Page 23 of Mountain Dreams

When the bell rang, indicating the start of class, Maddie was relieved. She opened her backpack and took out her history book, notepad, and a sharpened number two pencil.

Cody chuckled, and she looked sideways at him. “What’s so funny?”

“You’re really prepared, aren’t you?”

She blinked with confusion because organization came naturally to her. “Where’s your textbook?”

“I forgot it in my locker.”

All he had on his desk was a tattered notebook and a stub of a pencil.

“Mind if I share yours?” he said.

Ugh. Why does he have to be so good looking? “I guess so.”

“Open your textbook to chapter one,” Mr. Bryce said.

There were sounds of books being brought out and pages turning. In the meantime, Cody scooted his desk over until it abutted hers, and the sound of the legs scraping across the floor made everyone pause.

“Mr. Sawyer,” boomed Mr. Bryce, “is there a problem?”

“No, sir. I was in such a hurry to get to class on time that I forgot my book in my locker. Ms. Harris kindly offered to share hers.”

Some of the students erupted in laughter, and a few girls looked at Maddie with envy. There were few things she liked less than being the center of attention, and thanks to Cody, she was.

Mr. Bryce scowled. “It’s commendable that you wanted to be on time to my class, but next time, bring your book.”

“Yes, sir,” Cody said.

Mr. Bryce was known for being firm yet fair, and he struck fear in some students, including Maddie. She’d always been a good student, and she didn’t want him to lump her in with Cody, who obviously didn’t take school as seriously as she did.

“I need a volunteer to start reading chapter one,” said Mr. Bryce.

Maddie raised her hand, thinking it was a good opportunity to make up for Cody’s insolence.

“Go ahead, Ms. Harris.”

She cleared her throat and began to read. However, after a few sentences, she became very aware of Cody leaning closer to her as he supposedly followed along. She caught a whiff of his woodsy scent and wondered if he wore cologne. Then he accidentally (or not) nudged her with his elbow, and she lost track of which sentence she was on.

“Sorry,” he whispered.

Attempting to ignore him, she continued reading, but it was hard to focus on the words when he was so near. Up until now, she’d admired him from afar—his fit frame, messy brown hair, and light brown eyes. He always looked a bit disheveled, whether purposely or not, but it only seemed to add to his appeal.

“You skipped a sentence, Ms. Harris.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

One of the girls tittered as if she understood the reason for Maddie’s mistake. Somehow Maddie managed to finish reading the page, and then Mr. Bryce called on another volunteer.

“Good job,” Cody whispered near her ear.

She scowled at him, and his lips curled into a smile.

Don’t look at his lips. Turn away. Turn away!

Although she enjoyed learning about American history, she couldn’t wait until the class was over.

“Your assignment is to answer the questions at the end of chapter one and read chapter two before tomorrow’s class,” said Mr. Bryce.