Page 46 of The Rookie

By the time the class wraps up, I’ve saidmuy bienmore times than I’d like to admit, and my brain feels like it’s short-circuited. As we pack up, Avery gives me one last smile—sweet, innocent, and completely calculated.

“Great job today, Griffin,” she says, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “You really stuck with it.”

I don’t respond, because if I say anything, I’ll probably embarrass myself further.

As she walks out, her head held high, I finally let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

I’m in serious trouble.

fourteen

. . .

Griffin

The room is finally quiet,save for the low hum of the air conditioner. I’m stretched out on my bed, phone pressed to my ear as my sister Cassie’s voice comes through on the other end.

“So, how’s Mexico treating you?” she asks cheerfully.

“Everything’s great,” I mutter, resting my arm over my forehead. “Class is easy. Weather’s good.”

“And Avery?”

I freeze. “What about Avery?”

“She’s with you on this trip,Griffin.How’s she doing? You haven’t killed each other yet, right?”

I sigh, shaking my head. “No murder yet. We’re civil.”

“Civil? That’s shocking,” she teases. “Put her on the phone—I want to say hi.”

“Yeah, she’s not?—”

Before I can finish, the door swings open, and Avery walks in, fresh from wherever she’s been. Her hair’s a little messy from the wind outside, still in that clothing combo that has me questioning my life choices.

“Speak of the devil,” I mutter under my breath.

“What?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Cass wants to talk to you.” I hold out the phone.

Avery gives me a suspicious look. “Why?”

“Because she’s my sister, and apparently you’re her favorite person,” I say. “Sit here so you can both talk into the speaker.”

I pat the empty space on my bed next to me without thinking. Avery hesitates, her eyes narrowing like she’s deciding whether or not to trust me, but finally she walks over and sits down.

Too close.

Way too close.

The bed dips slightly under her weight, and I swear I can feel the warmth of her skin through her shorts where our legs brush. I keep my expression neutral, but my heart’s suddenly beating faster than it should be.

“Hey, Cass!” Avery says, leaning toward the phone.

“Avery!” Cassie sounds way too excited, as usual. “Oh my gosh, how are you? Griffin’s being tolerable, I hope? So crazy you two are rooming together.”

“Barely,” Avery quips, her shoulder bumping mine as she laughs.

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