What are the chances that me, the clumsiest girl you will ever meet, and Jacob, the head quarterback and biggest player in the school, run into each other and spill our books? Apparently very high as that happened two minutes ago. Jacob is pretty much the coolest, and hottest guy in school. I mean, come on, there's always someone like that at every school. But–he also happens to be one of the most egotistical assholes, too.
Then there's me; shy, quiet, and pretty much a total nerd. I'm only a nerd because my parents are pressuring me to go to Yale and "follow in their footsteps."
It happened like this: I was casually walking down the hall, trying to avoid eye contact, when I collided with what felt like a brick wall. Books scattered everywhere. I looked up, and there he was—Jacob Anderson. Not exactly the most graceful introduction, but embarrassing doesn’t begin to describe it. Instead of laughing, he apologized and started collecting my books. I was stunned, as was everyone else in the hallway.
Why? Because Jacob Wellings never apologizes to anyone. Until now, I guess.
My next class is chemistry with Jacob and his ex-girlfriend, Vanessa. Vanessa’s…well, she’s a one-time offer. You try it once, maybe go back for seconds if no one else wants them. She's still obsessed with him though. He's made it clear he isn't interested, but she doesn’t seem to get the hint.
I take my seat next to Nikky. "There'll be a new student tomorrow," she says casually. New students are rare in our quiet town—everyone knows everyone else's business. "I hear he's supposed to be super delicious too," she whispers, winking. "Maybe I’ll give him your number, since I'm such a good friend," she says with a dramatic hair flip. I just smile and roll my eyes.
She’s always trying to set me up. She says I don’t go out enough, but once a week is enough social interaction for me. She calls me a turtle, and I take it as a compliment—turtles are awesome. I get distracted easily, so naturally I zone out thinking about what my spirit animal would be and if those "online tests" are accurate.
"AVERY!"
"Huh, what?" I blink back to reality and see Nikky scowling.
"Did you seriously not hear anything I said?" She asks, annoyed. The bell rings just as I'm starting to formulate a response.
"Alright everyone, take your seats."
Ten minutes into the lesson, while I’m doodling instead of taking notes, the class door opens. Standing in the doorway is someone I’ve never seen before—and let me tell you, he is gorgeous. My jaw actually drops.
Wow okay, Avery. Smooth.
He runs a hand through his hair. His icy blue eyes meet mine, and it feels like staring any longer will send me straight to hell. His gaze, his presence—it’s powerful, intense. I have to look away.
"That’s the new kid," Nikky whispers to me, or maybe to herself. "But he was supposed to come tomorrow."
I’m just as confused, but I can’t help but glance back at him as he answers Mr. Cardé’s questions. I notice a bunch of girls winking and making suggestive faces, but they just look constipated to me. His eyes flicker back to me. “What’s your name?”
“Justin Parker.”
All the girls are staring, probably drooling. And, to my annoyance, I’m drooling too. As much as I hate to admit it, he might be even hotter than Jacob. He takes the only open seat—right next to me. He looks at me again, and I stare at my lap as my cheeks begin to burn. He lets out a low chuckle. “Don’t worry, princess, I’m used to people being overwhelmed by my presence.”
I roll my eyes and mentally note that his ego is bigger than North America and Asia combined.
“It’s rude to ignore people,” he adds, as if talking to a child. When I just stare at the board, he shakes his head disapprovingly. “You don’t care, do you?”
“No, I don’t. I’m glad you finally figured it out. So now what? Do you want a medal or something?” I snap. Even he’s surprised by my outburst. He actually looks hurt and looks away. Oh god. “Sorry,” I say guiltily.
He just smirks. “I can tell you’re going to be tough to figure out.” Before I can ask him what he means, the bell rings.
I grab my stuff and meet Nikky outside of class. She obviously saw me and Justin talking, but she didn’t say anything. She notices my flushed cheeks and starts chanting, "Avery has a boyfriend, Avery has a boyfriend!!"
My cheeks burn even redder. I didn’t know that was possible, and I tell her to shut up. A few people heard her chanting, including Justin.
Eventually, lunch rolls around. I sit at our usual table with Nikky, whom I’ve known since middle school, Noah, my best friend since kindergarten, Jess, whom I met this year, Eric, who’s one of the populars but really nice—we’ve known each other since preschool—and a few others.
I sit between Jess and Noah. I’m just eating my fries when someone grabs a handful. I immediately look to my right, where Noah’s sitting, and stare at him so intensely he looks uncomfortable.
THAT.
FUCKING.
DICKBAG.
“Avery, I am SO sorry! I love you!” He apologizes quickly. His smile is irresistible, and I can’t help but smile back.
Everyone laughs. “So who’s going to fail the calculus test today?” And just like that, we all raise our hands and start laughing.
Out of nowhere, I feel a gaze burning holes into the back of my head. I’m probably being paranoid, but I look back anyway and see Justin looking at me. Our eyes meet for a second before he looks away. Of course he’s sitting with the jocks and their little skanks. There’s something about Justin Carter, and I’m going to be the one to figure it out.
JUSTIN CARTER POV
Since I walked into that classroom and saw her, I couldn’t keep her out of my mind. I don’t know what’s happening to me, and I don’t like it.
Actually, I shouldn’t say that because I honestly don’t fucking know what I’m feeling. I met her only a few hours ago, and I can’t get her out of my head. I won’t let her find out. As much as this hurts, I have to keep my distance. I can't let her get hurt because I'm a dumbass.
I know the consequences, but I feel drawn to Avery White.