Page 37 of Mine

Cal didn’t blink as he tilted his head to the side, studying Luke pitifully.

Rosie’s hand flew to her mouth as she stood up in my defence, her eyes flashing. “Luke, you can’t say that!”

Luke put his hands in the air, ignoring her. “I’m a single guy now, girls. Let the games begin,” he smirked at me directly, sitting back down as a few whoops rise around the cafeteria. “Good luck, cuz. You will need it.”

Cal turned to me, cupping my face so I was looking into his eyes. “Listen to me, he’s hurting and behaving like a fuckingprickbecause he has lost you. If you want me to deal with him, I will. But I think the fact he hasn’t got you anymore is punishment enough. I really don’t mind punching him in the mouth though, the disrespectful littlebastard.”

Cal turned his head sideways towards Luke, who taunted him by opening his hands out in a beckoning gesture.

I shook my head as he put his arm around me, guiding me out of the cafeteria.

Rosie ran up behind us, her hand on my arm as I whirled around to face her. “Hey, Gretch, wait up.”

Cal rolled his eyes and pulled out a cigarette as he leaned against a locker, a bored expression on his face.

“Can we have a minute?” Rosie hissed as he stiffened.

“Rose,” I exclaimed, already exhausted with their hostility.

Cal looked into my eyes, kissing me tenderly. “I’ll be outside.”

I watched him leave longingly before I turned to Rosie, my eyes narrowed. “Rose, don’t be mad with him, we can’t help how we feel—“

She shook her head, interrupting me. “Listen to me. There are rumours—nasty rumours. You need to be careful.”

“Rumours? Started by Luke probably,” I huffed, my arms crossed.

“He is hisfamily, Gretchen. He wouldn’t spread rumours about Cal, you know how much he values family. Despite the stunt Cal has pulled, Luke isn’t like that,” she hugged me tightly. “I love you Gretch, but please be careful.”

She turned and strolled back to the cafeteria as I stared after her.

My mind reeled as I pushed the doors open to find Cal.

What rumours? Who’d started them?

I realized I knew nothing about Cal really, other than when I was with him everything felt right.

But was that enough?

Chapter Fifteen

GRETCHEN

I had a relatively uneventful afternoon, avoiding Luke and his buddies.

I made my way to the exit, my heart soaring when I saw Cal waiting for me.

He stared into the distance; his jaw clenched.

I stopped to study him, the crowds of bodies pushing past me as I do.

The wind blew his hair into his eyes, his hand lifting to push it away with irritation as his gaze fell on me. His lips curled into his trademark grin, and my stomach somersaulted beneath his heated gaze.

I skipped over to him, unable to keep away from him any longer.

His hands slid around my waist, his smoky lips against mine.

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting,” I murmured against him as he chuckled. A shiver ran down my body when he replied huskily.