“You’re the queen of casual. We hung out for weeks before I stopped wondering if you liked me. He probably has no clue.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” I chuckled. “Just flash him a smile. You don’t even have to use words.”
Maya frowned as she processed that. I almost grinned at my matchmaking attempt, then remembered my own disastrous love life.
CHAPTER FIVE
While my parents went out for their run Sunday evening, I cleaned and organized my room. With arms full of dirty clothes, I shot out of the hallway and nearly crashed into the wall. I leaned an elbow against the doorjamb for balance as the world shifted around me, blurred for an instant, then sharpened.
What the hell?
I proceeded with caution, moving slower to keep track of the hallway in relation to myself. Taking the stairs went smoothly enough, but as I took a step through the doorway of the laundry room, tingles of energy snaked through my stomach, chest and limbs. When the heel of my foot landed on a nearly invisible puddle of water, I overcompensated by pulling back. My other foot skidded across the floor and I hydroplaned. My free hand shot out to break the fall and the fleshy part of my thumb caught on a loose screw in the threshold. Blood pooled in my palm.
I stared at my hand, feeling queasy. Then, right before my eyes, the opening slowly closed. Within moments, there was no sign of even a scratch.
Whoa.
As if to demonstrate my power, another swell of energy moved through my hands.
Okay, I would not freak. I would calmly and systematically figure out what the hell was happening to me. Had I been exposed to a chemical or radiation? My new intermittent abilities couldn’t be hereditary. Aside from their hovering, my parents were totally normal. And if they knew anything, they would’ve told me.
I couldn’t confide in them or they’d probably worry that an aneurysm was bringing on freakish abilities and would lead to death or something. Sorting out what was going on was enough without adding their neuroses into the mix.
Maybe I should see a doctor. Except the only way to keep it from my parents would be to see someone I didn’t know and pay cash from my car savings. That was a last resort. Besides, they’d have to document the case and what if someone evil found out about me who wanted to use my powers to rule the world? Yeah, my imagination was running wild. Still, I didn’t want to become someone’s experiment.
Sneakers pattered outside and I realized I’d sat there scrutinizing my hand for several minutes. I jumped up, rinsed off my hand and straightened my clothing.
Breathe… Breathe.
I strolled into the living room just as the front door swung open. “How was your run?”
“Great,” my mom answered, hanging her keys on a hook by the door. “We’re going to rent a movie. Would you like to join us?” She pulled a cigarette from her pack and fished in her pocket for a lighter.
“Not tonight, thanks. I have some research to do.” I couldn’t possibly concentrate on anything other than figuring out what was going on with me.
† † †
As I drove to school Monday morning, to prevent getting into a car crash or something and miraculously healing in front of someone, I kept the radio off and ignored anything else that might distract me. I’d have to remember to be careful of my movements at school too, so I wouldn’t accidentally leap a tall building in a single bound, or some such crap, and draw attention to my newly developed weirdness.
I’d researched again last night, using all the words and phrases I could think of. I’d even checked diseases, but nothing about superpowers and accelerated healing popped up. There were all sorts of websites on herbs and acupuncture to promote healing. Not helpful.
Seeing a roadwork sign and cars bottle-necked up ahead, I slowed. By the time I passed the orange cones, I’d lost five minutes.
When I parked in the school lot and rounded the hood of my car, the passenger-side rear tire caught my eye. Damn, it was almost totally flat. Zack had mentioned it Friday, but I’d forgotten all about it. I needed to remember to stop for air after school.
On the way to the school entrance, I saw Daniel in my peripheral vision leaning against his car. I wasn’t in danger of being late, but I no longer had time to dive into a long and probably heated conversation with Daniel. I pretended not to see him, but he darted out from between cars and captured my hand.
Oblivious to my cringing, he lowered his head to try to kiss me, his long, blond hair whipping around and tickling my nose. I stiffened and prepared myself for a confrontation.
“Hey guys. What’s up?” Gina’s eyes narrowed a moment at his arm around my waist.
