Page 4 of Always You

“I didn’t ask.” My turn to smirk.

“You didn’t need to.”

“Thanks, Denton,” I say again, turning toward the bus and watching the kids pile in. “I’m Brianna.”

“You better get going then, kitten,” He nods to the bus.

I make a dash for the bus and make it just as the door is closing. I take my seat and look in Denton’s direction. He’s waving at me. A flush creeps up my face as I look forward, pretending not to see him.

“I want you to see me,

Standing here on the edge,

Fading like a wallflower,

Baby, talk me off of this ledge.

I want you to make me whole,

Blend my colors,

See my soul.”

“That’s pretty but so fucking sad.” Denton takes a seat on the ground next to me. My face heats, and I stop playing my guitar. I do not do well with live audiences.

“You shouldn’t have just been standing there listening. It’s rude.”

“No, it’s not. It’s a free country, kitten.”

He’s still calling me that then. I grab his jacket, shoving it against his chest.

“You have a beautiful voice.”

I roll my eyes.

“Seriously,” he insists. “Are you planning on singing after you graduate?”

“No way. I am more of the words behind the voice kind of artist.”

“A shame,” he reaches out and twists one of my curls around his finger.

I frown. “You can’t do that!” I swat away his hand.

“Why?”

“Because it’s rude. You can’t just touch my hair,” I say, packing up my sheets.

“I’ve always wondered what it felt like, that’s all.” He has that stupid unlit cigarette in his mouth again. I reach out and pull it from him, flinging it on the ground.

“How do you like that, huh?” I grin.

“It was worth it,” his gaze meets mine, endless pools of black.

Clearing my throat, I stand, dusting off my pants. “I got to get to class.”

He stares up at me with that smirk again. “See you later, kitten.”

“I am not your kitten, Denton,” I say through gritted teeth.

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