She couldn’t stop the giggle that forced its way out of her throat. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Toting me over your shoulder wouldn’t be the best idea.”
There was a mischievous spark in his blue eyes. “Fun,” he murmured, “but not the most appropriate way for a homecoming attendant to take the field.”
She looked away. Things were getting way too steamy between them. She was obviously attracted to him, and there didn’t seem to be much she could do to stop herself from feeling this way.
“Well, look at the bright side.”
She cocked her head. “Huh?”
“Josselyn will be thrilled. Her evil plan worked. You’ll be a no-show, and she can go around, telling everyone how emotionally distraught and fragile you’ve become after the accident. Your stepmother will be elated because the spotlight will then be turned to Josselyn rather than you, and with any luck, they’ll let Josselyn walk out onto the field in your behalf.”
“What?” She glared at him. “You’re baiting me, aren’t you?”
He spread his hands in defeat. “I’m just telling you how it is. The ball’s in your court, Elle.”
“But I told you, both dresses are ruined. One has chocolate all over it, and the other is ripped! What am I supposed to do?”
He leaned in close and touched a strand of her hair, sending a tingle racing down her spine. He smelled of peppermint and the fresh outdoors. For a split second, she thought—hoped he was going to kiss her. “Since when do you need a dress to be homecoming attendant?”
Her eyes widened. “Are you suggesting that I walk out on the field in jeans?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m suggesting. If you go out on that field tonight, you’ll show them all, Elle. They’ll realize they can’t beat you down.” There was a challenge in his eyes—a challenge that she wanted to reach up and meet. “Show them, Elle. Show them the girl you really are.”
That was the heart of the matter. “I don’t know who I am,” she said quietly.
“You do, Elle. You just need to remember.”
“Yeah, the remembering part is the kicker.” She looked up at him. “Um” … she swallowed, trying to find the right way to phrase the question that was plaguing her. “Were the two of us … involved?” She knew her face was flaming like a neon sign, but she had to know. Everyone kept telling her that she and Edward were a couple, but this guy … Rush … he seemed to know so much about her. Not to mention that every inch of her body felt alive when she was near him.
He leaned forward, studying her. “Do you really have to ask that question?”
She swallowed hard. “Yes, I suppose I do.”
Disappointment crossed his features and then disappeared as quickly as it had come. He gave her an enigmatic smile and scratched his head before shoving his hands in his pockets. “That’s a great question, Elle. But a topic for another time. Go, get ready. At this rate, we’ll be lucky if we get you there before halftime.”
She started walking out of the room and then stopped. She turned back to him. “You just convinced me to walk out on the football field, in front of hundreds of people, wearing jeans and a sweater.” She shook her head. “How did you do that?”
He flashed a crooked smile that caused her heart to flip. “What can I say? I’m the most persuasive man alive.”
She laughed. “I’ll give you that.”
* * *
“You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“What?”
Elle made a face and pointed at the motorcycle. “You want me to ride on that?”
“It certainly beats walking.”
Her phone buzzed. “Hey … Rae …”
“Finally! You recognized my voice.”
“Yeah.”
“Where are you? The attendants are leaving the classroom now and are getting ready to line up on the sidelines!”
“I’m on my way. Rush is here with his bike. We’re leaving now.”
“You’d better hurry. Who’s escorting you onto the field? Edward?”
“Yes.” Elle looked sideways at Rush who was getting on the bike and putting on his helmet. She could tell he was listening to her conversation. She didn’t know what … exactly … was going on between her and Rush, but she didn’t want him to hear her talking about Edward. It was too awkward.
“That’s what I thought. I told Miss Caskill as much, but she keeps saying that Coach Harris told her that he wouldn’t allow any player to leave the field house during halftime.”
“He got special permission from Coach Harris to leave—”
“Wait a minute. She’s walking this way. She wants to talk to you.” She heard rustling and then the clipped tone of her English Teacher.
