Page 51 of The Jack*ss in Class

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what? I’m just making conversation about this amazing social event that’s apparently coming up soon. Just how soon is soon?”

“We’re here to study.” I pulled out my book. “Unless you’d rather talk about dances than pass this class?”

“I’m definitely going to pass this class.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “But I’d rather talk about why you’re blushing.”

“I’m not—” My phone buzzed. A text from Parker.

Parker: ASK HIM.

“Everything okay?” Flynn asked.

“Fine.” I shoved my phone in my pocket. “Just sorority stuff. Now, about that essay...”

Oh no. No no no. He could not look at me like that, allsincere and vulnerable. Not when I was trying so hard to keep my walls up.

“Flynn—”

“Tempest,” Bettie’s voice cut through the coffee shop like a knife. Our chapter president had impeccable timing, as always. “Just the person I needed to see.”

I froze. If she was here about the donkey...

“Bettie, we were just...” Parker started, but Bettie waved her off with a wink.

I really was being stalked by my sisters. Stalked and harassed. My life probably would be easier if I just asked him.

“Actually, I need to discuss some details about the awards ceremony with everyone in the senior class. When you have a moment?”

“Uh, yeah, sure,” I managed. That had to be code for donkey hiding plans.

Flynn’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Ceremony?”

“Just sorority stuff,” I said quickly. “Nothing interesting. Now, about that essay...”

He let me change the subject this time, but there was something different in the way he was looking at me. Like he was trying to solve a puzzle.

“Okay, so for the essay?—”

“What were you really writing? Before I got here?”

Gulp. What was with everyone being all up in my business today? “I told you. Homework.”

“See, normally I’d believe you because you’re basically a walking library card. But you’re doing that thing with your nose.”

I froze. “What thing?”

“That little scrunch you do when you’re deflecting.” He mimicked the expression, and I had to fight back a laugh.

When did he start noticing things like that?

“Maybe I just have allergies,” I said, but my heart wasn’t in the deflection.

“Maybe.” His smile was softer now, less cocky and more... something else. Something dangerous. “Or maybe you have secrets, Tempest Navarro. And now I know your tell.”

Well, shit.

“Everyone has secrets, Flynn.” I checked my phone and nearly cursed. Alice just got her grade on her bio-chem project and it wasn’t good. She needed to head out to make her professor’s office hours. “Speaking of secrets, I need to go. Sisterhood stuff.”

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