Page 57 of Unexpected Prejudice

This time, instead of looking at Jessie, he looked at me, and I couldn’t deny the way my skin heated under the intensity of his ocean-green eyes.

“Thanks. We bought it last year,” Jessie said, taking Jordan’s attention away from me.

“Nice. Anyway, got any plans for the weekend?”

“We’re going dancing! It’s Fool’s Moon tonight,” Jessie said.

“Oh shit, that’s right. You told me about it last week.”

When Jessie first told Jordan about Fool’s Moon, I worried he’d want to join. Thankfully, Jordan had a game, so it was never brought up.

“When is your game starting?” I asked, surprising myself. I thought I didn’t like the guy. No, Levi. You’re just jealous of him.

He turned his eyes back on me. “In a couple of hours.”

“Good luck,” I mumbled while shoving my hands into my pockets and trying to ignore how nice his smile was.

“Thanks.”

When Jordan reached toward me, I first thought he was about to grab my shoulder, but then he picked off a small leaf that stuck to my shirt.

He smiled sheepishly, noticing the shock on my face. “Sorry, I assumed you didn’t know it was there.”

“No, I didn’t. Th-thank you.”

“So, just the four of you are going?” he asked, and it took me a second to remember we were talking about Fool’s Moon.

Jessie smiled. “Andrei is bringing Miles. If you didn’t have a game, we would’ve invited you, too.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Jordan dragged his eyes away from me and took a step back. With his hand gripping his bag, he started to leave. “But make sure to have fun.”

“Good luck with your game,” Jessie shouted after him as he walked away. Jordan gave us a smile over his shoulder before he jogged toward the football field.

I was aware I still hadn’t answered Jessie’s question about the threesome, and despite my insecurities, I had to admit the idea of it was growing on me. Thinking about Jordan’s smile and pretty eyes, perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad experience after all.

“Let’s go,” I said, climbing behind Jessie when my phone buzzed. Pulling it out of my pocket, I saw I’d gotten another text from my mom. Opening the message, my eyes roamed the screen.

Mom: Я знаю, что ты злишься, лапочка. Но нам надо поговорить. Перезвони, пожалуйста.

I know you’re mad, sweetie. But it’s time we talked. Please call me back.

It had been a few weeks since she first contacted me, and I still hadn’t written back.

“Who’s that?” Jessie asked, looking at me over his shoulder.

Quick to close my phone, I shoved it into my pocket.

“Just Andrei,” I lied. Again. I didn’t know why I still hadn’t told Jessie about my mom texting me, and I felt bad about lying, but there was nothing to tell. Not really. Right?

“Oh, okay,” he said and started the Vespa.

Folding my arms around his waist, I pressed my head to his back and closed my eyes as we started to ride. I loved us this way.

Close.

Connected.

Dependent on each other.