Shades of Amber

by Morgan Smith

  He smirked. “I’m definitely not the good guy.”

  I looked from his black motorcycle boots to his dark blue t-shirt and leather jacket. No, he was definitely not the “good guy.” I glanced toward the front, and realized we were one of the only pairs still talking.

  Ms. Mitts’ voice boomed over the shuffle of books. “Don’t forget this is the only class time you get for this project. Make sure you have your likes and dislikes ready for Wednesday!”

  My paper barely had two sentences, I realized as I strangled my pen. The second I turned to say we could email each other, I lost my train of thought.

  He was watching me, again.

  “What are you doing?” I asked as I shoved my things into my backpack.

  “What do you think I’m doing?”

  I lowered my voice. “It looks like you’re watching me.”

  He smiled. “I am watching you.”

  My mind was void of a response. I got up and moved my desk back to its rightful spot. “Why?”

  “You’re different, and it makes me curious,” he said, backing toward the front of the room.

  Not wanting to leave with him, I took an extra moment to bend down and grab my bag. My shoulders relaxed until I found him standing in front of the exit.

  My heart was pounding, but I stayed where I was. “Curious about what?” I asked as he walked toward me.

  He laughed when I climbed over the desk to the next row. “You are so spirited and dramatic. We would be good together.”

  I climbed over the next desk, walking along the wall until I was by the whiteboard. “I feel like I should take offense to that statement.”

  “Opposites attract.” He stood in the middle of the room, but his gaze held mine. “I want you to stop running and agree to go on a date with me,” he said, slowly closing the gap.

  I glanced at the door. “You’re making me feel cagey.”

  “I’m sorry.” He chuckled softly. “I know it’s silly, but I really wanted you to like me.”

  I ran for the exit and grabbed the knob right as he reached me. His cheek brushed mine as he pressed me against the door.

  “You need to feel comfortable around me, and at the rate we’re going, you’ll never want that.” He leaned his forehead against mine. “You won’t even give me your phone number.”

  “You want my number that badly?”

  He brushed my hair behind my shoulder. “We do have to finish the project. We can complete it over the phone or in person. It’s your choice.”

  My pulse sped up. “I’m afraid to give you my phone number.”

  “Why?”

  “You might not leave me alone.”

  His laugh was sinister, yet seductive. “I won’t let you avoid me, Jade.”

  I stared into his eyes, wondering what it would be like to let him get close.

  He’d probably destroy me.

  Best to get the project done and stay professional, that way he’d get bored and find someone willing.

  I exhaled. “Meet me in the library tomorrow at two o’clock, okay?”

  He smiled and pulled the door open. “It’s a date.”

  I rushed into the hallway. “No, it isn’t! See you tomorrow,” I called over my shoulder.

  It was hard to concentrate when someone was openly stalking you.

  By the end of the day, Troy was in three of my classes. As if Math and History didn’t already suck. I didn’t know much about him, just that he preferred the last row and enjoyed staring holes into the back of my head—or maybe he was trying to picture me naked. If he was, that would be as far as he got.

  When I was fifteen, my sixteen year old cousin lost her virginity to a boy she’d dated for three weeks. He’d claimed love and she’d given it up, only to get dumped. Therefore, anytime I stumble upon a sexy guy, I remind myself that I promised to wait until I knew what love was.

  Once Math ended, I packed my things at a snail’s pace. My school day was over, but I still had one goal: get to my car without seeing him. This could work, I realized as I grabbed my bag.

  Or not.

  I turned the corner, and found Troy leaning against the wall. His hair fell in his face as he watched me move toward the stairs.

  As soon as I passed him, he swiped my bag and fell into step beside me.

  “Now what are your plans?”

  “I’m leaving,” I replied as my boot hit the lobby floor. I reached for my backpack, but he took my hand, releasing a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. I gave myself a mental shake and pulled away.

  “We could work on our project.”

  I shook my head. “I’m leaving.”

  He held the door, waiting until I walked through to try a new approach. “We could discuss it over lunch… or dinner.”

  “No, we’ll finish it tomorrow.” I walked off in the direction of my car, but he stayed on my heels.

  “Why when we have the rest of today?”

  “Aren’t you tired? You’re in three of my classes! Which is extremely unsettling.” I could feel my cheeks growing red with frustration.

  “I’m sure you share classes with a lot of people.”

  My voice turned shrill. “Yeah, but they don’t stare at me the entire time.” I paced back and forth, looking anywhere but at him.

  He looked like the proverbial bad boy as he leaned against the side of the Media building. I tried to turn so that he wasn’t in my line of sight, but I could still see him.

  Frustration got the better of me. I walked over and poked him in the chest with my index finger. “What the hell do you want?” I asked, standing on the tips of my toes so he could see how serious I was.

  He took my hand. “I’m not tired of seeing you. I want you to sit down so we can get better acquainted.”

  Crossing my arms, I sank onto the bench a few feet away. “I already know you. You’re cocky, attractive, and dangerous to my academic health.”

  The corner of his mouth rose. “You think I’m attractive?” He put his arm around my shoulders.

  I found myself wanting to relax, but I shook it off. “You’re alright.”

