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“Can we just sit on the beach and tan?”

“If that is how you want to waste your time, yes.”

“But won’t it be boring. We are going against humans.”

“Other academies like ours will be attending. We will make sure to arrange a few ‘special’ games.” Xavier placed the paper on my desk and my heart beat harder. He was so close.

“Thanks,” I mumbled under my breath. But he didn’t answer or respond. Instead, he just kept handing out the papers.

I didn’t want to go back to the beach. I had just spent weeks there. Sure, it was a different beach, but the ocean was always the same.

“So get your parents to fill the permission forms out, and get them back to me asap.” Xavier walked past me. My arm brushed against his leg.

Focus, Chloe. Come on. I shut my eyes.

“Looks like we are heading back to the beach, Cho.”

I nodded my head at Dan. “Yeah, looks like it.”

I sunk back into my chair. Xavier was normal. He wasn’t jealous.

I should be pleased. I glanced at Dan as he grinned and chatted with Scott. This amazing man wanted to be with me. But as much as I wanted him, I knew someone else was out there for him. So what the heck was I doing?

It was only a matter of time. She would find him. Because who wouldn’t want to find Dan?

I cursed nature for not making him mine.

***

Xavier smiled a friendly smile at us as we walked out. I arched an eyebrow at his happy mood and left without giving him a smile.

“What was up with that?” Dan whispered down in my ear as we walked down the corridor.

“I have no idea.”

“Oh. Hi, Chloe.”

I shook my head. Was I really seeing this?

Pausing in the corridor with my hand in Dan’s, I said, “Um, hi, Emily.” I scratched the back of my neck with my free hand “Um, how are you?”

“Good. Do you know which room is Xavier’s?” She smiled briefly at Dan and me. “I can’t find it.”

“It’s the third one on the left.” Dan gestured his head back in the direction we had just came from. “The door is still open.”

“Thanks.” She smiled again at us before walking away.

What the hell was she doing here? And why was he letting her come here! Chloe just shut up, I yelled at myself.

It. Is. Not. Your. Concern.

“Gee, Cho. No need to snap my hand off.” Dan tugged his hand out of my death grip. I hadn’t realized what I was doing.

“Sorry.” I let go of his hand. “Didn’t mean it.”

“So that was her then?” Dan and I began to walk away, people stepping out of our way.

“Yep, that was the one.”