Page 26 of A Pretty Fixation

“Hi, sweetie. I just spoke to your grandmother. Itturns out she went on an online shopping spree and ordered a bunch of stuff forus.”

I snort. “Again?”

“Yeah.” She chuckles. “She said she had rosesdelivered to the bistro, but she forgot to include a card. Did you get them?”

I flick to Caleb as the smile falls from my face.

He scowls.

“Grandma sent me the eternity roses?” I repeat forhim to hear.

Caleb cringes and swallows what’s in his mouth.

“Mmhm,” Mom hums. “She’s a fan of those lately.”

“Oh. I was confused because there wasn’t a card.”I tighten my eyes on Caleb. “I’ll be sure to call and thank her.”

“Okay. Well, aside from that, everything allright?”

“Everything’s fine.” I keep my voice calm. “I’llsee you guys on Sunday.”

“See you, honey. Love you.”

“Love you too, Mom.” I disconnect the call anddrop the phone back into the bag, all the while giving Caleb a furious look.

He wipes his mouth with the napkin and clears histhroat. “Uh, that was sweet of your grandmother.”

“Incredibly sweet.”

Remorse curtains his face. “I’m sorry. I promiseI’ll buy the same ones. I’ll even send some to her.”

“Forget it.” I crumple my empty wrapper and gathermy things. “It’s brought back my senses. I don’t know why I’m out with you.” Istraighten from the chair.

He stands. “Jordyn, wait—”

“No,” I grit. “Thanks for the food. But again,it’s best if you leave me alone. I’m not your childhood crush.”

There’s palpable frustration in his features.Huffing, he presses his eyes shut for a moment, then says, “I’ll drive youback.”

“No thanks. I’ll take an Uber or the bus.” I turnto leave.

“Jordyn!” he calls out, and the force captures mein the spot. “I won’t give up.”

Maybe I don’t want you to, acunning voice whispers within just as heat dances along my spine.

I break out of it and quicken down the street.

I’m still experiencing the impact of thatexhilarating surge when I reach campus.

Strolling past the quad, I’m about to take thepath to the dorms when a familiar voice calls my name.

Aaron Taylor.

He doesn’t incite the same effect that Caleb iscapable of causing.

I wait for him to reach me.

“Hey,” he says with a soft smile, fixing thebackpack on his shoulder.

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