  He tilted my chin. “Tell me about yourself, Jade.”

  Hearing the intimate whisper made me shiver. I took a deep breath and tried to scoot away, but there was nowhere to go.

  “I’d rather hear more about you, Troy.”

  “You are far more interesting.”

  “Yeah right.” I shoved his arm. “You’re whole persona screams mystery.”

  “When is your birthday?”

  At first, his question set me on high alert, but then I decided it wasn’t too personal. “November 11th. When is yours?”

  “April 12th. What’s your favorite thing to do when you get home?”

  I paused, wondering where this line of questioning was going. “I love to read. I just finished The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith.”

  “You’d rather go home and read than spend time with a guy who is interested in you?”

  I looked up and found two squirrels fighting over a nut. “You make me uncomfortable,” I said as their food fell from the tree.

  He nodded. “And why is that? Could it be because you like me, even though you don’t want to?”

  I looked away.

  “No.”

  “It’s alright to admit it.” He traced the curve of my ear. “You like me, at least a little.”

  “Maybe.”

  He leaned closer. “You have to learn to accept that feeling. I’m not going anywhere.” As his lips brushed my cheek, I knew there was nothing I could do to keep him away. Even worse, was the realization that I wanted him almost as badly as he seemed to want me.

  Chapter 5

  October 1, 2007

  The sun warmed my skin as I stood outside the library. It was 2:05, but I couldn’t get my feet to move. I fingered the keys in my coat pocket.

  How long would a guy wait before he gave up?

  Troy might wait five, maybe ten minutes before he start
ed looking for me, which gave me two options: go home now or suck it up and get the project done.

  My stomach twisted with tension, making my decision that much easier. Hiking my bag onto my shoulder, I spun around and collided with a wall. My hand rose as I studied the solid structure. I blinked a few times, hoping Troy didn’t witness me trying to ditch him, but who else would stand that close?

  The corner of his mouth rose, but he didn’t speak. Instead, he relieved me of my bag, took my hand, and tugged me toward my doom. The walk to the lobby was short, and brimming with women who probably would’ve begged to be in my boots.

  Sure Troy looked good, but he wasn’t a secret agent in a tux. He was just a man wearing jeans, a red shirt, and a black blazer, but boy did they suite him.

  “Does it bother you when women look at you like you’re edible?” I whispered as we moved past the computers and cubicles.

  “Do you think I’m edible?”

  “Nah, too many carbs,” I said when we stopped at a secluded area.

  He laughed and set our bags on the table before removing my coat. “I’m glad you came.”

  His words weren’t funny, but I laughed at the implication: he knew I’d run. He stopped me, now he had me in an isolated corner of the school library.

  Usually, a guy didn’t give me a second thought once I said I was focused on school.

  I sat down, wondering what would make him lose interest as he claimed the chair beside me.

  “You’re beautiful, cher.”

  I caught myself staring at the thin silver chain around his neck. “Umm, thanks.” I shouldn’t ask, but I couldn’t help myself. “What did you call me?”

  He put his arm around my shoulder. “It’s Creole for darling or sweetheart.”

  I didn’t know what was more dangerous—the things he said or the way his voice seeped into the crevices of my soul.

  I reached for my bag, but he stopped my movements by rubbing his thumb along my wrist.

  Did I like him?

  Yes.

  Had I dreamt about what his lips felt like?

  Only a dozen times, but he wouldn’t make a good first boyfriend. He was too intense, too demanding, too hard to resist.

  The no column was soaring higher than a kite; however, it all came down to one question: Did I want him to leave me alone?

  Hell no, but he had to if I had any hope of keeping my head on straight. My body liked the effect he had on me, but my mind was gathering caution tape and a hazmat suit.

  His hand slid to the base of my spine. “What are you doing tonight?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Come to dinner with me,” he whispered.

  My heart raced as I dragged my bag over. “I can’t, I don’t think I can handle more than a few hours with you.”

  He turned my chair so we were eye to eye. “Lead me, save me from my solitude! Say you want me here, beside you. Anywhere you go let me go too.”

  “You’re quoting that song again aren’t you?”

  “It’s very romantic.”

  “They’re nice words.” I exhaled. “But you already know that.” His thumb brushed my lower lip, and for a moment, I wondered if I might let him kiss me. I tried to get up, but he distracted me with a hand on my thigh.

  “I mean every word. I want you, Jade. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

  I pushed him away, but one look into his soulful eyes told me it wouldn’t be that easy. I opened my notebook and stared at it until he pulled it to his side of the desk.

  “Give it back.” I pulled the edge, but didn’t want to risk the safety of my notes.

  “Come to dinner with me tonight or better yet; come to the Halloween dance with me Friday.”

  “What?”

  He leaned closer. “Be my date for the Halloween dance and you won’t have to go to dinner with me tonight.”

  I opened my mouth, prepared to object when he put one finger to my lips.

  “It’s one or both, Jade, but you can’t say no to everything.” He swept my bangs away from my eyes, his gaze so intense that my cheeks felt warm.

  “You can’t fight this chemistry between us.”

  It was hard to think of a reason not to go with him. I mean, of course, there were excuses, but I doubted he’d consider my fear of falling in love a legitimate one.

