THREE: THE FIRST MOVE

Two days later,Maya walked out of the public bus,her hands tightly holding her books.

It was raining, and she had forgotten her umbrella.

She hurried towards the school,her bag wet, and she was shivering.

She rushed towards her first class, and she was really late.

Something that had never happened before. She bumped into a hard chest,

Shivering,she let go of her books,it scattered across the front door.

"I am sorry ," she quickly apologized, bending down to pick it up.

Jace stared at her as her trembling hands tried to pivk the books.

She was stunned.

Her eyes widened when he handed it to her,apologizing for bumping into her.

"No, it's my fault,I was in a hurry,"

She made to go but he stopped her.

"What class do you have now?"

"Art," he smiled, walking beside her.

"I will see you to class," she frowned,confused.

He took her wet bag holding ing one hand as she forced a smile.

"It's fine,i can go myself,"

She grabbed her back, walking away.

"I insist."No."

He blocked her path,sighing deeply as he stared at her shivering body.

He pulled off his cardigan and wore it over her head. She stood frozen.

He gulped as his eyes met her lips,it was pale but inviting.

He shook his head, pulling the ropes,tighning the loose ends of the cardigan as she breathed deeply.

"I did not ask for this -" he shunned her softly, pulling her closer as he placed his finger on her lip,shutting her up.

"You are shivering. And it kind of looks good on you,cute bunny. " her eyes widened as she looked away, hiding her blush.

He smiled softly,his eyes on her. She looked really beautiful this morning, and he really wanted to hug her,but what if she thinks i am creepy. He frowned as he sighted Ethan.

They walked towards the art class, and she beamed facing him.

"Thanks, but this does not change anything. I don't get why you are being so nice." She muttered the last part to herself, but he heard her anyway.

He smirked, leaning closer.

"I find you interesting, Carter."

She gulped at the close proximity.

"Get to class,I will see you later." He walked away smiling as he remembered how she froze when he wore his cardigan for her.

He facepalmed himself, clenching his fist: its just a damn bet!

He had 10 more days to go,and he never lost.

By closing,everyone in final year was already talking about Jace and Maya, the quiet girl who always minded her business.

Sophie was not happy,she was suspicious, and something was fishy.

"Maya, I am worried. Jace doesn't just notice you,he has been our classmate for over a decade, and he is just noticing you?"

"I know,but he is nice. He means no harm,beside,its not like we are dating." Maya answered nonchalantly,eyes fied on her chemistry workbook.

"Yet,it would only take time! Maya,that guy breaks heart for fun!" Sophie spoke, trying not to yell,Maya was not taking her warning seriously,and it was getting on her nerves.

"Enough,Sophie.We are not even close,beside I am not a kid."

She spoke, annoyed, getting up to leave. Sophie only shook her head,perhaps,she was worrying too much.

But her guts were always right,something was not adding up.

"I am sorry for yelling at you," Maya apologized as they walked out of the empty class.

"It's fine." Sophie simply said,her eyes glued to her phone.

"Then smile." Sophie pretended to ignore her but soon burst into laughter.

"I am not mad,i just don't trust boys like Jace." Maya held Sophie's hand,beaming as she spoke.

"I know,trust me,nothing can happen between us."

As Jace hopped into Ethan's car after football practice, Ethan stared at him.

"What? "

"Did you forget that this is a bet?"

Jace frowned, looking out through the window.

"I haven't " he spoke,hesitating as Maya's shivering body flashed in his eyes.

He clenched his fist,not liking the emptiness that carefully took up the space in his rib.