Page 47 of Jain

“Jain? Will you?”

I turned back to Harley, his hopeful expression reliant on my answer.

“I can’t. The thing is, there’s someone else,” I admitted, my mouth going dry when Harley’s eyebrows shot up.

“Someone else?” He echoed, and I nodded.

“Yeah, it’s complicated.”

“It’s not, though, is it Jain? It’sanyonebut me.”

Harley pushed past me, and I stared after him sadly. I couldn’t lead him on—it wouldn’t be fair.

“Someone else, hmm? Should I be worried?”

The voice in my ear made me jump, my senses running wild at the sudden proximity I found myself with this delicious creature. I turned as he gazed at me over his glasses.

“No, you shouldn’t,” I whispered, my fingers dancing with his as he studied me intently.

“What did he want?”

“To know if I wanted to be his date to the end-of-year dance,” I said breathlessly as he stared at me.

“You’re going?”

“Not with him, no,” I said, glancing around us when he nodded.

“I’ve got to be there. Bullshit, basically. No offence, but I’d rather watch paint dry. Have you seen the theme?”

I shook my head, trying to concentrate on his words but failing. His lips pulled into a smirk before he scoffed.

“Masquerade Ball.”

“Oh, that’s not too bad...” I laughed when suddenly he pulled me close to him, whispering in my ear.

“I can’t watch you turn up with another man.”

“I’m going with Kate and Sarah. No man in sight.”

“I’ll be there,” Evan said, his eyes lifting to mine as I ached to kiss him. “Be my secret date.”

He raised his eyebrows as he stepped away, turning back in the direction he had come from.

“Maybe I will.”

“Is that a yes?” He called back over his shoulder, and I grinned.

“Can I tell you after school?”

“Of course, Ms Martin. Tutorial as usual.”

* * *

I’d barely been through Evan’s door seconds when he had me pressed against the wall.

“I’ve missed you,” I gasped against him, tugging at his zipper.

“Wait, I need to say something,” Evan said, trying to stop kissing me but failing.