Page 65 of Isabella and the Slipper

He grinned his camera-ready smile and wielded the full power of his dimple. “Do you have any classes with him?”

Dang. He wasn’t going to give up. Fine.

She glared at him. “Yes.”

“How many?”

“One. But that’s all you’re getting out of me.”

“Have you talked to him today?”

She threw her head back and looked at the ceiling. “Why do you care?”

He glanced at the clock. “Just making conversation. We’re done with our project and still have five minutes until the bell rings.”

“Then let’s talk about something else.”

He picked up the papers on his desk and stuffed them in his backpack. “I don’t want to. You’re cute when you’re flustered. Who is he?”

Was he going to pester her until she gave him a name? Maybe she should just give him one. Any name. Savannah’s brother popped into her head. She’d spoken to him today, and he was in her photography class. “Paul. His name is Paul. Can we talk about something else now?”

Chase gave her a flat look. “Paul who?”

She groaned. “Evans.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why do you like him?”

“Why do you like phone girl?” she shot back, giving him a death stare.

A funny grin spread across Chase’s face. “She’s witty. And caring. And we talk about all kinds of things. I just feel a connection with her.”

“And that’s why I like Paul.” Isabella folded her arms across her chest and clamped her mouth shut.

Hopefully, that would be enough.

Chase nodded. “That’s great.”

His face didn’t look like he thought that was great.

The bell rang, and Isabella silently thanked the heavens. She gathered up her things while Chase turned his desk back around.

He slung his backpack over one shoulder. “Want a ride?”

She shook her head. “No. I’m already in enough trouble at home.”

Chase worked his jaw, a hard look in his eyes. “You okay at home?”

It was sweet that he felt protective of her. “Yeah. Nothing like that. She’s just making me work extra hours to get ready for this weekend.”

He placed his hand on her arm, and the warmth from his skin spread. If he only knew what his touch did to her. “You call me if anything ... happens.”

She nodded, unable to make words come out.

“Are you sure you won’t let me drive you?”

Isabella bit her lip. She did need to go home and get the painting for Mr.Kato. It would take her extra-long to walk home and then back to the gallery. She would get in trouble if she was late to work. “Maybe you could drop me off a block from home?”

He nodded. “Sure thing.”

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