Page 10 of Becoming His

"You know what? Yeah, you're right. But Ihavenoticed you—before today. But normally, you look so..." He paused, his eyes flickering over me. "...unapproachable. Unhappy. Today yousmiled. You lookedfriendly."He laughed then, and I found myself smiling despite myself. "Will it kill you to come out with me tonight?"

I hesitated, but he brought my hand to his lips, kissing it softly.

Just go for it, Annabelle. You've got nothing to lose.

I took a deep breath as his eyes searched mine.

"Okay. Where do you want me to meet you?" I asked timidly, my ears ringing with excitement. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

He laughed, glancing around the hallway.

"You live off Cove Road, right? I'll pick you up at seven."

I nodded, wonderinghowhe knew where I lived as he walked away, looking back at me as he caught up with his friends, including Old Blue Eyes himself: Bailey. Bailey narrowed his eyes as he watched Chase glancing at me, and I turned away, refusing to play Bailey's stupid little game anymore.

I became aware of pineapple and vanilla, the telltale scent of my gorgeous best friend.

"Right then,dolly bird. School is over; let's grab a coffee or something equally delicious." Ray slipped her arm through mine as she smiled at me warmly.

"Equally delicious to coffee? Like what?" I challenged her, and she laughed.

"Alright, hot stuff. Chocolate?"

"Touché."

We climbed into her little red car when we saw Bailey and Chase having a heated discussion near their cars.

"Wonder which bit of stuff they are arguing about this time," Ray drawled as we sped past them, my heart in my throat.

"I uh, sort of have a date with Chase tonight," I admitted as Ray narrowly avoided crashing into the car in front.

"What?! Chase? As in,Chase, thequarterback? Thestarquarterback?" She gaped at me, and I smiled to myself.

"Yeah, that one."

Ray shook her head as she gazed ahead.

"What are youdoing, girl? I didn't realize you had a thing for these strapping airheads." Her tone was playful, but I detected the sadness she was trying to hide.

"It's just a date." I shrugged as I avoided her stare. "He thinks you are a lesbian."

We both laughed until tears fell down our faces.

"If I were, life would be so much easier." Ray laughed as she pulled into Starbucks. "More importantly, do you evenlikeChase?"

I chewed my lip as I shrugged again, earning myself a glare from Ray.

"I don't know. It was just nice to be asked, and he was quite persistent." She nodded and then took a deep breath.

"Don't shoot me. But you look amazing today—not that you don't always anyway," she added hastily. "You have Bailey getting you makeovers to date me," she shuddered as she continued, "now Chase Dallas is taking you out."

She has a point.

"Well, the makeover was to get a date with you." I pointed out, and she nodded. "So Bailey won't have any time for me now. As for Chase, I have no idea what that's about. But, did you know Bailey has an older brother?"

Ray bit her lip and looked around before leaning forward. "Reuben Fenton? Let's just say yes, I do know of him. Or know him, whichever way you want to put it."

She sipped her drink to hide the grin I could see dancing on her perfect mouth.