Page 50 of Unspoken Hearts
Laynie gets Jaxton his breakfast order before leaving Reid and I in silence once again.
Placing the four cups in a cardboard tray, I slide them towards him. “Here you go.”
“Thanks,” he murmurs, gaze sweeping over my top and shorts momentarily before grabbing the tray. Our fingers touch, and I have to refrain from pulling them back at the shock that shoots up my forearms.
Reid clears his throat, maybe feeling the effect as well. Before I can figure that out, he utters, “Message me when you’re done. I can pick you up.”
“Okay. Thank you again for helping me.”
He flicks me a small smile as Laynie walks back over in her linen overalls and scalloped pink top beneath.
“See you,” he directs to her before leaving, the bell chiming again.
As soon as he’s out, a breath escapes my throat, causing my friend to glance my way. “Problem?”
I shake my head, cleaning the machine. “No.”
“Then why all the huffing?”
My hands stop as I glare sideways at her. “Am I not allowed to breathe?”
“Not like that you’re not.”
“Like what?”
She steps closer, musky perfume tickling my nose, looking down since she has a few inches on me. “As if he steals your breath away.”
Blood beats so heavily through my ears, like a tidal wave of heat is rushing through every artery.
He does steal my breath away.
Turning away, my cheeks flush with colour.
Laynie gasps. “Youdolove him.”
“Woah,” I say louder than I expected, eyes flaring as well as my mouth. “No. I don’tlovehim.”
The stinging feeling starts in my chest again as I lie to my best friend.
Her eyes narrow onto mine, not believing me. “Maybe notlove, but you like him more than when we were in high school.”
My lips close on their own as I grab the milk and place it in the fridge. Coming back up to full height, Laynie is smiling so wide at me, I think I can see all of her teeth.
“L.”
She giggles. “M.”
I roll my eyes. “Nothing is going on, and nothing will go on.”
A girl around our age walks in. I’ve seen her around town a couple of times the past few weeks, but not enough to speak with her. Her short brown hair is pulled into a half up do with a pink ribbon, matching her summery white dress. She chooses a seat in the corner of the room.
“I couldn’t do that to G,” I add.
Laynie’s face falters, the realisation hitting her as she sinks back onto her heels. “You’re right. But he might understand?”
My head shakes as I walk to the end of the bench. “I’d never forgive myself if I hurt him.” I walk towards the quiet looking girl. “And I don’t want to be disappointed again,” I whisper to myself before pulling out the notepad and pen in my pocket and smiling down at the stranger.
Her cheeks are rosy, freckled and smooth. Eyes a deep garnet shade, heart faced, and high cheekbones. She’s pretty, and sweet from the smile she returns.
