Page 27 of We're At It Again

I motioned over my shoulder. A light bulb went off above his head.

“Oh, right.” He reached to clasp his hand over mine but retracted it. “Why are your hands so cold?”

He’s so dramatic.

“Just hold it!” I said and intertwined our fingers together.

The look of shock on Austin’s face brought a sadistic sense of pride. Now you know how I felt.

“Can we get to class now?”

“Are you always going to be this annoying?”

“Are we having our first fight?” He asked with a cheeky grin.

“Let’s just go.”

I dragged him through the hallway, past Austin. Hudson winked at him as we sauntered past. I shoved him the moment we turned a corner.

“What now?” He asked, rubbing his shoulder.

“I saw the look you gave Austin.”

“So, wasn’t the whole point of this to annoy him?”

“We’re not starting a fight. I know that’s a hobby of yours.”

His nose scrunched in disgust.

“I can just tell you’re going to be a great girlfriend.” He said before we strutted into class.

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17

HUDSON

I SAT ON THE SIDELINES of the cheerleading practice. I watched them practice the routines with a faint smile.

Sun broke through clouds, casting a warm glow on the field, but the brisk wind persisted. Despite the chill, I relished in the rare sunshine.

My cigarette dangled between my fingers, long forgotten as the festivities distracted me. I followed their movements, but my gaze was on a particular person. She moved with a grace that captivated me. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

“Did you know Luna hates smokers?”

Maya interrupted my moment of solitude. She plopped down beside me with a grin. I chuckled. A puff of smoke escaped my lips as I shrugged.

“Guess I have to quit.” I said, flicking the cigarette butt onto the ground, stamping it out with the heel of my boot.

“I know about your deal, by the way.” She said. “The fake dating thing.”

“Are you going to lecture me about what a bad idea it is?”

She shook her head before tilting it back to soak in the sun's rays.

“No,” she said. “You’re already an upgrade compared to the last guy.”

I had to restrain myself from laughing out loud, happy that someone else harbored a hatred for Jockstrap.

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