“Miss Worthington! You are late!”
“Yes, Miss Caskill, I’m on my way.”
“And whom, may I ask, is escorting you onto the field?”
“Um …” She glanced at Rush. “Edward.” She saw him tense.
“No, Miss Worthington, you are mistaken. Mr. Harris specifically told me that he would not allow any of the players to leave the field house during halftime.”
“He got special permission from Coach Harris.”
“Are you sure about that, Miss Worthington? I’ve been willing to make special allowances for you because of your … err … your memory loss issues. You have already put me in a bind, and I’ll not have you further compounding matters. Your tardiness is inexcusable, and now you’re telling me that Edward Kingsley is escorting you onto the field, when I expressly heard Mr. Harris say that he wouldn’t allow it!” There was a pause. “Are you sure that you’re remembering things correctly?”
Blood rushed to her head. The woman was insufferable. She blew out a breath and fought to keep her voice even. “Miss Caskill, I can promise you that Edward Kingsley is going to escort me onto the field. He told me so himself. Now if you don’t mind, I need to end this call, so that I can get to the school.”
“Very well, Miss Worthington. Get here soon.”
Elle ended the call. Rush turned and handed her a helmet. She got on the bike. She could tell from his jerky movements that he was ticked about the phone call. How quickly the barrier had gone up between them. She knew she should feel relief, but instead she felt … well, she wasn’t sure what she felt, but it certainly wasn’t relief. She sat there for a moment, unsure what to do. When he grasped the handlebars, she had no other choice but to put her arms around his waist. “Look, about that phone call.”
“Prince Charming saves the day. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Save your breath, Elle.”
Irritation clouded over her. How dare he try and make her feel guilty about Edward! “Why are you being such a bonehead about this?”
Silence.
“What do you want me to say? That I can’t remember you, Rush? There, I’ve said it! I can’t! I would say that I’m sorry about that, but the truth is that I can’t even remember who I am. I don’t know what happened between you and me, but everyone keeps telling me that Edward and I are a couple. Edward certainly thinks we’re together. He made that very obvious when he came to the hospital.” She blew out a breath. “I don’t know why I’m even trying to apologize. I don’t owe you an explanation. The two of us are just …”
He turned to look at her. “The two of us are what?”
His blue eyes were roving over her face, searching for an answer, and all she could think about was how devastatingly gorgeous he was with that wavy hair and chiseled jaw. A girl would have to be blind not to notice him, but that wasn’t all. There was a raw masculinity or energy that commanded her attention. Every inch of her body was aware of him. Another minute and she would be throwing her arms around him and begging him to kiss her. “The two of us are … friends.” Ew, she hated how superficial that sounded.
He grunted in disgust. “Okay, friend, let’s get you to the game.”
Before she could think of a reply, he revved up the engine. The bike lurched forwa
rd, and she was forced to hold onto him for dear life as they sped off. Despite the circumstance, there was something exhilarating about her hair whipping in the wind, her arms wrapping around his lean frame, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. How wonderful it would be if they could forget the world around them and ride off together. It was a fantasy, of course, and one that ended all too soon when they pulled into the parking lot of the school. She hopped off the bike and handed him the helmet. He practically ripped it out of her hands. “Thanks for the ride, friend.”
He scowled.
She forced a smile. “See ya around,” she said, her voice too cheery. She turned to leave, but he put a hand on her arm.
“Good luck.”
The sincerity in his voice cut her to the core. Just when she was about to write him off, he did something sweet. Her anger drained. “Look, I hope you know how much I appreciate what you’ve done for me tonight.” Her voice caught. “I owe you …”
Her eyes met his, and she could see frustration and something else she couldn’t pinpoint. “Go,” he said gruffly.
* * *
“What on earth are you wearing, Miss Worthington?” The words were spoken loudly enough so that the other homecoming attendants and their escorts turned to stare as Miss Caskill looked over her with a scathing eye.
