“You have them all over your nose and cheeks.”
“It’s hard not to notice when you’ve looked at this face every day for 17 years.” My tone is sarcastic, but he ignores me.
“They’re cute.” He gives me yet another shrug and a half-smile. “So?”
Taking one deep, shaky breath, I put backpack over both of my shoulders. “How good are you at driving this thing?”
“The best,” he replies with a big, goofy smile. “Hop on.”
I’m so going to regret this.
“So…” Nervously, I look from behind Max.
People started staring from the moment we entered school property. Not hallways. Parking lot.
It was like a scene from one of those chick flicks I make Brook watch with me where everybody turns around and stares at the hot new guy or girl, and then they turn around and start to gossip.
It’s insane and makes me jittery. No one ever pays attention to me, except when Derek and Andrew are around, then they do. Pay attention that is, watching from the side and smirking like they know something, when in reality they know nothing. Some also enjoy getting in my way. Apparently, I’m too close to them, so their foot finds a way in front of my legs, making me trip, or their shoulder pushes against mine as I walk by in the hallways. As I said, I’m in their way.
Why were they even still in the hallways? The bell is about to ring any second now.
“Thanks again for the ride.” I try smiling, but it feels forced, even to myself. Max turns around and looks at me with his brows raised. “I guess I’ll see you around.”
I try to pass around him, but he catches my hand and makes me stop. “Not so fast. What do you have first period?”
“Homeroom, Mrs. Rayan.”
“Great, me too.” He gives me a wide smile, one filled with mischief. This guy was born up to no good. “You can pay me back for saving your ass this morning by showing me how to get there. My personal guide for the day. What do you say, Freckles?”
We look at each other. It feels like an eternity, but I know it’s a matter of seconds. Every time he calls me that my stomach begins tumbling and a sour taste erupts in my mouth. I lick my suddenly dry lips before answering. “Okay,” I agree. “But you have to stop calling me that.”
His smile falls. “Why would I do that?”
“I…” I bite into my lower lip, almost making it bleed, and slowly shake my head. “Just don’t.”
Insightful, gray eyes look at me for a few long seconds before he finally nods his head, even if reluctantly, in agreement. “What do I call you then?”
“Lia. My friend calls me Lia.”
The bell starts ringing loudly, startling me. People around us break from whatever spell they were under and hurry to their own classes, although I see a few curious faces giving us a backward glance.
“This, Lia, is your clue to start leading the way.” He throws his hand around my shoulders, tugging me into his side. He towers over me, and I can feel the heat radiating off his body. Masculine scent surrounds me. I don’t know what it is exactly, but I want to burrow my nose in his neck and inhale him in. But I don’t because it would be extra creepy. “I didn’t break a few laws so that you’d end up late for class.”
A giggle escapes my lips. It’s soft, almost inaudible. I don’t know who is more surprised to hear it—me or Max.
“Come on. It’s this way.”
I walk, thinking he’ll move his hand off my shoulders and follow me, but he surprises me, as he did from the moment I met him. His hand stays firmly in place as he follows next to me, taking smaller steps to accommodate my pace.
I don’t know what to make of him. One moment he’s teasing me like he enjoys mocking me and seeing me blush, but in other situations, he’s really nice and considerate.
“We’re here,” I say, stopping in front of homeroom.
Mrs. Rayan’s voice is calling names from the other side of the door, a door that leads to a classroom full of students who will turn around and stare when I open it.
Max is standing behind me, his hand on the doorknob. “Come on. It’s nothing serious,” he assures me, his relaxed and composed voice calming my rapidly beating heart. “Everyone’s late every once in a while.”
He turns the knob and softly pushes me inside. Everyone turns around just as I knew they would, looking at me, looking at us standing at the door.
“Miss Campbell.” Mrs. Rayan voice is impassive. “I’m glad you could join us. Go in and take your seat.”
Find out what happens next in Lines, coming of age hockey romance!
Other books by Anna B. Doe
New York Knights Series
NA/adult sports romance
#1 Lost & Found
#2 Until
#3 Forever
Greyford High Series
YA/NA sports romance
#1 Lines
#2 Habits
#3 Rules
#4 The Penalty Box
#5 The Stand-In Boyfriend
Blairwood University Series
College sports romance
#0 Kiss Me First
#1 Kiss To Conquer
#2 Kiss To Forget
#3 Kiss To (Zane’s story - coming summer 2021)
Standalone novels
Underwater: Modern Fairytale
About the Author
Anna B. Doe is a young adult and new adult contemporary romance author. She writes real-life romance that is equal parts sweet and sexy. She’s a coffee and chocolate addict. Like her characters, she loves those two things dark, sweet and with little extra spice.
When she’s not working for a living or writing her newest book you can find her reading books or binge-watching TV shows. Originally from Croatia, she is always planning her next trip because wanderlust is in her blood.
She is currently working on various projects. Some more secret than others.
Find more about Anna on her website: www.annabdoe.com
Join Anna’s Reader’s Group Anna’s Bookmantics on Facebook!