Page 76 of Movers and Fakers

Possessive

Aurora Driscoll

I toy with my pen, spinning it on top of my notebook. All of my work that I need to get done today is finished. I’m sore from training this morning and have rehearsals tonight, so I don’t want to go see if there’s a studio free to dance in. Based on the shared Google calendar Saylor created for our friend group, all of my roommates are in class or practice of some sort right now.

A sigh escapes me as I look around the library. I’ve camped out at the spot I tutor Hayes at, though we aren’t supposed to meet until tomorrow. There’s something comforting about the table by the window. Memories of our conversations here flit through my mind, making my lips turn up in a smile.

The cozy bubble I’m in pops when I hear a grating voice snicker behind me.

“I told you he’d drop her,” Mckinleigh says, far too loudly, as though she wants me to hear her.

I cast a surreptitious glance over my shoulder. She’s two tables behind me, sitting down with a group of friends.

“It’s sad, really,” she continues. I clench my teeth. “All of these girls think they can get Hayes to settle down, that they’re special, but they’re not.”

I roll my eyes, almost laughing at the irony of her words. By her logic, she’s included in that group of women who have tried and failed to keep his attention. I pull out my phone without a second thought and text Hayes.

Aurora: What are you doing right now?

Prince Charming: Whatever you tell me to.

A smile stretches my lips at his reply.

Aurora: Be serious, Prince Charming

Seconds later, my phone rings, Hayes’s contact shining on the screen. I answer it.

“I am serious,” he says, continuing our text conversation.

I can’t help but giggle at his insistent tone.

“And if I told you to do whatever you were planning before I texted?” I challenge.

He lets out an exaggerated sigh.

“I suppose I’d tell you that I’m about to head to Haymakers to train. Why? What are you up to?”

I spin my pen again, suddenly realizing how silly it is that I’ve called him. He’s busy, and I’m just … I don’t know what I am.

“I’m in the library,” I reply, as though that’s a complete answer.

“You miss me,” Hayes accuses in a teasing tone. “You texted because you want to see me.”

I gape, sputtering, “No—that’s not—I’m bored, that’s all.”

He chuckles, warm and low. “Don’t worry, Princess, I won’t make you admit it—not this time.”

Heat climbs up my neck to my cheeks. I don’t say a word.

“I’ll be at the library in a few minutes,” he says, amusement in his voice. “Would you want to come to Haymakers? I’m supposed to meet a friend there, but I can cancel.”

“No, don’t cancel,” I say, shaking my head though he can’t see me. “I can come along, if I won’t bother you.”

“You could never bother me.” My toes curl in my boots at his low, raspy voice. “You might distract me, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

I bite my lip.

“Okay, then I’ll come.”