Page 19 of The Rivals' Touch

She hums. “Zayd’s mother made a big donation toward it. Said she wanted the visiting basketball teams to weep with envy.”

I smile. “She didn’t!!”

“Oh, but she did. Don’t let her fool you. She can be a bitch when she wants to be.”

I begin laughing.

“This is the teachers’ lounge, and the chemistry lab is over there.”

My brows knit together. “There’s no logic to where anything is in this school.”

Brenda pats my shoulder. “You’ll get used to it.” Pointing to a door further down the hall, she continues, “That’s Mr. Richards’ classroom. He teaches history. Sexy as fuck for a man his age.”

My eyes widen. “Did you just saysexy as fuck?”

Brenda flicks her fringe out of her eyes. “Yeah? What’s wrong with that?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. You surprised me.”

She snorts as she leads the way down another corridor. “Don’t let my looks fool you. I may be one of the resident geeks by default, because I’m in the chess club and the marching band, but I’m no Virgin Mary.”

“I think you’re the coolest person I’ve met here so far!”

Her laugh makes me smile. “Go on, butter me up! Tell me how awesome I am.”

“Now, now. Let’s not take it too far.” I wink.

“Keep your head down, and you’ll be fine.”

Something tells me it doesn’t matter if I play nice. I’m in for a rough ride.

* * *

I smile at the message on my phone.

Bennett: How’s your first day? I miss you!

Me: Boring! Never thought I would say this, but I miss Hedgewood High!

Bennett: And me? ;)

I type out a response. The teacher is busy writing on the whiteboard and unaware or uncaring that half the students are on their phones.

Me: I miss you too.

Legacy’s loud giggles grate on my nerves. As I glance up from my phone, I spot her batting her long eyelashes at Zayd. He’s sat at the desk behind her with his friend and teammate, Jacob.

Bennett: Video call tonight?

“Zay-yd!” More giggles.

I suppress an eye roll, staring at her perfect, shiny, brown hair. It falls midway down her back and always looks freshly brushed.Whatever.

I type out a response to my boyfriend.

Me: Can’t wait ;)

Bennett: Put on the red lingerie that I like so much.

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