Page 9 of Shadowed Whispers

“So, Frankie…” He waits until the door clicks shut before giving me his full attention. Usually, I’d hate that attention. Having someone look at me so completely as though they can see me inside and out always unsettles me. But Leo? There’s this vibe about him that’s low-key and easygoing, as though everything in life for this man is just, well, easy.

“Leo.” I tug my strap over my shoulder. “I’m guessing you are an out-of-stater?”

“Caught.” He smirks. He needs to stop doing that, or else I can’t be held accountable for my swooning actions. “Maine.”

“Ah.” I turn away and begin to lead him out of the building. “Arizona,” I tell him. “You’re new.”

“Caught again.” He rushes forward and grabs the door for me.

I pause, staring at him in confusion, then I look around, because surely he isn’t grabbing the door for me, except we are the only two in here. Now, he’s standing there awkwardly, holding the door for me, while I gape at him with my mouth open. Move your ass, Frankie.

Nodding like an awkward penguin, I shuffle by him with a muted, “Thanks.”

Leo just chuckles at me as though he can see right through me and pulls freaking sunglasses from his backpack, making him look like an aviator. It’s hot as hell and only makes my attraction to this man grow. How dare he be so handsome and a gentleman? He won’t stay single for long, and if he isn’t a scholarship student like me, then it means he comes from money. I inwardly sigh and try not to lump him into the same little box as the guy in the office.

“Maine, huh? Quite the journey to an island for college. What lured you to Shadow Locke University, of all places?” I adjust my bag on my shoulder and lead him across the courtyard toward the Celestial Tower, only to make a change of direction because it looks like the cafeteria is open.

Leo slides his sunglasses into place, a gesture so effortlessly cool it almost seems rehearsed. “Adventure, you could say, and the university’s unique programs. It isn’t every day you get to study on an island with a reputation like Shadow Locke’s.” He flashes me a quick, charming smile. “What about you? Always been an islander, or did the sea call you here?”

“Arizona, remember?” I correct.

“That’s right.” He smacks his forehead, making a slapping sound in the process. It’s charming in a way.

I laugh, the sound lighter than I expected. “I was drawn here by the promise of escape and, ironically, grounding. There’s something about the ocean that puts everything into perspective. Plus, Shadow Locke has its mysteries, so it keeps life interesting. Oh, and I’m a scholarship student.” I might as well get that out of the way now since that apparently makes me an outcast. Aside from Tori, Leo is the first person to really talk to me here.

He nods, appreciating the view that stretches beyond the campus. “I can see that. The ocean has a way of making you feel both insignificant and infinite. So, guide, what’s the first lesson for a mainland transplant?”

“Lesson one: respect the sea. It gives and takes indiscriminately.” I start leading the way to a path that offers a panoramic view of the coastline. It also leads to food. “Lesson two: Shadow Locke’s legends aren’t just stories. They say the island chooses its students. Each one of us is here for a reason.”

Leo looks at me, his interest piqued. “And why do you think the island chose you?”

I consider the question, the ocean breeze playing with my hair. “To learn its secrets, maybe, or to find something I didn’t know I was searching for.” I glance at him, his curiosity mirrored in my gaze. “What about you?”

“Perhaps to meet someone who could show me the island through their eyes,” he replies, his tone light but sincere. His words hold so much depth that they make me blush. Is he talking about me? “To discover adventures I never knew I needed.”

Our eyes meet, and something unspoken passes between us—a tentative, undeniable connection. I swear I feel sparks. “I might know a few hidden gems around here,” I offer, a playful challenge in my voice. “Like the cove where the stars reflect on the water’s surface at night, making it look like you’re walking among them.”

Leo’s smile widens. “That sounds like an adventure worth experiencing. Lead the way.”

“I’d love to one of these nights, as long as you promise to keep an open mind,” I say, stepping forward. “Shadow Locke is full of surprises.”

“Deal,” he agrees. “I’ll hold you to that, Frankie.” The way he says my name sends a shiver through me, as though he’s been practicing it in front of a mirror and knows how to say it to make my toes curl. Leo Calderwood is disarming with his dimpled smile and warm gaze.

I need to steer clear of him. He is a walking, talking heartbreaker.

Good thing I don’t have a heart to break.

I lead him to the cafeteria, which is buzzing with new students wearing excited smiles on their faces. I know what that feels like. The only difference is the groups of people they are with, as though they all came together. Something about it makes me feel lonely.

Leading Leo to the coffee bar, I instantly begin to make a fresh cup, even as my shirt continues to dry in my backpack.

“You weren’t fucking around.” He laughs, stepping up beside me and choosing tea.

“There it is.” I point to his cup. “I knew you were too perfect and that if I just waited, your flaws would show.”

His laugh booms out of him, infectious and light. “You think I’m perfect?”

“Ugh. I regret speaking.” I use far more sugar than I’d normally use. “I take it back. All of it.”

---