“What are you doing?” I asked Nathan when he took my backpack, slung it over his shoulder, and slipped his hand in mine.
We were in the school parking lot among other students who were getting out of their vehicles, chatting in small groups, heading toward the red brick building. Low and heavy clouds hovered in the gray sky. A fine, watery mist stung my eyes when a cool breeze smacked me in the face. I took the sleeve of my rain jacket and swiped at my cheeks.
He flashed me a silly grin. “I’m walking you to your locker.”
There were people staring at us, others pointing. Great. The rumors about what happened at The Lion’s Den must have already circulated. I ducked my head, allowing my hair to shield my face from the onlookers.
“You don’t have to do that,” I said, my cheeks flaming.
“Remember what I told you last night. I’m not letting you out of my sight until I know you’re safe.”
“But everybody is staring at us,” I complained.
“So.” He shrugged. “They’re curious and have the need to perpetuate a story in a dramatic form to suit their own agendas. It’s human nature. People love drama.”
He was indifferent about the whole thing and didn’t care what others thought. I on the other hand, did care and didn’t like the feeling of being placed under a microscope.
We entered the building, smelling of bleach and cleaning products and walked down the busy corridors to my locker. Even in here, people were staring at us, except for the girls gawking at Nathan with their mouths wide open and seemed to not acknowledge my existence. Some of them were part of Ashley’s group, and I wondered what they were thinking seeing Nathan with me.
“Hey! Nathan. Right?” Max said–a cute guy with dark, spiky hair and blue eyes, stopping us in the hallway. “Hey, Paige.” He smiled, revealing the deep dimples in his cheeks.
“Hey, Max,” I said, returning his smile. Max was a good guy.
He looked at Nathan. “That was awesome what you did the other night when you threw Matt across the room. I was about to jump in and help Tree, but you beat me to it.”
The corner of Nathan’s mouth lifted. “He deserved it.”
“Most definitely,” Max said. “Anyway, see you two around.”
We said bye and went to my locker–still under watchful eyes. I tried to ignore the stares while opening my locker, and then I heard our names being called above the chattering voices and laughter. Tree was heading our way, towering over everyone. Nathan and I waved, and I was happy to see Carrie with him, holding his hand. Nathan handed me my backpack. I took the stuff I didn’t need out and stuck it in my locker.
“Are you going to class with us?” Carrie asked Nathan as I slammed the locker door shut. I so did not want to be here and seriously thought about ditching.
Nathan snaked his arms around me from behind. “No. I just wanted to walk Paige to her locker.” His arms felt wonderful, and I found myself wishing we were home, still in bed where it was nice and warm and comfy.
“Have you two seen Matt around?” Tree asked, looking about.
“No,” Nathan answered.
“Maybe he’s too embarrassed to show his face,” I said.
Carrie moved closer to us. “Have you noticed everyone is staring at us?”
I nodded and caught a couple girls doing just that. They quickly looked away, and then the bell rang.
“Carrie, you better get your stuff, or we’ll be late for class,” I said.
Tree tapped my arm. “I’ll see you in an hour.” He pecked Carrie on the lips before rushing off to his own class. “I’ll see you later, Nathan,” he called over his shoulder.
“See ya,” Nathan said.
“Be right back.” Carrie ran to her locker.
Nathan turned me around. “I’ll see you soon.” His warm lips touched mine, his tongue darting in my mouth. My entire chest fluttered.
“C’mon, Paige, we got to go.” Carrie snatched my hand, pulling me away from Nathan. She threw him a desperate look. “Sorry, Nathan, but if we’re late, Mrs. Hong is going to rip us a new one.”
Nathan laughed. “That’s okay. I understand.” His eyes fell on mine. “Bye, Paige.”
Carrie continued pulling me down the hall. I waved goodbye to him before we turned the corner.
Beyond the Eyes: YA Paranormal Romance Page 33