“Oh, hi.” I gave her a small smile, not sure if she was still mad at me.
Gina grinned, like she was totally over it. I didn’t want to be her bestie anymore, but I didn’t want us unfriendly either. She’d get another chance to make up for being such a hag on Friday.
“I’ll see you at lunch.” Daniel freed my waist and left without kissing me goodbye. Whew.
Gina walked with me through the school entrance and stopped at her locker. “The party was crazy. I had such a blast.”
She definitely seemed back to her less-bitchy self. “You look awfully cheery. Did you hook up with someone at the party?”
“Yes, and he’s gorgeous.” Gina beamed as she dragged a book from her locker.
“And?” The juicy details would take my mind off my epic fail with Daniel, among other things.
She turned to face me. “The thing is… I might really like this guy. Maybe I should see him a couple more times before I say much. Don’t want to jinx it.”
So much for distraction.
† † †
I nearly choked on the thick smell of grease that hung in the corridor as I headed to the cafeteria. My super sense of smell didn’t do much for my appetite.
Daniel and Gina beat me to our table. They sat next to each other, shoulders brushing like they were deep in conversation. For a second, I considered going straight to Maya and pretending Daniel and Gina didn’t exist. But that would be too rude.
After getting my food, I closed in on them. Gina noticed me, then returned to a normal sitting position as Daniel glanced over his shoulder. I shot them a weird look and was about to ask them about their big secret when Maya stopped by our table. She’d let her hair go natural and golden waves fell around her face. Her makeup was almost the same as I’d done it Saturday, but somehow improved upon.
She glanced to her right. “There they are, looking mighty fine.”
Following her gaze, I spotted Trevor. Next to him sat Zack, appearing every bit as delectable as ever. His straight dark hair spiked up and he’d dressed in faded jeans and a solid black T-shirt. It was basic, yet looked anything but plain on him.
“Ooh-la-la.” Gina clicked her tongue.
Daniel snorted. “Those guys are total losers.”
Like a bullet, Zack’s eyes shot to mine. I hung with the two most beautiful girls in school and he was looking at me? I thought he didn’t like me. He grimaced before looking away, reminding me nothing had changed.
“I’ll see you later, Autumn.” Maya twirled and walked toward John’s table.
I stared after Maya, longing to go with her. Normally, I would’ve sat down by now. To stall, I whipped out my cell and texted my mom just to say hello. There, I’d beaten her to it. Still standing, I contemplated how to spend the rest of lunch at John and Maya’s table without Daniel or Gina making a scene.
“I haven’t seen Jeff today. Is he okay?” Gina asked Daniel.
“Yeah. He’s still hung over from Saturday.”
Gina tucked an auburn lock of hair behind her ear. “That’s some hangover.”
“Moderation isn’t one of Jeff’s strong points,” Daniel said.
I yawned, my gaze wandering to John’s table. “I need to talk to Maya for a minute.”
Gina beamed. “We’ll hold your spot for you.”
“Yeah,
I’ll walk you to class in a bit.” Daniel shot me a quick look and returned his focus to Gina as though I were an afterthought. No giving me crap about hanging with my less popular friends? Something had to be up, but I wasn’t going to question my good fortune. I snapped up my tray and high-tailed it.
Two other girls and a guy sat with John and Maya. The only free spot next to John allowed a full view of Zack. Taking the seat, I smiled, which was easy since I was so glad to be away from Daniel and Gina. “Hey.”
John’s brows rose. “Gina and your boyfriend let you go?”
I shrugged, barely containing my joy.
Maya glanced over at them, then gave me a grin. “They seem just fine without you.”
A moment later, proving once again I was powerless against Zack’s pull, my line of vision adjusted a fraction to include him. And suddenly he was watching me. Damn. Caught ogling again.
Twisting around, I let my hair form a barrier between us. But I could feel the energy emanating from him, like a beam coming straight for me. Just as I snuck another peek at him from under my lashes, he rose, emptied his tray and left. I wondered where he was going when he still had most of lunch period left. Well, good. With him gone, I could enjoy my meal with my real friends.
