Page 19 of Innocent Princess

"Hey." He chuckles as he slows our pace to stop. "That's the saddest look I've seen all day." When he turns toward me, his normal, easy-going smirk is back. "Are you sad because you don't get to teach someone all you know about extremely boring humanities stuff or that you don't get to spend one-on-one time with yours truly?" He leans down a little as he's so much taller than me. "Cause I gotta tell ya, if you want some one-on-one time, all you gotta do is ask."

I've done a good job at mastering not blushing at everything he says. At this moment, it's taking everything in me to fight the smolder.

I give him my sweetest smile. "No, I just felt bad for you and that lonely D." I wink at him and start walking again. I leave him chuckling behind me. Seconds later, he catches up with me. "You sure are fun, Blondie."

I momentarily tuck my chin into my shoulder while I hide my pleased smile.

"Oh, I did want to tell you, I have actually been looking into your birth parents. I don't have a lot of information, but I'm getting there."

I stumble to a halt at his words. I can't believe it. He might actually find them. I know he said he was just looking into things, but I currently have nothing to go on, so whatever he finds will be amazing. "Really?" I squeak.

"Really, really." The smile on his face is so authentic, I can't stop myself. I jump into his unsuspecting arms and hug him.

I repeatedly thank him, and when I finally start to pull away from him, I realize he's holding me up. I'm a good eight inches shorter than him, so my feet aren't even touching the ground.

I look at his face, and all I see is warmth. I can see it on his face; molten heat fills his eyes, and I can tell that this moment means as much to him as it does me. Not only can I see it, but I can also feel the lust as if it’s dripping off him. A million tiny tingles scatter themselves throughout my body, the sliver of space between us sparks with want. I can feel my body lean closer. He glances down at my lips, and on impulse, I bite the corner of my bottom lip.

"Geez, Blondie, remind me to tell you good news more often." He wiggles his eyebrows.

If I weren’t already in his arms, I'd swoon.

But the trance is broken as he slowly lets me drop back to the ground. A thought crosses my mind: I've been wanting to ask him to be my date to theGlass Ball.

I'm feeling lucky, so I press my luck.

"So, that ball the school has… I was thinking I'd really like to go. I've never been to a dance or a fancy event. Would you maybe, want to go with me?" My heart pounds in my chest as I draw out the words.

His lips press together in a slight grimace. He leans back on his heels, putting enough space between us to make it feel like a mile.

My luck just ran out.I turn and start to skulk toward the Lofts. He walks with me though, the awkwardness of the moment lingering heavily between us.

"Zella," he starts, but I interrupt him. There's no need for him to let me down easy. I'll just act like it's not a big deal.

It's totally a big deal. I'm so embarrassed.

"You know what? Actually, I think I'm busy that weekend anyway, so don't worry about it. No biggie. Forget I even mentioned it." A shrill of nervous laughter erupts from my throat.

"Blondie, hold up." He reaches for my arm to stop me. My forward movement stops, but I don't twist and look at him. I steady myself, shut my eyes, and take a breath. Then I'm ready; I plaster a smile as big as Texas on my face and look at him.

He scratches his neck, clearly conflicted.

"Fancy events, ball or whatever, aren't really my thing." His eyes are full of remorse, like maybe he wishes they were.

"Oh, no, totes it’s fine. Really," I chirp and wave away the problem with my hand.

"Don't be embarrassed." He's all cool, and I know he's not mocking me right now, but I don't appreciate being called out. Forget embarrassed, now I'm downright annoyed.

"You know what? Actually, this is good. There is this guy in my graphic design class, he mentioned it, so I'll ask him." There's no guy in my graphics design class. Well, there are several, but none I'd want to go out with.

Ryker's jaw ticks at my words. "I thought you just said you were busy that weekend," he bites out.

"Oh, yeah. Well, I'll check my calendar." I shrug my shoulder then force a little bounce in my step and keep on walking. He's quiet but remains by my side. A few short minutes later, we arrive at The Lofts. Ryker puts a hand on my arm, right as I pull out my key card to unlock the door to the building. I look at him over my shoulder.

"I'll think about it. Don't make any rash decisions." His hand drops, and he turns away, clearly not heading back to his room.

I step inside and let the door close behind me.

I don't know how to take his parting words. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I can't really count it a fail. It feels like a maybe, which is always better than a no.

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