Page 8 of Under the Summer Sky

Then his gaze lingers on me for a second too long.

Before I can figure out why, he leans closer, his lips brushing my ear and sending goosebumps all over my body. “But I’m starting to think I might like it here.”

Heat rushes straight to my cheeks.

He steps back slowly, eyes still locked on mine. “See you around, Eleonora.”

“You can call me Nora,” I blurt out.

That crooked smile appears again. “I like Eleonora better.”

Then he turns and walks into the Dean’s office.

And I stand there staring after him like a complete idiot.

The bell rings.

I don’t move.

“Nora!” Chiara shouts from somewhere behind me.

Right.

School.

***

A few days later, I’m sitting at our usual lunch table with my sister and her friends, trying to read my book.

Trying being the key word, because every time I look up, I find him looking at me.

Damiano.

For three days now, we've had English and Math together, and somehow he always ends up near me. Every time I risk a glance at him in class, those blue eyes are already on mine, and the strangest part is that he never looks away when I catch him staring.

Like he doesn't mind being caught.

What the hell is happening to me?

All of a sudden the table goes very quiet.

I look up from my book to find everyone staring behind me.

“Eleonora?”

I turn around and instantly lose all ability to think.

Blue eyes.

God, those eyes.

“Hi,” I say softly, my voice coming out embarrassingly hoarse.

“Mind if I sit next to you?”

I shake my head too quickly. “Of course.”

Chiara immediately stands up and points to the seat beside me. “Take mine.” She smiles sweetly at Damiano, then winks at me.