Crashing Hearts (Pine Valley College #2)

6. Skylar

CHAPTER 6

SKYLAR

I spend days racing like my life depends on it. Noah breaks us down inch by inch, showcasing our weaknesses to each other so we can build around them to create an impenetrable barrier. It’s the way to win this, and we not only spend hours practicing on the track, but also doing teamwork exercises, until we are in sync. I know it will take a while to get even closer, but we are doing well. Even Noah thinks so. Both of us know what is at stake, and that creates a bond, a partnership, we agree can work. We are brothers now, united by the dial and squeal of tires.

When Noah lets us out early, there is only one place I head. I haven’t seen him in far too long, and I miss that ignorant, handsome face. I park as close to the law building as I can and wait, ignoring the ogling looks I get. I’m only here for one student. I do wink at a few girls passing by, but when I see him, everything else fades.

He has headphones in, his steps measured and hard. There’s a whole space around him, everyone avoiding him, and people dive out of his way as he storms across campus.

Fuck, he looks good.

Wearing some loose camel pants and a white sweater, he screams money and elegance. I want to mess him up so badly and see him dirty and bare. His tattoos create a stark difference, a walking cliché, and I love it.

He’s so focused, he doesn’t see me, so I push away from my car and drop into step next to him. That doesn’t even get his attention, so I pluck an earbud from his ear, shoving it into mine. I don’t know what I expected, screaming rock music maybe, but my eyebrows rise at the piano piece before it’s abruptly ripped from my ear. He stops before me, and I grin, stopping too. Both of us block the path and create a show as people look between us, but I don’t care.

All I care about are his dark eyes that slice me to pieces, not finding me good enough. His lip curls in derision. “What? No cuffs today?” he jokes.

“Nah, they are in my car in case you feel like having some fun.” I shove my hands into my racing jacket, since I didn’t bother changing before I came straight here. Technically, I’m supposed to be resting, but I had to see him. Something about him riles me up but also calms me down at the same time. I don’t know what it is or how to explain it.

Bones is not a nice person, but I like that he doesn’t hide it. There’s a tranquility in his dark eyes I crave.

He doesn’t speak again, so I lean in and he leans back, grinding his jaw, but I don’t stop until he’s almost bent backwards. When he begins to fall to avoid me, I slip my hand over the base of his spine under his raised sweater, feeling the soft, warm skin there. I pull him close until he is pressed against me. “Did you miss me?” I murmur, my eyes dropping to his lips. I wonder what they would taste like.

He wrenches himself from my grip, putting space between us. “Like stepping in dog shit.”

“I’ll take it.”

He snorts and starts to walk away, so I fall into place next to him.

“I think you did, and that’s why I came.”

He ignores me, so I roll my eyes and move closer so we are practically walking on top of one another.

“Where are you going?” I keep talking, wanting to hear his deep voice.

“Why are you stalking me?” he retorts.

“Haven’t I made that obvious, beautiful?” He glares at me, and I smirk at having his eyes back on me. “I missed you, in case you were wondering.”

“I wasn’t,” he snaps. “I’m busy with class. Go away.”

“I’ll walk you to it. I’ve always wanted to walk the hottest guy to class and steal a kiss.” I grin.

“If you try to kiss me, I will have you flat on your back in a second,” he warns.

“Jesus, baby, I didn’t know you liked to get that rough. You want me on my back?” I step in front of him, walking backwards so he has to stare at me. “You just have to ask. My car is right over there.”

“Skylar, go away.”

“Not until you admit you missed me.”

“No. Leave.”

I stop, blocking his path once more. He tries to move left, and I move with him. He goes right, then I go right. He sighs, pinching his nose before staring at me like he’s two seconds away from decking me. Shit, I bet he would look so hot hitting me. I’d even fucking thank him.

“Say it, say you missed me and I’ll leave you alone for now, or I can stalk you into class. I bet they won’t mind. I’m pretty persuasive. I can flirt with you during your lecture?—”

“You wouldn’t dare,” he hisses.

“Try me,” I retort. “You have no idea how far I’ll go to get what I want, which is you.”

His jaw works, his nostrils flaring as he debates which is the lesser of two evils.

“I have all night, baby,” I purr. “Your choice.”

“You’ll leave?” he asks.

“For today.” I grin. “I’m waiting.”

“I missed you,” he says quietly.

Smirking, I lean in. “I didn’t hear that.”

“I missed you,” he snaps louder.

Cupping my ear, I lean back. “I’m a little deaf from all the engines. What did you say?”

“I missed you!” he yells, and everyone turns to look. His cheeks heat, even as I grin, and he glares and hurries past me. I let him go, knowing when to stop pushing. I just wanted to remind him I was here and I’m not going anywhere. I want him to think about me as much as I think about him. Even if it’s in anger, I’ll take it.

“Good to know. Want me to wait and take you home later?” I call to his retreating form. He ignores me as I chuckle. “I’ll take that as a no.” I grin as he walks away, shoving his earbuds back in and flipping me off. “See you later, baby!”