Chapter Twelve

Harken is completely stunned, barely feeling the phone hit his chest, his eyes focusing on how pissed off Noel is, racking his brain for what he could have possibly done now. His heart leaps out of his chest when tears start to well in her eyes, and he sees she is clutching her phone like a lifeline.

Looking down he picks up his own, tapping on the screen to reveal the text message she meant for Nolan.

"Oh shit," he whispers unintentionally. This is all Noel needs to hear before she turns on her heel and runs off.

Fuck, no!

"Go, we can do this another day," Abel says and throws Harken his bike keys. He is already walking back inside when Harken jumps on his bike, forgetting his helmet still on the ground and takes off. Noel isn't anywhere to be seen on the downtown strip, making him wonder if she is going to run all the way back to school.

Knowing how upset and embarrassed she must be feeling right now, there's no chance she wants to show her face at school. He rips the bac around and