Page 7 of On Broken Wings

“Yeah, maybe,” I mumbled as I continued to stare at the walk way he’d left on. Nate was known for being a player, so was his brother. I’d never seen this side of him before, and it made me wonder which one was the real Nathan Carter.

Chapter 3

Jenni

The week seemed to creep by, and the closer Friday came, the more Nate seemed to push. “S’up?” He lifted his chin in my direction as he slid into his chair. I don’t know how some guys did it. It’s like they have this gracefulness that only being cool gets you.

“Good morning.” I rolled my eyes at him as I laughed to myself.

I watched as he looked down at himself. He plucked at his shirt and sniffed it before glancing at his surroundings. “Do I smell, or something?” His brow furrowed. “Why the attitude?”

I sighed and closed my eyes before turning to face him. “I’m trying to come up with a new way to tell you no.”

“How’s that working out for ya, Jen?” He leaned closer and smirked.

“You’re still here, so not very well.” I shook my head as I attempted to lean away from him.

“Why don’t you want to hang out with me? Most girls would kill to be in your shoes right now.” He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. Confidence oozed out of him, and only made me that much more nervous.

“I’m not most girls, Nate. Your charms don’t work on me.” I flipped open my notebook as more students filled the room. Class would start soon, and I wanted to be prepared.

“I can see that.” He chuckled before mirroring my actions. Before he could say anything else, Mrs. Sanderson walked in and greeted the class, promptly ending all conversation.

ooooooooo

When the bell rang signaling it was time to leave, I thought I might escape without any more harassment, but I was wrong. “Hey, Stone!” Nate called after me. “Wait up. I’ll walk you to lunch.”

“No.” I glared over my shoulder. I rushed out the door, and ran smack dab into Kenzie.

“Whoa.” She stumbled back. “Where’s the fire?”

“Right here.” Nate laughed as he caught up to me. “Apparently she’s burning over me.”

Kenzie’s eyes swung between us, and I gave her a silent signal to get me out of here, only she somehow couldn’t understand me. “Wanna have lunch with us?” She smiled sweetly as she tipped her head to the side.

“Finally!” Nate flung his arms wide. “You’ve restored my confidence in my abilities.”

“You have never lacked confidence,” I muttered as I stepped around them, and began walking to the cafeteria.

Things with Darren had been strained to put it mildly. After that first encounter with Nate in the cafeteria, Darrin started trying to be friends. I’ve blown him off, but he keeps popping up too. Between Nate and him, my head is constantly spinning. I keep telling myself that I only have a few more months, and then I can escape this place and reinvent myself at college.

“You coming tonight?” Nate tried again as I followed him and Kenzie outside. Kenzie and I had made this our spot, and it was starting to feel normal.

“How many ways do I have to say no?” I glared at him as I sat down. Normally this is when Nate leaves. He follows us out here, bugs me about going out with him, and then leaves, but today he sat down beside me. “You can say it as many times as you want.” He grinned. “I’m not giving up.”

“Who’s your sponsor for the game?” Kenzie smiled sweetly, and I knew she was up to something.

“I haven’t picked one yet.” Nate took a bite of his chicken sandwich. “I do still have over a month.”

“True.” Kenzie grinned. “You have anyone you’re thinking about?”

“I have some prospects,” he mused. “I know who I want to ask. I just need to get her to like me a little better first though.”

“Sounds like a smart girl.” I popped a chip into my mouth.

“Oh, she’s smart alright. She’s smart, and funny, and she’s got this attitude that challenges me in ways I’ve never been challenged before. She’s pretty too.” He kept staring straight ahead, not giving anything away.

“Really,” I mused. “What size batteries does she use?” I popped another chip in and glanced his way.

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