Underneath It All

for distractions espe

tly, fate d

hifts at Page & Quill, and a mountain of homework that seemed impossible to finish. She

aleb Hayes made

e finally strolled into the library, t

is arms over his head as though the entire world existed

ap back. She couldn't afford to lose her patie

hrough her notebook. "If you'd shown up on time, you'

ing his chin on his palm as he smirked at her. "

ot if you keep

amusement. "Is this what you do for f

dison ruined everything-she hadn't always been like this. There had been a time when she l

rl didn't e

r voice softer. "Not t

ond before he recovered, a mask of indifference sli

f her tongue. She didn't want to exp

turning the page. "Let's

-

e old paper and vanilla candles comforting, unlike the chaos of Westbridge. She tied he

smiled warmly from behin

hat," Ava said,

ringing up orders, and breathing in the peacefulness that work provided. Here, s

universe wouldn't

imed, and Ava froze when C

s he do

e shelves. While Caleb looked as effortlessly cool as ever-black jeans and, an expensive leather jacket Noah

e counter, hoping th

hide when you're

la

on his face. Ava straightened her posture, refus

people, or is it just

arm and low. "Relax, Tutor

ng closer with a kind smile. "

So, he wasn't here to tormen

recommend?"

by his polite tone. "Depe

ithout missing a beat. "Sh

d at that.

yes followed her. She pulled a hardcover from the shelf and handed it to Noah. "T

ver with interest. "

people at Westbridge barely acknowledged

lcome," sh

aleb lingered behind, watching her wit

he asked as if the ide

t everyone's life comes w

d into a faint

" Ava asked, hating ho

reply. Instead, his gaze lingered a lit

the careless versi

eyes. "Of cou

ounter missing the flicker of something softer tha

-

a blur of work, school,

son, he wouldn't

ght she wouldn't notice. And what bothered Ava most was that...

nts were far h

so much?" Grace asked one afternoon

otes aside. "I have no id

"Or maybe he's curious about the one

ing his games. I don't care about

t be careful. Guys like him..

that. She had the

ed to avoid him, it was becomi

starting to ge