eyes shoot to the people watching, and then he leans back, his smile wilting slightly. “See you later, princess.” He’s gone before I can speak again, and I wish I let him kiss me if only just to see his smile, but also to get me through my day without seeing him.

My eyes linger on him, even though I should leave, but I’m glad I didn’t when I see a buff guy pushing away from a bench and heading his way, smiling and stepping way too close to Evan. He’s flirting, I realize, even from here.

Jealousy courses through me, and even though I have no right, I get out of my car before I can question what I’m doing. As soon as I reach them, I tug Evan away from him and to my side, eyeing the guy with an angry expression.

“Alek?” Evan asks, confused.

“You forgot this.” I hand him his camera that he left in my passenger seat. Luckily, I have that excuse, but it doesn’t stop my jealousy, my eyes on the guy. “See you after class, baby.”

“Um, see you later.” He looks from me to the guy before ducking and hurrying away.

I arch my brow at the guy who backs away, holding his hands up with a knowing grin before he leaves.

Shit, did I just claim Evan Shaw in front of everyone?

TWENTY-SEVEN

Istill can’t get over Alek’s possessive display this morning. Fortunately, there weren’t many people around to question it, but I know he’s probably worried. He doesn’t run away, however, and he texts me all day, checking in and being sweet. It’s different, and I like it. It seems like something has really shifted between us after yesterday, and I couldn’t be happier.

Alek: Can I see you tonight?

Evan: I promised I’d go for a meal with my friends.

I’m not the type to ditch them just because I’m seeing a guy, a superhot guy but still. My friends have to be prioritized as well.

Alek: :(

Alek: Okay, let me know if you have time after.

Evan: Will do, princess.

I focus on my class after that, and the day passes quickly.

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