  After a few moments, he brought my hand to his lips and kissed my palm. “I take your silence to mean you couldn’t come up with a valid reason, so I’ll pick you up Friday at six.

  Feeling rebellious, I lunged for my notebook. It was a small victory, but I’d take it. Plopping back into my seat, I started making up answers.

  “You don’t know where I live.”

  I was grasping at straws.

  He patted my knee. “I know more than you think, Jade.”

  It took a few seconds for his words to hit me. I looked at him from the corner of my eye. The combination of his yummy cologne and close proximity made my temperature rise.

  His hair fell forward as he read my notes.

  “If you think this is endearing, you’re wrong.”

  Troy held my gaze as he ditched the jacket and rolled his shirtsleeves. “No?”

  I shook my head.

  “How about this?” he asked, stretching in his seat. The gap in his shirt widened, revealing a coin medallion along with some of his chest.

  It was very appealing.

  “What kind of necklace is that?”

  He rested his chin on his hand, distracting me with the glint of his silver watch. “What will you give me if I tell you?”

  I rolled my eyes, unable to fathom how someone so gorgeous could get on my nerves so much, but it was more than that. He seemed to enjoy getting under my skin.

  “How about you tell me, and I agree to answer your questions for our English assignment,” I said sarcastically.

  There was no way he’d accept that deal. I waited for him to laugh, but he checked his watch and smiled.

  “You’ve got a deal, but I have to go right now.” He rose and swung the satchel over his shoulder. “We can talk about it later.”

  My vision swam as I considered what a failing grade would do to my GPA.

  Troy wasn’t going anywhere.

  Jumping up, I latched onto his forearm, despite the jolt of heat. His gaze met mine and then lingered on my lips. We were standing far too close, but I couldn’t allow my pride to get in the way. It was okay to need him… for educational purposes.

  “You can’t leave. We haven’t finished our assignment, and it’s due tomorrow.”

  “It’s already 3:30. I have to go. I can call you and we can.…” he sighed, letting the sentence drop when I shook my head. “You still won’t give me your phone number?”

  “Definitely not.”

  He shrugged and ran a hand through his hair. “Alright, I guess we’ll just turn in what we have.”

  “Yeah right! Just take me with you, that way we can get it done.”

  He smiled. “If you say so.”

  My words replayed in my head. “Wait, I didn’t mean that. I just… you tricked me!” I reached for my bag, but he already had it.

  “Come on, cher.” He held out his hand. “You said the words, now you have to follow through.”

  I crossed my arms, weighing my options: get into a car with my captivating English partner or take a failing grade because my pride got in the way.

  His thumb brushed my cheek. “You are so small and feisty.” He bit his lip as he searched my gaze. “You remind me of a de-clawed kitten who thinks it can still scratch people.”

  My hand rushed toward his face, but his fingers circled my wrist. Our breaths came fast as we stared at each other, and then I stepped aside. “Just wait, this kitten hasn’t been de-clawed,” I muttered as we put on our outerwear.

  His mouth twitched. “Not yet.”

  What did that mean?

  I stewed as we made our way to the parking lot. My need for self-preserva
tion kicked in as we neared a black Chevy Suburban. When he reached for the keys, I took off, darting between cars as I ran for the student center.

  “Good riddance,” I muttered, but barely got the words out before two arms latched around my waist. Troy’s strength surprised me as he spun and lifted me over his shoulder, avoiding my attempts to kick him in the shin.

  “Careful, some people like the chase,” he whispered as he set me on my feet. His hands moved up my back, across my shoulder blades, and back down, making my insides tingle. The longer he held me, the less I felt like fighting. My breathing slowed as I laid my cheek against his chest, inhaling his scent.

  “You’re safe with me.”

  Yeah right.

  “How can you say that? You’re a lion and I’m a mouse.”

  The corner of his mouth rose. “We are not animals, Jade. You’re a smart, fascinating girl, and I’m just a guy who enjoys being around you.” He laced his fingers through mine and guided me back to his SUV.

  Around him, I was a bundle of irrational thoughts. I liked and loathed him at the same time, even though he’d never done anything to me.

  Keeping hold of my hand, he put our bags in the backseat, and pinned me against the door. “We all have fears. You fear your attraction to me.”

  My mouth opened, but he put his finger on my lips.

  “As soon as you let your guard down, you’ll understand why I keep pursuing you.”

  Troy gripped my waist as his face inched toward mine.

  Did I want this?

  His hand slid into my hair, tilting my head back. I struggled to think everything through, but I could only hear his whispers, “Don’t fight this feeling, Jade. All I want is a kiss. Just. One. Kiss.”

  The words lingered in my ear. I wanted to bury my feelings, but I couldn’t, and when he asked again, I nodded.

  He smiled against my neck as he pressed a kiss to each cheek, and then his lips were on mine. Soft and gentle—it was the perfect first kiss, and then it morphed into something stronger.

  I wanted to protest when he finally let me go, but stopped when I saw Amelia and Faith. Amelia cleared her throat as Troy turned to introduce himself. It took me a second for my heart to slow down, and then I was able to move.