Chapter 41 CHAPTER 41

Chapter 41 CHAPTER 41
Stepping out of Amy's car, I wasn't surprised by the whispers about Cross and me but something else buzzed through the crowd. A different excitement.

The cheerleaders huddled in a tight circle around someone, energy crackling through them. Curiosity tugged me, but the thought of being near Amy made me do otherwise.

Besides,Cross– despite literally seeing my location on his screen-was still texting me.

"Aren't you supposed to be on crutches?" I asked David. He used nothing to support himself, though his ankle did appear to have been professionally wrapped in an ace bandage.

"I figured the brace was enough." He limped toward me. "See? Still functional."

"I guess..." I eyed him, unconvinced. "When I sprained my ankle the doctor said I had to use crutches."

"I can handle it. Besides, if I need extra help I can just lean on someone." He slung an arm around me.

With my support he walked much faster, making me give him a pointed look. "You need crutches. Stop trying to act strong."

"Yes, mom," he said, rufflingmy hair. "I can't have these girls think I'm on hold while this foot heals."

I smacked his shoulder. "Seriously, that's what you're worried about?!"

Theodore overheard and barked in laughter. "Actually, I'd rock it. She can play dress up and be a nurse." He rubbed his hands together like he was imagining it already.

David nodded thoughtfully. "Not a bad idea." They high-fived liked idiots.

Cross's attention, however, was on me. He stood with his hands tucked behind his back like he was waiting for something.

"Good morning," I said.

His eyes narrowed. "That's it?"

At my shrug, he leaned down to kiss my lips, but David jerked me back.

"Don't do that crap in front of me," he gagged dramatically the arm over my shoulder shuddering with revulsion.

Cross rolled his eyes, but didn't argue. I understood David, it's weird to see your friends suddenly become romantic.

A series of dings suddenly came from Cross's phone, and he immediately started responding. My chest tightened. I guess I wasn't the only one he was texting this morning, David and Theodore were here, so who else could he be conversing with?

David shifted, placing more of his weight on me. "He's texting Hilary."

"I didn't ask"

"Clara." David sent me one of his knowing looks. He was a little too perceptive for my liking this morning.

"That new student is sure making a hit," Theodore mentioned. His attention was trained on the cheerleaders.

So that's why they're all excited this morning. I spotted Hilary in the mix. Her dexterity in texting while she engaged in conversation was impressive, with the way she was reacting to whatever was being said, you would think they had her sole attention.

Ding. Ding. Ding.

Texting while talking, a great multitasker. It made me wonder what was so important she wanted to inform Cross. I restrained my curiosity.

"I heard she's hot," Theodore added off-handedly. "Did you know her?" he asked me.

"No. I barely associated with girls until this year."

"Tragic, I quite like your lady friends," Theodore replied. "Keep hanging out with girls, especially that Kelly girl."

"She's pretty," David added.

Theodore clapped his back. "You should swing by the nurse's office during free period. She volunteers there."
David smirked. "I’m sure my foot will need an ice pack."

I yanked David's ear. "Kelly is off limits to play around with, she's my friend. And she has a genuinely good heart."

"Ow--relax." David winced. "I haven't done anything crazy."

I glared at Theodore for his bad idea, who merely shrugged unapologetically. "I can't help it if they all want this vitamin D. They come back for seconds."

I reached for his ear next, but David's weight kept me anchored.

"Kelly doesn't want any of your vitamins! She's not like the girls you flirt with. She's innocent and considerate! Leave her alone!"

David snorted. "I'll be the judge of that." He shifted the topic smoothly. "What's Hilary saying?"

Cross stretched, muscles flexing beneath his shirt as his spine cracked. "The new girl moved back with her dad instead of staying upstate with her mom. She wants to reunite with her childhood love." His lips curled in disgust on that last part. Then, his eyes slid to me, a slow smirk forming as he pulled me from David. "Pretty convenient people know I'm with Cross, right babe?" His lips brushed my temple, warm enough to make my breath hitch.

I quelled my usual urge to hit him. The kiss was tame compared to the others he's attempted and, if I were honest, I liked it.

"We're not together. I'm still thinking about it, " I said. Cross maneuvered me directly in front of him, his chest pressed to my back as he wrapped his arms around me tightly.

"What's there to think about? Anyone can see our burning chemistry. His voice charged with innuendo.