After lunch, Daniel walked me to English Lit. Near the entrance of my class, he leaned in. He didn’t smell like his usual self. There was something extra. Perfume? It was all over him and reminded me of Gina.
“We’ve barely seen each other for days.” He moved closer. I automatically backed against the wall and he caged me in with his arms. “After school, want to go for coffee or something?”
No, I didn’t want to go anywhere with him. But I needed him to stick around so I could dump him.
“I’ll see you after school.” I ducked under his arm, making my getaway. Thankfully, Daniel and I didn’t have any classes together. We probably wouldn’t cross paths again until school was over.
Several desks away from Zack, I took my seat and swiveled toward the door, so Zack could only see my back. The bell rang.
“Everyone face the board, please. Autumn,” Mr. Farajian boomed.
Zack chuckled softly and my cheeks heated. Lifting my chin, I aimed it at the teacher and managed to get through the entire period without glancing at Zack. Keeping my mind on my studies was a different matter entirely.
There had to be someone I could talk to about my strange new abilities. Maya’s mom maybe? Except super-human powers were kind of a big deal and what if she talked to my parents?
When the bell rang again, I rose and moved around my desk. With my eyes anywhere but on Zack, I darted into the aisle. When he bumped into me, my step faltered and I lost my balance. His hands shot to my shoulders to steady me and I spun around.
His hands moved to my hips. “Falling for me again? It’s either that or I give you vertigo,” he said softly, a smile playing on his lips.
My gaze dropped to his mouth, then lower. Zack had a dimple in his chin. A very sexy dimple.
“I…” I what? The pressure of his thumb at my hip bone turned my brain into soup and I couldn’t squeak out even one syllable.
“Are you okay?” A frown marred his forehead.
“Yeah, sure.”
The lines over his brows disappeared and he shook his head as if wiping away cobwebs. “You should get going, don’t you think? Daniel’s probably waiting for you.” He smirked, then dropped his hands. “That one’s a keeper, huh?”
My brain engaged and I returned his smirk. “And you’re so much cooler?” I turned and headed to my next class.
Once I rounded the corner, I exhaled, sure I didn’t sense Zack close by. I couldn’t think about how I knew when he was near. Couldn’t think about a lot of things right now. I just needed to watch where I went and how fast I moved, especially where Zack was concerned.
After my last class, I stopped at my locker. As I rooted around for the books to take home, I felt thick arms wrap around my waist, lips nuzzling the back of my neck.
“You ready to go to Bill’s Bean and Brew? We’re due for some quality time together,” Daniel whispered in my ear.
No, I wasn’t ready for that at all. But it would give me the perfect opportunity to end things. That is, if we actually made it to the coffee shop and not some deserted road for quality time. But since I really wanted to have that talk with him, I’d take what I could get and fend him off.
“I’ll meet you outside.” I shoved my books back in the locker and faced him, fully expecting to dodge him when he swooped. Instead, he flashed me that same sweet smile he used to give me before we started dating. Too bad the sweetness wouldn’t last.
Daniel took off. I turned to follow when I noticed Zack sauntering toward me. Why couldn’t his locker be at the other end of the hallway?
Zack gave me a thumbs up, mouthing, “He’s a winner,” as he passed me.
I hated that Daniel was such a creep and Zack had judged me by that.
I needed to get this breakup on.
Sighing, I resumed the book search, loaded up my backpack and headed to Daniel’s car. Right outside the double doors, I saw Gina twisting her hair around her finger as she talked to Zack.
Could he be the mystery guy she’d hooked up with at the party over the weekend? Except that Gina had said Zack had a girlfriend. Maybe he’d recently become available.
Zack seemed to like Gina just fine, but he couldn’t stand me. A feeling deep inside me fought its way up. Jealousy. Which I need to get over, because Zack didn’t like me and all. He and Gina were probably perfect for each other. They could sit together at lunch and judge everyone.
