Page 154 of The Silent Note

My heels click on the ground as I approach her. “Who told you I wouldn’t be teaching here next semester?”

“Um, I heard it from a friend.”

“And who told your friend?”

“I don’t know.”

Well, I do.

I whirl around and call Zane instantly.

A ringing sound beeps outside of my class.

I look up and find the tall, magnetic drummer for The Kings standing in the hallway, wearing his Redwood Prep jacket and a handsome grin. His ocean-blue eyes gleam.

“What is this?” I whisper into the phone, unable to hide my smile.

“One.”

“One?”

“That was one smile. I’m going to earn two more smiles from you by the end of the day.”

My heart flips and then does a cartwheel.

“Have a nice class, Miss Jamieson. I’ll pick you up for our date after school.” He hangs up and walks down the hallway.

I keep the phone to my ear, spell-bound, my eyes locked on his retreat.

Zane Cross is a dangerous, dangerous force.

Because, against all odds, against every stroke of common sense and decency in my body, I think I might be in love with him.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

ZANE

Dad’s summons comes when I’m in the kitchen with the cafeteria ladies, planning out lunch for Grey.

“Mm. Yeah, that’s it.” My eyes roll back in my head as I taste the seasoning on the spoon. “Don’t tell Martina, but if you ever want to come back and cook for us, I’ll make it happen.”

“You naughty boy. You’re too used to sisters fighting over you.”

“I’m no longer interested in sisters. I’m a taken man, but I’ll make the exception for you.” I wink.

“Naughty, naughty.” Gloria pummels me with the spoon, laughing loudly. Her hair is silver streaked and deep laugh lines crack the edges of her eyes.

I dodge every hit and then swoop in to kiss her cheek. “Thank you for doing this.”

“You’re the one who bought the ingredients, but why request such an expensive dish in the first place?”

“Someone I know loves your regular pasta. This one will blow her mind.”

Gloria giggles. “Who is the lucky girl that has my sweet Zaney actingtonto?” Her expression sours. “It’s not the one who posted yournalgason the internet, is it?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve seen my butt, would it?” I smirk, leaning back on the counter.

“Ay yai yai. I did not spank you enough growing up, did I?”

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