Page 16 of Visions & Shadows

I almost pinch myself but suppress the urge before moving to my seat while murmuring, “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” he says and sits down again.

I let out a slow breath, and when I glance at Molly, it’s to see her and every other girl in class staring at us in complete and utter confusion.

Yeah, me and them both.

I don’t have a damn clue what’s going on and why Ryan’s showing an interest in me. From my experience, the good-looking guys are usually shallow and arrogant, but that doesn’t seem to be the case where Ryan’s concerned.

Mr. Clayton starts handing out pamphlets on dissecting frogs, which we’ll be doing the next day.

Note to self. Ditch Bio tomorrow.

I feel people peeking at us throughout the lesson, and it’s beginning to work on my nerves.

As we move from one class to the next, I can hear everyone whispering, and it doesn’t help that Ryan sticks close to me.

When the bell rings for lunch, I let out a sigh of relief, and while I gather my stuff, Ryan asks, “Can I hang out with you during lunch?”

My gaze darts to his face, and when I see he’s smiling at me, it does funny things to my insides, especially in the region of my stomach where a kaleidoscope of butterflies is fluttering like crazy.

I swallow hard before whispering, “Sure.”

“After you.” He moves back so I can walk first.

Which fairytale did this guy escape from?

Heading in the direction of the cafeteria, I’m overly aware of Ryan right beside me, and it’s super overwhelming.

Entering the cafeteria that’s already buzzing with students, I point at the food section. “I don’t like the food here, but do you want to grab something to eat?”

He shakes his head. “I’m good.”

I nod toward the exit. “I like sitting outside. It’s not crowded out there.”

Ryan follows me out the door, and when we get to my little corner, he says, “It’s a nice day.”

“Yeah, it’s not too cold.”

“Thanks for letting me hang with you,” he murmurs, his deep tone doing things to my heart.

When I sit down, he takes the spot beside me instead of the seat across from me.

My heartbeat speeds up again, and I’m struggling to deal with all the exciting emotions he evokes in me.

I’ve never been interested in a guy before, and I have a feeling that by the end of the day, I’ll be crushing hard on Ryan.

Not knowing what to say, I glance at the two willow trees, their branches bare. They usually give plenty of shade in the summer.

“I just want to be friends,” he suddenly says, and it has my eyebrows drawing together.

My heart clenches in my chest.

Did I give away that I’m attracted to him?

“I didn’t say I wanted to be anything more,” I mutter.

Ryan’s eyes lock with mine. “That’s not what I meant. I’m just trying to make you feel more comfortable. You look like you’re about to run for the hills.”

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