Thankfully, the warning bell rang. I slipped from his arms and forced my heart to steady. "Come on. Let's not be late to technology."

Cross laced his fingers through mine, slowing us to an infuriatingly leisure pace. You'd think we were touring roses with this speed. We were only doors away from our classroom when a feminine voice drifted over us.

"Cross. Long time no see."

We both stopped. I could've kept walking, but curiosity rooted me in place. My gaze landed on a beautiful girl -honey-gold hair rippling in perfect waves, a stylish dress, and short heels that made her look like she came straight out of a magazine. She smiled slyly, her red lips dangerous.

Cross returned it, though the gesture never touched his eyes. "Larissa. Shame I couldn't go even longer without seeing you."

Her pout was immediate. Her posture screamed, I know you want me. With that beautiful face, I could picture any guy bending to please her.

"I missed you."

"I didn't." His tone was flat. No humor. Not even sarcasm. Just cold.

"It's like you forgot all about me," she purred. A manicured hand reached to caress his cheek. He recoiled from her in disgust.

"I wish I had." His eyes flashed -hurt, anger, and something darker before going blank.

"I want to speak with you," she demanded.

"Go ahead."

"In private."

Finally, her eyes shifted to me. This whole time she'd been talking to him like he was the only person in the hall. She sent a dismissive wave in my direction, as if I were clutter, then gestured to the wandering students.

"It'll be quick," she said. "But I want us alone. Away from the crowd."

Cross walked past her, but not without tightening his grip on my hand and pulling me with him.

Larissa's heels clicked sharply as she followed, waves of displeasure emanating due to what she seemed to consider brusque treatment.

Cross led us to a private corner, only one or two students lingering. When he released my hand, I actually missed the contact. The bell rang, funneling everyone else into classrooms.

"I want her to leave," Larissa said, still refusing to address me directly. It was as if I were an inconsequential insect she couldn't stand the sight of.

"Clara stays." Cross hooked a finger into the loop of my jeans and pulled me flush against him. "Anything you say to me she can hear."

"You can't be serious." She'd seemed so beautiful before, but now her features twisted into something reptilia-coiled and venomous.

Her irritation seemed to delight Cross. He smiled ruthlessly. "Not kidding. She's my witness."

Her eyes widened a fraction at that word. Witness. Whatever she expected from this reunion, it wasn't this.

"I want to make things right with you," she said tightly.

"In case it hasn't entered that thick, abhorrent skull of yours, I don't trust you." Cross shrugged disinterestedly. "So unless actual words fall out of your mouth in-oh, I don't know--fifteen seconds, I'm going to class."

Larissa inhaled sharply, jaw clenching as she fought for composure. She clearly expected a warm reception after the crowd outside fawned over her arrival. Cross's icy rejection wasn't part of her plan.

She turned her wrath to me. A glare sharp enough to cut through steel. I met her stare with ambivalence. I didn't know who she was, but Cross was my friend. And whatever she did to him must've been awful for him to respond this way. I didn't like her.

True to his word, Cross lifted his wrist to check his imaginary watch. "Look at that. Time's up."

"Fifteen seconds haven't even passed yet!" she snapped.

He laughed in derision. "I don't like you, so I deducted time."

He didn't even say goodbye.

Larissa finally broke, spinning on her heel and stormed off.

Cross's shoulders loosened. He actually looked satisfied that she was gone. Meanwhile, I replayed everything while he practically hauled me to class.

What the heck just happened?

We settled in our usual spot. Today we wouldn't have to work since we finished our project yesterday. Cross immediately launched a video on his phone, cackling at people getting injured in increasingly stupid ways.

I poked him. "So...when do you plan on explaining that?"

He didn't look up."Clara, just sit on my lap and watch these with me." He pat his leg in invitation.

"No. Tell me what that was about."

"So persistent." His eyes bore into mine, heavy and unreadable. "Fine. We can do question for question." He paused for a beat. "And I get to check your phone."

I squirmed. Of all people, him asking that? I thought I would be the one to bring it up first. At least he made that part easier.

"That's fine," I said slowly. "So, what's your question?"

Instead of answering, he turned back to his videos like nothing happened.

"Aren't you going to ask?" I demanded.

"Tomorrow," he said, maddeningly calm. "When you come over my house."