Page 44 of The Art of Us by Symone

TEN

Fuck it. Kayla has been on my mind since our gaze met on the first day of school. Something about her has every fiber of my existence twisted into knots with no release in sight.

Witnessing other guys drool over her was the last straw that propelled me to claim her for myself.

Still, how the hell is it going to work?

I’m terrified to touch anyone without my head bolting to that dark place.

But despite that fact, I refuse to back down, which is why I’m searching the strip in West Heights for the art store Kayla likes.

Satisfaction blooms when I locate the place and realize it’s still open for another hour.

The middle-aged lady at the register greets me with a warm smile as I enter. “Hello. Anything I can help you find?”

“Yes.” I approach the counter. “I’d like the best easel you have.”

Her cloudy eyes twinkle with glee. “Well, it depends on the type you want. They’re all pretty great quality.”

“Then, I’ll buy the most expensive one,” I tell her.

She raises her thin brows. “Oh, all right.” Moving from behind the counter, she motions with her hands as she says, “This way, please.”

Not even a minute after plopping down in bed to finish my current book, my parents’ voices explode from down the passage. They’re arguing yet again. Either Mom came home drunk, or she’s accusing Dad of having a mistress.

Britney’s next door at Eric’s, hanging out by the pool. I could go chill with them, and whoever else is there. But I’ll be the only one not swimming, and I’m sick of the curious stares.

I haul a long sleeve t-shirt over my sweatpants, put on sneakers, grab my keys, and head out. Instead of staying in Charleston, I veer in the direction of West Heights.

Slowing to a stop on the street near Kayla’s house, I shut off the car and check the time on my phone. It’s almost nine.

I badly want to be near her again, surrounded by all that artwork. But most of all, just to be in her presence.

Grabbing the stuff from the backseat, I lock the car and head to the house, sneaking along the side until reaching her bedroom.

Desire burns under my skin like a woodfire as I tap on her window and eagerly wait for Kayla to appear.

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