19

"But after one month, I started to move on."

Sawyer

I skipped down the hallways in anticipation. Josh had texted me this morning with a promise that a surprise would await me after school today. He never disclosed the location, just promised to brighten my day. I had an ambivalent relationship with surprises. I'd always loved the uncertainty, but my patience always wore thin. With a wide smile plastered, I made my way to my locker, with the anticipation building with each passing moment. Especially when I saw Josh waiting for me.

"Hey," he said, his voice gentle with underlying regret. "Could we postpone the surprise? The team needs a bit more practice for the charity event."

My smile faltered.

"Really?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"I promise I will make it up to you." He said. "But I need more practice if I'm going to impress the scouts."

My disappointment was notable, but I mustered a smile, knowing that this meant everything to him. His entire future was riding on this.

"I understand."

"I'm sorry." he said, his voice overflowed with genuine regret. "I can tell the team I can't make it."

He reached into his pocket for his phone. I placed my hand on him to stop him.

"Don't be ridiculous," I said. "We can do it another time."

His eyes swelled with gratitude as he tucked my hair behind my ears before cupping the back of my neck.

"You are the best girlfriend ever." He said. "Have I ever told you that?"

"No." I grinned. "It is nice to hear, though."

My breath caught in my throat as I felt his lips brush against mine, sending a jolt of electricity to course through my veins. The bustle of the hallway faded into insignificance. My cheeks flushed with warmth as he pulled away, looking at me as if I were a precious gem. His phone beeped, tearing us from our romantic moment. He sighed as his eyes skimmed the text. He placed his phone back in his pocket and placed a kiss on my forehead.

"I'll text you later." He said before running off.

I watched him speed-walking until he rounded the corner before turning around to grab my books from my locker, only to collide with someone.

"What's the rush, Ms. Bennet?"

Asher leaned against my locker with a smirk playing on his lips. My eyes widened in surprise as I took a step back.

"I don't want to be late for class."

His smirk widened as he eyed me with amusement.

"Sounds boring to me." He remarked. "I have a better offer. Ditch with me."

My eyes widened in disbelief at his suggestion. I'd never skipped class before.

"Why would I do that?"

He chuckled as if he knew a secret I didn't.

"Let's just say I know a place that has a ton of rare books, and they're having a sale."

My mind raced with conflicting thoughts. I knew I should say no and keep my reputation as a diligent student intact, but he had me at books.

"I don't want to get in trouble."

He flashed me his signature charming grin as his eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Live a little, Ms. Bennet." He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "How can you say no to books?"

I felt myself being drawn in. He was using Kryptonite against me. With a nervous smile, I nodded my head in agreement. My heart pounded with excitement and anticipation. He smiled, pleased by my answer.

"Let's go, before the hallways clear out."

As we slipped through the crowded hallways towards the parking lot, I couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline course through my veins. We strolled through the car park, but the realization dawned on me.

"Asher, I thought your car got taken away. I heard your mom tell mine you only had it for the dance."

He glanced at me over his shoulder and dangled a set of keys. Josh's keys.

"If Josh didn't want his car stolen, he shouldn't have made it so easy for someone to take."

I snorted at his absurd reply. As if this was Josh's fault. He opened the passenger door for me, but I hesitated.

"I'm not helping you steal my boyfriend's car."

He rolled his eyes, but didn't budge.

"Think of the books, Elizabeth."

Will he ever move on from Pride and Prejudice references?

The books.My mind tried to convince me. Think of all the books. No angel was present on my shoulder.

"Fine." I relented. "You're taking the blame for this, though."

He signaled for me to enter the car, a smile forming on his face.

"I was planning on it, anyway." He said. "You made the right choice, Ms. Bennett."

??

The winter landscape stretched out before us like a snow-covered wonderland. I gazed out the window, avoiding conversation, and having doubts. The snowfall grew heavier, covering the landscape in a soft, white veil. We arrived in the next town, and I felt the adrenaline of excitement coursing through my body as he pulled the car to a building.

A charming cafe and a cozy boutique nestled on either side of the bookstore. As we stepped through the door, a bell dinged overhead. My eyes widened in wonder as I took in the abundance of rows of books lining the shelves.

"This place is incredible." I breathed, my voice filled with awe as I reached out to trace my fingers along the spines.

His eyes sparkled in delight at my reaction.

"I knew you'd like it."

We wandered through the aisles as we lost ourselves to the allure of fiction. My heart raced with excitement as I stumbled across some old favorites. My finger trailed over a worn spine of Catcher in the Rye. I picked it up and skimmed through the pages.

"Has anyone ever told you that you're like Holden Caulfield?"

He lifted his head from the book and directed a questioning gaze at me.

"You would be the first." He said. "Although, I don't know anyone that reads in our town."

With anticipation, I placed the book back on the shelf, eager to delve deeper into its hidden wonders.

??