Page 20 of Running Winter

“Well, Chase and I are just friends. He is cool and gorgeous, but I see him as a brother, you know?”

Oh God, poor Chase.

I didn’t want to be friend-zoned by this girl, but I wasn’t entirely sure how to handle this situation. Other than art, we didn’t have anything in common.

“Yeah. What about me? How do you see me?”

Rayna inhaled sharply then, and it was evident in her eyes how she saw me.

“You’re Rafe Deacon. The most popular guy in school,” she replied automatically, and I frowned.

“That’s not very personal,” I pointed out as Rayna shrugged.

“I don’t know you well enough to have formed a personal opinion, Rafe. You’re a great artist, though.”

Rayna didn’t even say I was attractive. There was nothing to say she thought anything more of me than the fact I was someone she knew of, her best friend’s cousin.

“Thanks. Did you want another drink?” I offered, praying she would accept.

“No, I better not. I’m tired, and I’m planning on heading to the mountains tomorrow to take some photos. I always find I sketch better when I can remember what the air felt like, you know?”

I know.

“Can I come?” I asked as she gave me a sidelong look. I didn’t even think about the fact I had football practice or the fact I’d planned on hitting the town with some boys tonight.

All I knew was that I wanted to see the look in her eyes when she was passionate about something.

“Um, sure, but I was going to go super early. I like to go before it gets too busy,” Rayna explained with a yawn.

“Fine.”

She frowned at me before smiling.

“OK, Rafe. If you want to come and sketch and photograph things with me, I’m leaving at six am.”

I nodded, and a comfortable silence fell between us.

“Want to watch a film?” I asked as she shook her head.

“No, I’d better go. I can call a cab—”

“No way, I’ll take you. Truck or bike?” I grinned, and she surprised me with her answer.

“Bike.”

“I’ll get you a helmet.”

THE BIKE?!

C H A S E

My ears were still ringing from Kendra's ear-bashing, and I decided that Rafe well and truly owed me one.

I went to dial his number when I remembered he was with Rayna. I felt a stab of jealousy again, but in all honesty, I really couldn't see her falling for his shit.

Plus, Rafe was going out tonight so that he could get rid of Kendra, pronto.

I texted Rayna, asking her to call me when she got in. I sent a similar text to Rafe, wondering which one would come back to me first.

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