Elle looked down at her Silver Jeans and shimmery blue Vera Wang Sweater. She’d dressed up the ensemble by wearing spiked heals and long, dangly, diamond-studded earrings. She offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I was all out of dresses.” She rubbed her sweaty palms on her jeans.
The woman straightened her 5’ 3” frame as high as she could and glared up at Elle. “Do you think this is some joke?”
“No, I don’t.” The heat of embarrassment stung, and she was suddenly furious with Rush. Why had she listened to him? She should’ve stayed home like she’d wanted to do in the first place. And she should’ve listened to that premonition that told her to stay as far away from Rush as she could get.
The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the second quarter. The football players and coaches ran off the field. Edward removed his helmet. He looked at her from across the field as though he were going to come in her direction, but then he dropped his head and reluctantly turned and ran off the field with the other players.
Her heart dropped. What was he doing? He’d promised her that he would be her escort. Here she was dressed in jeans and a sweater and now her escort was running off the field in the other direction.
Miss Caskill stepped up to her. The little woman was practically breathing fire, and her eyes looked like they might pop out of their sockets. “I told you that Edward would not be allowed to escort you on the field, but you didn’t listen. This is unacceptable, Miss Worthington. Unacceptable.”
Any apology Elle could’ve made lay too heavy in her throat to speak. She stood there, numbly, with tears brimming in her eyes. What had she done? Miss Caskill shook her head and stalked away. The band marched onto the field and moved into formation, creating a path through which the homecoming court could pass.
The announcer’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Castle High is proud to present this year’s homecoming court. The lovely Lydia Davenport, last year’s homecoming queen, will present the crown to this year’s queen. Lydia is being escorted onto the field by Harry Mayfield …”
The band starting playing as Lydia Davenport, in her stunning red dress, and her escort walked regally across the field and took their honored place in front of the bleachers filled with people. Elle looked up at the stands, wondering if she could see Sera and Josselyn. They must be laughing at her right now. The announcer kept talking, and the band kept playing, but it was all a blur to Elle as she watched the ninth grade attendant walk down the field with her escort. Only one more—the tenth grade attendant—and then it would be her turn. She would walk the path alone … in jeans. A hysterical laugh was building in her throat, but she swallowed it down. She was losing it … totally losing it. She looked over and saw Miss Caskill, talking furiously to Mr. Owens, the science teacher. They kept throwing glances in her direction.
A moment later, Mr. Owens walked up to her. He was a stout man with a fuzzy mustache that twitched when he spoke. “Elle, that’s an interesting outfit that you’re wearing.”
Elle blushed as she glanced down at her jeans and sweater. “There was an accident involving my dress. It got ruined,” she stammered.
He stroked his mustache. “I see. And where is your escort?”
She was in no mood to play along with his silly charade. Miss Caskill had no doubt already told him about Edward. She glared at Miss Caskill. “Look, Mr. Owens, I know Miss Caskill doesn’t believe me, but Edward told me that he’d gotten permission from Coach Harris to be my escort.”
“I see, and where is Edward?”
She wanted to crawl under the dirt. The words spilled out. “In the field house. There must’ve been a misunderstanding. I know everyone thinks I’m losing it because of the accident, but Edward really did tell me he could be my escort.”
“Is there someone else who could escort you?”
The tenth grade attendant and her escort were walking onto the field.
Elle shook her head. “My dad’s flight got delayed, so he couldn’t be here.” She clenched her fists. This whole thing was so humiliating!
Mr. Owens rubbed his forehead. “If it were up to me, I would let you take the field by yourself.” He looked in the direction of Miss Caskill, who was watching them intently to make sure he followed her every order. The man was little more than a puppet. “Anyway, as I was saying, we just don’t know if we can allow you to walk out without an escort …” he cleared his throat “… dressed so radically.”
