Page 3 of Within Shadows
“Happy Birthday, Maeve.” He leans forward, holding his hand out for mine. I slowly raise it, settling my hand into his palm as he yanks me closer until his mask brushes against the side of my face. “I’ll see you soon, little muse.” He steps away, nodding his head to Jess as she keeps throwing shamelessly flirty looks at the drummer, Al. Knox tells two of his security guards to walk us toour car, and if it wasn’t for Jess leaning against me, I am not sure my legs would be strong enough to carry me.
I have the feeling of being watched as we both climb into the car, thanking the guards as they wave us off. Most of the parking lot has cleared after the concert ended, and it’s easy enough for us to slip into the flow.
“Al fucking kissed me.” She spits the words out and I nearly choke on the bottled water I was chugging down.
“He signed my damn hip, and I told him I would get it tattooed, and girl—he moaned. The gigantic, muscular wall of a drummer moaned!” Jess is practically screaming as she smacks her hands on her steering wheel with a giddiness that makes me smile. “Come on, you and Knox looked awfully cozy,” she prods, but I shake my head, rolling my eyes.
“Pretty sure they treat all of us crazy fan girls the same, Jess. Knox was a flirt, and I kept tripping over words like an idiot.” I sigh, leaning my forehead against the cold glass. He said he would see me soon, but I’m pretty sure I’ll never get another chance like this one.
Chapter 2
Maeve
My alarm blares to life, forcing me to reach around until I can feel my phone on the nightstand and silence that irritating beeping. College is kicking my ass this Monday morning, and I don’t even have enough time to make my coffee after I twist my messy hair into a bun. Saturday night feels like a lifetime ago as I hurry along the uneven sidewalk on my way to campus, enjoying the crisp air as the leaves crunch beneath my sneakers. My tight black jeans and bright orange hoodie match my hair, bringing a smile to my face when I catch my reflection in the window of the coffee shop.
The bell above the door rings, announcing my entrance as I step into line behind the other exhausted students, each of us barely alive this morning as we shuffle forward in silence. A soft tap on my shoulder has me meeting a pair of green eyes, the shade of autumn leaves, behind the reflection of glasses. He’s about a head taller than me, with long black hair tied back, and he motions to my hoodie.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but you have great taste, so I thought you might be able to help.” His deep voice catches my attention as he motions between us. We’re both wearing a bright orange hoodie and black jeans. I snort a laugh, moving forward along with the line.
“What do you need help with?” I ask.
“I just transferred to this college, and my friend told me I have to try this coffee shop, but I’m not much of a coffee drinker. Got any recommendations?” he asks sheepishly, a pink tinge to his cheeks.
“I’m probably the worst person to ask, since I’ve always gotten the same order since I started coming here. Iced caramel cappuccino, blended with extra caramel sauce,” I say as I also tell the barista at the register, since it’s my turn.
“Make that two. I’ll cover it since she tolerated me pestering her.” He steps forward, handing a twenty to the barista andmotioning for him to keep the change as he follows me to the other side of the counter, where we wait for our coffees.
“You didn’t need to do that,” I mutter, “but thank you.” He shrugs as we wait in awkward silence. Once our drinks are ready, he steps forward to open the door.
“My name is Garrett, by the way,” he tells me, holding the door open for me to pass through.
“Thanks. I’m Maeve.” I wave at him as a goodbye when I follow the sidewalk towards the massive stonework building where I’ll spend the next few hours in class. Garrett catches up to me with long strides, holding his phone up to show the list of classes he’s taking. Our first two are in the same class, and I peer up to see him blushing again.
“I know I’m probably at the end of your patience, but is there any way you can tell me where this second class is? I can’t find it on the map, and so far you’re the only student I’ve met. Transferring halfway through the year is making it a bit challenging,” he says sheepishly. I stop walking and pull my phone out, tapping on the map to show him where the class is.
“You’re fine. It’s really no problem. Arts Software is actually attached to the library, but they just haven’t updated the map. Part of the college is under construction, and it's a bit hard to navigate if it’s your first day. I’ll show you how to get there after our first class is over,” I say, noticing how handsome he is. His smile is bright and creates a heat in my chest as I stare for longer than is polite.
“We have our first class together? Well, now I can say I’m excited.” He laughs, and I snort at his awkward way of flirting. It’s actually really cute. “I’ll buy your coffee again tomorrow, my treat,” he offers, but I shake my head, waving him off.
“Absolutely not, I owe you for this morning.” I smile and he rubs a hand over the back of his neck, giving an awkward chuckleas we reach the building and the steady stream of students mulling about.
“I’ve always been terrible at flirting, but this one really takes the cake for one of my worst attempts.” My eyebrows raise as I stare ahead, caught off guard by his straightforwardness. I mull over my thoughts as we reach our first class, and he pulls out my chair for me to sit next to him.
“I didn’t say that I wasn’t interested in meeting you for coffee, Garrett. What I said no to is you paying.” I smirk as he turns to face me, beaming that bright smile again that makes me giggle.
When our class ends, Garrett is up and takes my bag before the bell finishes ringing.
“You’re showing me how to get around, the least I can do is carry your bag.” He smiles warmly, and I roll my eyes, trying to hide the blush in my cheeks as I stand and lead him out of the room. Garrett steps closer when the hallways crowd, pushing his hand into my lower back as he guides me, and that touch alone makes my heart flutter. It’s such a simple thing, and I struggle to focus on what he’s saying until he grabs my elbow to stop me.
“Earth to Maeve, you in there?” he teases, leaning down so that I’m staring into his eyes. I laugh awkwardly and wave my hand towards the library doors. “I’m sorry, I guess I’m still exhausted. This is our stop.” I hold the door open, and he reaches above me, leaning close as he waves me in. He did a doorway lean for a split second, and I’m already having dirty thoughts. Jess is right, I need to get laid.
I duck through the open doorway and quickly find a seat towards the back of the rows of desks, and Garrett sits next to me. Close enough that our thighs brush when he shifts in his seat to push his sleeves up. I’ve always been a sucker for arms, and the veins that stand out across his skin have me shivering in my seat.Pay attention, Maeve.I mentally shake myself and forcemy eyes to the young female professor that stands at the front of our class as she greets us.
Near the end of class, Garrett stretches, and his sweatshirt rides up. My eyes zero in on the deep cut line between his hips, and he leans forward with a smirk.
“Maeve, you aren’t undressing me with your eyes, are you?” he whispers, and I clear my throat, refusing to answer as I bite my own tongue. Damn hormones.
My day finally ends at just after two in the afternoon, and I am dragging my ass right home to curl up in bed. I trudge along the sidewalk, biting back a yawn as I mindlessly skip through songs on my phone until the deep vocals that are all too familiar swell within my ears. Knowing how sexy Knox is up close and very personal somehow adds to his voice, and I know how screwed I am. A hand waves in front of my face, and I yank out my headphone, whipping my head to lock eyes with the one person I was hoping to avoid this year. Oliver is grinning at me, with one hand shoved in his pocket as he ruffles his blonde hair.
