Her eyes hold a tinge of worry within them, but I brush it off. I’m sure I’m imagining it.
“I will. Thank you, um….” I trail off, realizing she never told me her name.
The smile is back in full force. “Mrs. Lincoln, but the kids usually call me Patty. I hope to see you again soon.”
Looking around the spacious library for the first time, I tell her, “With all of these books, I’m sure you’ll see me sooner than you think.”
She smiles. “Have a good first day, Sage.”
I give her a small wave before leaving. The hall has emptied quite a bit, but I don’t mind. Deciding to find my locker next, even though I’ll be late to class, I study my map. The lockers all seem to be positioned in a second building behind the one I’m in.
I head out a back door and stop short. The courtyard is vast, filled with vibrant flowers, several large trees, and some tables scattered sporadically throughout.
Not in Kansas anymore, are we, Toto?
This place is prettier than any parks back home. I guess there are perks to being rich.
At the sound of another bell, I quickly make my way across the courtyard towards the second building. I’m almost to the door when an unexpected sound causes me to jump. Turning to my left, I spot movement behind one of the trees. Glancing around the trunk, I notice a tall male leaning against the tree as a girl is kneeling in front of him, her face firmly affixed to his crotch. She moans again, and I gasp as I realize her head is bobbing.
The male turns his head toward me, and my eyes flick up to his face. The first thing I notice is that he’s gorgeous. He has a chiseled face with a sharp, clean-cut jaw. His hair is short on the side but longer on top, the dark color bringing out the tan complexion of his skin. My eyes freeze as they lock on his piercing green ones. For a moment, I get lost inside them, mesmerized by the striking color and the depth of them. I watch them change, a cocky look filling them as he raises an eyebrow. A knowing smirk takes over his lips.
I feel my face contort as I realize how disgusting this man is. Gorgeous looks, yes, but obviously an egotistical prick. I spin on my heels and make my way through the door. Before it closes, I hear a husky chuckle.
Stopping inside the door, I collect my thoughts. This hall is empty and filled with lockers. I look back at my map as I make my way to the junior hall. I turn the corner, still looking at the map, and run into a brick wall, scattering my books across the floor as I fall to my knees.
Nope, not a wall. A body.
I look up from the floor and have to take a second look. The guy standing above me looks similar to the jackass from the courtyard. The difference is his hair is a lighter brown and his green eyes, while still piercing, hold more humor.
“Sweetheart, you didn’t have to bump into me to grab my attention.” His eyes peruse my body, lingering on my exposed thighs. “Your rockin’ body would have done that all on its own.”
“Gross.” I pull my skirt down before getting up off the floor. “Are all guys here pigs?”
His eyes dim before he responds. “Watch yourself, little fox. Say that to the wrong people and you’ll stir up trouble.”
Rolling my eyes probably isn’t the best idea, but I do it anyways. “I’m already in hell, so I’m not too worried.” I pick up my books and purposefully shove my shoulder into him as I move past.
I make it halfway down the hall before he calls out, “I got your number, little fox.” I glance back just in time to catch his smirk.
“Arrogant bastard,” I mutter under my breath.
Thankfully, I find my locker and store my other books without any more run-ins. The whole atmosphere of this place is stifling. I take my time getting to class, knowing I’m already ten minutes late by now. Once there, I pause outside the door. One thing I hate is attention, and I know stepping into class late will turn all eyes on me. Hell, just being here is earning me so much unwanted attention.
Taking one last deep breath, I open the door.
The teacher stops in the middle of his sentence as all eyes fall on me. “Can I help you, young lady?” he asks.
“Sorry I’m late. I’m Sage Miller, your new student.”
“Of course. There’s an empty seat in the back. Next time, don’t be late or you won’t be allowed in.”
I give him a short nod and keep my eyes down as I make my way to the empty seat. I’m about to sit down when something pulls on my backpack. I look over and find mischief in the eyes of the guy from the hallway.
“Hello, little fox. Small world.”
I roll my eyes and take my seat, pulling out the textbook and a notebook with a pen before settling in my desk.
“Look at you, all studious. Tell me, with a smart brain, do you give good head?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know, asshole?” I bite back.
“If I wanted to know, I would know, sweetheart. Trust and believe that.”
“Did you have something to add, Mr. Yates?” the teacher calls out.
“Nope.” He smirks. “I was just catching Ms. Miller here up on some things.”
I scoff at his comment.
“Catch her up on your own time. Back to the Mongol Empire.”
“Oh, I will,” I hear him say to himself.
∞∞∞
“How has your first day been so far?” Victoria leads me to a table in the back corner of the cafeteria, if you could even call it one. It’s more like a large banquet room fit for the rich and famous to dine.
“It’s school. What do you expect me to say?” I take a bite of my pizza.
“Whatever. You know what I mean.” She scrunches her nose. “How can you eat something so fattening?”
“It’s delicious. Who cares how many calories it has?”
“She’s right, you know.” A new girl slides into the seat next to Victoria.
Cue girly screams. From them, not me.
“Tinsley! What are you up to, girl?” Victoria hugs her tightly.
I look to Tinsley. She’s gorgeous. Her hair is dark brown with light brown highlights and falls down her back, brushing the top of her ass. Everything about this girl screams money, from her perfectly manicured nails down to her shoes that are more expensive than my entire wardrobe.
“Coming to see you, V. Who do we have here?” Tinsley glances in my direction.
“This is my cousin, Sage. Sage, this is Tinsley Yates.”
“Nice to meet you, Sage.” She says with a friendly smile. “So, V, I wanted to confirm you’re still coming to the party Friday night after the lacrosse game. I know you said you had some family stuff, but I was hoping you could still come?” She cuts her eyes at me questioningly.
“Mom wanted to do dinner Friday. Usually I would cancel, but she thinks it’s important to have this big family dinner to welcome Sage here to the family. My mom can be dramatic.”
I groan. “Is she really planning that?”
“Yep. She thinks you need more family love.”
“Just what I need.” I roll my eyes.
“Well, I have an idea,” Tinsley pipes up.
“Whatcha got?” Victoria asks.
“How about you pitch her some cousin bonding? Bring Sage. It’ll be fun.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea! What do you think, Sage?”