She let out an incredulous laugh and looked past him to Miss Caskill. “Radically? I’m wearing jeans and a sweater, for goodness sakes! That’s not radical!”
He pulled at his neck like his collar had suddenly grown tight and glanced at Miss Caskill. “I’m sorry, the only way I can let you take that field is if you have an escort.”
She wanted to squash the spineless man. Indignation flew over her, and she gritted her teeth. “Fine!” she huffed. She glared across the field to the bleachers swarming with people. Despite all of her effort, Sera and Josselyn had won.
“I’m escorting her across the field.”
She turned to see Rush standing beside her. Her knees went weak with relief. He held out his arm and gave her a pointed look. “Isn’t that right, Elle?”
Time seemed to stand still as she looked at him, stunned. Finally, she linked her arm through his. “Why yes … yes, that’s right.”
“But you’re not dressed appropriately either,” Mr. Owens said in dismay.
“Hmm, I think we make a pretty good match.” He smiled at Elle.
“This year’s eleventh grade attendant is Elle Worthington,” the announcer boomed. The band began to play. Before Mr. Owens could object, Rush tightened his hold on her arm and began walking her across the field.
“You saved me … again,” she whispered.
“I’ll add it to your tab.”
When they got to the middle of the field, she could feel all eyes on her.
“Smile!” Rush hissed.
“Oh!” She plastered a larger-than-life smile on her face. When they neared the crowd, she could hear murmurs erupting. “What’re you wearing?” she heard someone yell. Rush tightened his hold on her, as if to offer more support.
The announcer continued. “Elle Worthington is the daughter of Malcolm and Sera Worthington. She is being escorted by Edward Kingsley.”
She felt Rush go stiff.
A rustle went through the crowd.
“Excuse me, folks, there must’ve been a last-minute change. Correction, Elle Worthington is being escorted by …” a slight pause “… another guy.”
Rush chuckled and whispered. “How appropriate … the other guy. I guess I’m getting pretty
good at being a stand-in for Edward.”
His barbed comment found its mark, and her face went hot.
They took their designated place in the homecoming court and stood waiting for the twelfth grade attendant and homecoming queen to take their places. Lydia Davenport walked up to Elle and placed a bouquet of roses in her arms. “Cool outfit,” she murmured appraisingly.
“Thanks,” Elle said, surprised.
Rush gave her an I–told-you-so smile.
A few minutes later, when all of the court had arrived, the crowd stood and applauded. Elle saw Sera and Josselyn, sitting in the center section of the bleachers, near the front. She clenched her jaw. They didn’t even have the decency to stand. Josselyn had a mortified expression, and Sera—no surprise here—was scowling. Rush noticed them too. He flashed them a brilliant smile and then removed his arm from Elle’s long enough to grasp her hand and link his fingers through hers. He lifted their clasped hand to the crowd. The applause increased. She marveled at how comfortable he was in front of a crowd. Judging from his acid-washed jeans and gray hoody, she’d pegged him as more of the rebel type. He was more complex than she gave him credit for. He winked at her, and she smiled in return. Then without warning, he took her in his arms, dipped her backwards, and planted a full kiss on her lips. The crowd went wild, but Elle barely noticed because she was too consumed with the heat of humiliation that was burning through her. He lifted her back up and gave her a triumphant smile, which she returned with a scathing glare.
“You had no right,” she whispered through clenched teeth. Rather than answering, he smiled and waved at the crowd. Thanks to that little stunt, he now had them eating out of his hand, the jerk!
“Smile, Elle,” he prompted.
“I could claw your eyes out for this!” she muttered.
“Fine, just do it with a smile,” he replied, nodding his head and making eye contact with people.
She was forced to comply. Her face felt as though it would crack under the pressure, but she smiled anyway. She smiled and waved until they finally made their way off the field, at which point she spun around and got up in his face. “How dare you! You had no right.”
Banished: Book 1 of The Grimm Laws Page 4