As I approached my car, I noticed the rear tire all plump and healthy. I searched the lot, expecting to see someone walking away with a car-jack. No such luck.
Who’d filled it up? If my dad had noticed — which was unlikely since I’d parked across the street yesterday where he couldn’t see that side of my car — he would’ve insisted on driving me to school or at least mentioned it to me and warned me to be careful. Zack maybe?
I dumped my backpack in the Taurus and scanned the parking lot for Zack. Instead, I spotted Daniel’s black Audi gleaming just several cars away. Daniel casually leaned against the passenger side, glaring in another direction and oblivious to my presence. I followed the path of his gaze to Zack and Gina, wondering what Zack had done to annoy him — besides being way hotter than him.
“Hey,” I said, as I approached.
“Hi, babe. You should park your car on the street, so we don’t have to rush back before the gates get locked.”
I backtracked to my car, but halted two steps later and spun around. Knowing Daniel, he’d invite Jeff and Natalie. We wouldn’t be alone at all. “I can’t go for coffee.”
“Okay, but you said you wanted to talk. Get in and we’ll drive around the block or something.”
Which was what I’d wanted. But did I really want to be trapped in his car with him?
“Actually, I really need your help with something,” Daniel said, his blue eyes pleading. “I’d rather not talk about it here.”
I sighed and climbed into the Audi. I was about to put on my seatbelt when he gripped my arm.
“Not so fast.” He leaned over, cupping my face. “You look really pretty today.”
I leaned back, so Daniel’s mouth couldn’t reach me. Instead of noticing my retreat, he gazed past me and frowned. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Gina and Zack talking at his car. My tummy fluttered. So not the reaction I wanted when seeing him. He gave Gina a wave, then went back into the school.
“What’s with you and Zack?” I asked.
Daniel pivoted in his seat and started the engine. “For starters, he’s a total tool.”
Whatever. I probably wasn’t going to get anything else out of Daniel, so didn’t try.
As he barreled through the gate and swerved into the lane, which was how he always drove, I pondered what I’d say. How did you go about telling someone you
don’t like them anymore?
My palms moistened and I racked my brain for the right words. Then I stared out the window and noticed we were a few hundred yards from Angeles National Forest — with plenty of secluded spots hidden by trees. Why was I not surprised that he’d driven me to a very private place to park?
Daniel killed the engine under a covering of trees and unhooked his seatbelt.
I scooted toward the door. “We’re not parking this time, Daniel. We need to talk.”
“We can do that later.” Daniel lunged, his mouth devouring mine. As he squished against me, my elbow wedged against the door and his weight on my chest pressed into my air passages. I couldn’t breathe.
CHAPTER SIX
“Daniel!” I shouted. “I wanted to talk, not make out.”
He lifted his head, brows drawn. “You mean you were serious?”
“Yes.” I shoved, but his full weight made him hard to budge. Disgusting. “Get off.”
“I don’t mind getting off. Just put your hand right here—”
“You know what?” I gritted my teeth. “Just take me to my car. Now.” He didn’t even deserve the speech, whatever it may have been. After today, I’d never speak to his stupid ass again. He’d get the idea soon enough.
“What? We just got here.” He aimed for my mouth, his tongue poking past my lips.
I shoved harder, blasting his back into the dashboard.
“Ow!”
“I said no.” I adjusted my shirt.
“Damn it, Autumn. You’ve kept me waiting for weeks. I swear, I’m not waiting until prom night.”
“Prom night?” My face skewed. He assumed I’d sleep with him then? Oh, he had some nerve.
“Come on, baby. I promise you’ll love it.” Daniel reached over and hit the button to make my seat recline, then he pounced. In a flash, he was climbing over to my side, trying to kiss me again.
I turned my head. “If you don’t get off me right now, I’m going to scream.” My arms thrashed until my palm connected with his chin. He yelped. “I’m not kidding. Let me go.”
“Fine.” He clambered over to his own seat and rubbed his jaw. “But I’m done waiting, Autumn. You’d better start getting your priorities straight.”
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