Page 6 of Visions & Shadows

Stay calm. Don’t say something stupid.

Ugh, he probably won’t even talk to me.

I feel like squirming in my chair and glance down at my white knuckles where I’m clutching my favorite pencil.

I can barely restrain myself from looking at him again.

When the drop-dead gorgeous guy takes a seat right next to me, I try to forcefully keep myself from stealing another glance, but my eyes have a mind of their own. Slowly, I turn my head, and I take in the cargo pants that hug his thighs just right.

Dear God, have mercy on my hormones.

I can’t resist and let my eyes slide up his body to his broad chest. He’s wearing a dark blue button-up shirt, the top two buttons undone. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, exposing his forearms and tanned skin.

Then my eyes land on his hands and the veins snaking beneath his skin, and my heart skips another beat.

Lost in the attractive guy beside me, my eyes drift upward, pausingat his totally kissable lips.

The corner of his mouth curves up, and I’m just about to get entirely lost in him when our eyes meet.

Well, actually, it’s more like he catches me gawking at him.

My soul almost ups and leaves my body, and I practically give myself whiplash when I turn my head away to look out the window.

Ugh. Embarrassing!

My heart hammers in my chest while a wave of mortification hits me hard.

Every drop of blood in my body rushes to my face, and lifting a hand, I rest my elbow on the table and cover my eyes.

Now’s a good time for the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

I get a whiff of his aftershave, and of course, it has to smell incredible – fresh and masculine with a hint of rain. And something spicy and addictive.

I suck in a deep breath of air, then open my sketchpad to the page with the waterfall.

“That’s really good,” he says suddenly, his voice low and deep. “You like drawing?”

To my absolute horror, I snort before awkward laughter bursts over my lips.

Dear God.

I clear my throat and nod. “Yeah.”

“Where have you seen that waterfall?” he asks.

The last thing I expected today was a hot guy walking into school and asking me about my drawing.

A slight frown forms on my forehead, and turning my head, I look at him. “It’s from a dream I had.”

His eyes take mine captive. “That must’ve been quite some dream.” A smile tugs at his mouth, then he adds, “I’m Ryan Jackson.”

Somehow, I manage to smile while I murmur, “I’m Jane. Welcome to Steamboat Springs.”

His smile grows warm and friendly, making him a million times hotter. “Thank you.”

“Did you say your name’s Ryan?” Megan asks from the desk next to ours. “I’m Megan, the head cheerleader. Just say if you need someone to show you around.”

Ryan nods at her. “I’m good. Thanks.”

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