Racing Hearts [NEW]

CHAPTER 3: MADE YOU LOOK

The moment his eyes broke away from mine, it was like waking up from a dream I hadn't realized I was trapped in. Reality crashed back into place, leaving me standing there—breathless, confused, and frankly, a little embarrassed.

Snap out of it, Melissa, I told myself, shaking off the strange feeling that lingered. What had I expected, really? That he'd look at me again with something more than passing curiosity? The thought made me laugh inwardly, bitterly.

He was the kind of guy who probably had girls falling all over him like confetti, every single day. It wasn't that he didn't notice me—it was more like I didn't matter. I wasn't some special snowflake who was going to change his life in one epic moment of eye contact. And wasn't that the whole stereotype with guys like him? The kind who had everything handed to them on a silver platter, who never had to work for a damn thing? Just another rich kid with a sports car and too much swagger.

It was infuriating how quickly he dismissed me. A part of me wanted him to see me—not just glance over like I was a shadow, but really see me. But deep down, I knew better. Guys like him didn't do "real." They did superficial, fleeting, and disposable. I wasn't about to be another name on his list of forgettable admirers.

Damn it, Melissa, I thought. Since when do you care what some arrogant, pretty-boy thinks of you?

I shook my head, feeling ridiculous. Focus. It was the first day of college, and I was already spiraling. Great start, I muttered sarcastically to myself.

"Okay, Melissa, get it together," I whispered, trying to banish the swirl of thoughts. My feet, however, had other plans. Before I knew it, they were leading me straight toward the crowd gathered around the black Porsche. Curiosity was tugging at me like an invisible leash, refusing to let go.

As I got closer, bits and pieces of their conversation floated my way, like tantalizing snippets of some rich-kid drama. His voice, smooth as silk and just as lethal, carried over the chatter. "Yeah, it's the latest model. Custom-built, obviously. A little reward from my dad for getting into Crestville."

A smug smile tugged at his lips—the kind that only money and good looks could buy. His audience—a gaggle of adoring girls—giggled, their eyes practically glittering as they drank in every word like it was gospel.

Of course, I thought, rolling my eyes so hard I was sure they'd get stuck.

"It's just a car," he added, his tone dripping with false modesty. He might as well have said, It's just a planet I own.

One of the girls, tall and blonde with legs that seemed to go on forever, leaned in closer, fluttering her lashes. "You're so lucky, Jake. I wish my dad would buy me something like this."

And just like that, I pieced it together. Jake. Playboy Jake. The name fit him like a glove. He was the poster child of entitlement.

Playboy Jake. The thought echoed in my mind, and a smirk tugged at my lips. Typical.

I had seen enough. Turning on my heel, I began to walk away, my thoughts swirling in a storm of annoyance and reluctant fascination. He was trouble, plain and simple. And I had zero intention of getting caught up in his orbit. But damn, something about him lingered. Like a spark that wouldn't fully extinguish.

Suddenly, a warm voice snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts. "Hey, are you okay?"

Startled, I glanced to my right. A girl with bright eyes and a friendly smile stood next to me, her glasses perched perfectly on her nose, looking every bit the brainiac. She had a kind, approachable energy that immediately put me at ease.

"Yeah," I laughed softly, "just, uh... nervous," I admitted, brushing off the moment of self-doubt. Great, first day and I'm already acting like I'm in some soap opera.

She nodded sympathetically. "I get it. I'm Brianna, by the way," she introduced herself, extending a hand. Her smile felt like sunlight in the middle of a storm, and I couldn't help but smile back.

"Melissa," I replied, shaking her hand.

"Well, Melissa, looks like we're in this together," she said, her tone playful and comforting all at once. "Welcome to Crestville, right?"

We started walking together, heading toward the main building for our first class. It felt nice, having someone to talk to, to laugh with. It eased the anxiety knotting in my stomach. As we chatted, I couldn't help but glance back toward Jake.

And damn it, there he was again. Leaning against his car like he owned the universe, surrounded by admirers, but his eyes—they found mine again. My heart gave an involuntary lurch, the same electric jolt zipping through me, the one I had felt earlier.

Did he just look at me? Did I make him look? Hell yeah, I did.

A grin spread across my face, small but victorious. I had made him notice me. Take that, Mr. Too-Good-For-Everyone. That small win felt oddly satisfying, like scoring the last point in a game I didn't even know I was playing.

Brianna caught the exchange and nudged me playfully. "Okay, spill. Who's that?"

I tried to play it cool, shrugging like it didn't matter. "I don't know... just someone." But my heartbeat was betraying me, thumping in my chest like a drum.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Uh-huh, sure. Just someone? Come on, Melissa, we'll figure him out." Her mischievous grin made me laugh, and for the first time all day, I felt a little more relaxed. Maybe figuring him out could be... interesting.

The rest of the day was a blur of introductions, orientation speeches, and campus tours. My feet were aching by the time Brianna, and I finally found our dorm room. But despite the exhaustion, my thoughts kept drifting back to Jake. There was something about him. Something that lingered like a shadow in the back of my mind.

***