Connections

The moment class ended, Eli and I practically dragged ourselves out of that room. People were still staring, but honestly? We couldn’t care less. We had about ten minutes before our next class, and I figured it was the perfect time to get to know him better.

“Okay, let’s compare schedules,” he said as we sank onto one of the surprisingly considerate hallway benches. “It’s not every day a school blesses us with actual seating.”

We lined up our schedules. “We’ve got all our classes together—except Biology,” he squealed, pumping a fist.

“More fun for us, then,” I grinned.

“Okay, I’ve got a question,” I said.

“Lay it on me, sis,” he replied with dramatic flair, and I rolled my eyes.

“I get the stares for being new, sure. But I just realized... I’m not the only one they’re staring at.”

“Took you long enough to figure that out,” he said with a smirk. “They’ve always been like that. Typical high school kids who can’t handle how hot I am and that I’m gay. Add the fact I’ve been hanging out with you all morning, and they probably think I’ve switched teams.”

He made a gagging face. “No offense, Nova.”

“None taken.”

“So yeah, we’re kinda the center of attention right now. But don’t worry, it’s temporary. Aiden’s crew always snatches the spotlight back before long. Don’t ask me how—they just breathe and everyone talks.”

At the mention of that name, I scrunched up my face.

Eli caught it. “What’s with the look? You hardly know them.”

“I hardly know the rest, sure. But Aiden? Him—I’ve met.”

His brows shot up. “Already? How?”

“Let’s just say our first meeting was far from pleasant. He was full-on making out with that girl, Chloe, in front of the class when I arrived this morning. Then he had the nerve to throw some flirty crap my way.”

Eli gasped—loudly.

“Keep it down, drama queen! What was that scream for?”

“That scream, Nova, was necessary! Aiden doesn’t just talk to people—especially not new ones. Unless...”

“Unless what?”

“Unless he’s interested in you.”

The paper he sent my way came to mind, but I waved it off.

I groaned. “I’m not interested in him. And I don’t plan to be. I’m good, thanks.”

He waved a hand. “Doesn’t matter if you’re interested. If he is? Girl, you’re doomed. He’s a playboy and a jerk—but damn, he is smoking hot. If only he was gay, I’d take my chances and gladly get my heart broken.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re serious?”

“Nova, I would never joke about hotness. Ever.”

“You’re such a diva,” I laughed.

“Okay, young lady, let me educate you on their crew.”

I nodded like a good student.

“You know Aiden, so we’ll skip him. The girl he was lip-locked with is Chloe—his ‘girlfriend’ or... plaything,” he coughed. “She’s the jealous type. Thinks she’s Mrs. Aiden Cross already. Delusional much.”

I chuckled.

“Then there’s Ty—basketball prodigy, cool guy, Aiden’s closest friend. Also hot.”

He held up a finger.

“Last but definitely not least—Jace. Quiet type, but people say he’s hilarious when he talks. Laid back. And hot. My kind of hot.”

Something in his tone shifted when he mentioned Jace, and I made a mental note to investigate that later.

“Typical high school crew, huh?” he asked.

“At least there’s no football player or cheerleader this time,” I replied, and we both burst out laughing.

“You’re right! You’re so right—oh crap! We’re late!” he yelled suddenly.

I looked up. The hallway was almost empty. We’d been so caught up in conversation, we hadn’t noticed everyone else heading to class.

We bolted, laughing like lunatics.

“We’re almost there!” I said as our classroom came into view—just in time for me to slam into someone.

“Watch where you’re going!” screeched a familiar voice.

Oh no. Please not her.

I turned—and yep. It was Chloe. Hands on hips. Ready for war.

“Sorry,” I muttered. “We were just rushing to class.”

She tilted her head, eyes narrowing as recognition dawned. “You’re that girl from earlier, aren’t you?”

“Does it matter?” I said, itching to just get past her.

“Of course it matters,” came another voice. Instantly recognizable.

Aiden.

I hadn’t even noticed him—or the two guys flanking him—standing behind Chloe. My focus had been entirely on her.

Eli went silent beside me.

“And it matters how, Aiden?” I asked, emphasizing his name with all the disdain I could muster.

One of the guys—Ty or Jace, maybe—chuckled, but Aiden ignored it.

“You might still be bitter about not joining us earlier. I did invite you,” he said, that smug smirk firmly in place.

I laughed. Loudly.

They all looked at me like I’d lost it.

Turning to Chloe, I said, “I guess you’re not the only delusional one in your little crew. Your boyfriend’s just claimed the throne.”

I could feel Eli trembling beside me, trying to hold in his laughter.

“I already apologized, so I don’t see why we’re still standing here. Whether you accept it or not is really not my problem.”

I turned back to Aiden. “Goodbye, Aiden.”

With that, I grabbed Eli’s arm, looped it through mine, and strode into the classroom.

I could’ve sworn someone behind us burst out laughing before the door shut.

Let them laugh.

I wasn’t here to play games.

We slid into our chairs just as the bell rang. Eli leaned in, eyes gleaming with mischief.

“You just made enemies, babe. A hot one and a crazy one—and that’s not the kind that forgives easily.”

I just shrugged, even as my hands trembled with adrenaline.

Then I felt him.

Aiden walked into the class... and took the seat directly in front of me.

What gave him the right to switch seats like this?

“Mr. Cross,” came the teacher’s voice—thankfully.

Yes. Go teacher. Put him in his place.

“You’re not scheduled for this class.”

“I know,” he replied smoothly. “I was just hoping to bond with the new girl... for educational purposes.”

The whole class gasped. Literal gasps.

Say something, teach. Anything.

But he just turned back to the board and kept teaching, like this wasn’t pure insanity.

Aiden glanced back, full smile on display. “You don’t mind, do you?”

And without waiting for a response, he turned around again.

With over thirty pairs of eyes burning into me, I realized something terrifying.

I’d made a huge mistake crossing him.

And of course... Cross just had to be his name.