Page 27 of Charger

He walks toward me with a smile. “Hell yeah, we’re dating. I want everyone to know that you’re mine, Jules. No one else is allowed to come near you.”

My insides jump for joy—the possessiveness of his words makes the ache shoot down to my core. I’m his and he’s mine. It’s real. He winks, kisses my cheek, and takes off for homeroom.

At lunch, I feel everyone staring. In my opinion, they’re shocked shitless that Zach is with me. Sam is eyeing me up like the bitch that she is.

“Stop caring about what everyone is thinking,” Zach scolds me.

I grab a fry off my plate. “I don’t. I mean, it’s just…”

“It’s written all over your gorgeous face. So, stop it. You’re the hottest fucking girl I’ve ever seen and if anyone has a problem with us dating, then they can come see me.”

“Can you guys not be fucking weird with me here, please.” I look at my brother, who is awkwardly trying to ignore us at the lunch table.

“What your brother means is people like Sam don’t deserve your reaction. She’s clearly just jealous.” Lisa smiles, throwing Sam the stink eye.

I would have been fine with keeping our little rendezvous a secret until after graduation. But when Zach pulled me into him and kissed me like a queen in the lunch room, everyone clearly figured it out. So here we are—me, trying to avoid the awkward stares and whispers, and Zach, acting like it’s totally fine.

“No, what I mean is I’m okay with you two being whatever it is you two are.” Garrett waves his fork. “But it doesn’t mean I want to see or hear about it.”

“Get used to it, man, because I’ve waited way too long for this.” Zach is actually blushing.

“Really, you have?”

“Oh yeah, pretty girl.” He leans over and kisses my cheek.

“Aw, that’s way too cute.” Lisa places her hand to her chest.

“Whatever.” Garrett smirks.

After lunch, I make my way to the library. I take out my notebook to start rewriting my History notes. Since I have a free period, the library is kind of my sanctuary away from everything. As soon as I put my earbuds in, someone taps me on the shoulder.

“So, you and Zach are official?”

Cringing at his voice, I slam my notebook closed. “I’m sorry but one, that’s none of your business and two, why are you even talking to me, Tommy?”

He shrugs, “Just thought I deserved an explanation.” He deserves an explanation? My body erupts with laughter.

“And what makes you think that?”

“You led me on.”

I place my arms on the table and look at him like he has completely lost his mind. “You must be delusional.” I’ll admit, maybe a part of me did use him to make Zach jealous, or maybe I just liked the attention he was giving me. But that doesn’t excuse the way he treated me at my house.

He leans forward. “And you’re a bitch.”

He doesn’t wait for a response before walking away. Had he not been a major asswipe, then maybe it could have been more. Who am I kidding? The only boy I want to be with is Zach. I hate that I feel like I’m being punished for being with him. But it doesn’t matter. The way I feel about him trumps everything.

“Hey.” Zach leans in from behind me, tickling my face with his breath. “You okay? You look pissed.”

“It’s nothing.” I smile, turning toward him. “So, how were you able to get out of class?”

“Eh, I have my ways.” Zach pulls my face forward, kissing me like we’re the only ones in the room. “I can’t wait until I get to have all of you.”

Licking my lips, tasting him and wanting more, I respond, “Oh yeah, and what makes you so sure I would even give it all to you?”

His smile deepens on one side. “Oh, you will. You can’t resist me and my charm.” He’s right. When the time comes, I know I won’t be able to resist him.

“You’re so funny.”

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