Shattered Asylum

Chapter 45

Today is Thursday, and Grayson gets to come back to school. Daniel and Ashley have been down each other's throats, too busy sucking face to pester me. Maybe Ashley's a blessing in disguise, keeping Daniel distracted enough that he doesn't notice me.

I told Grandpa I don't feel safe at school anymore after what Daniel said on Monday. Grandpa didn't hesitate, he went straight to his office to make some calls and assured me that Teddy would be joining me at school until Grayson returns.

Talk about embarrassing, but I know it's to keep me safe.

When I mentioned my relationship status with Grayson, Grandma went into full baking mode, humming her favorite songs, and Grandpa grinned so wide it looked like his face might crack, pulling Grandma into a spontaneous dance.

It's a little much, but I can't help but feel happy they like him... maybe even love him.

Grayson and I decided to keep our relationship a secret. At least until we figure out things with Daniel.

The last thing I need is Daniel to find out about this, I don't even want to imagine what he would do.

For now, our relationship is just ours, tucked away from prying eyes.

Teddy drops me off at school and waits until I'm safely inside before driving off. At my locker, I quickly stash the books I don't need.

My heart skips a beat when I hear his laughter echo through the halls, a sound that sends butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach.

I glance past my locker and catch sight of Grayson and Ethan laughing at something Noah must've said.

Grayson's gaze finds mine, his smile lighting up his face like a sunrise. My breath catches, a mixture of excitement and a deep, aching longing filling in me.

He says something to the guys, then starts making his way toward me, and I can feel the anticipation building in my chest.

I don't know when this feeling started, this constant pull toward him, always searching for him in a crowd, the way his smile makes my heart lurch.

I don't want to acknowledge how deep my feelings have gone, not yet. I'm afraid of what it could mean.

"Hey, gorgeous. Miss me?" His voice is teasing, leaning casually against the lockers.

"Miss you? Please, I've barely had time to think about you," I respond, shutting my locker with a little too much force.

He raises an eyebrow, that signature smirk spreading across his face. "Is that so? Then why do I get the feeling you've been counting down the minutes until I came back?"

"Maybe because you're full of yourself and can't imagine anyone not pining after you?" I tease, folding my arms across my chest.

"That's because it's impossible not to, with my irresistible charm and good looks," he says, wiggling his eyebrows at me, clearly proud of himself.

I roll my eyes but can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "Maybe I missed you a little bit," I admit, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

Grayson's smile softens, his dimples deepening. "I missed you too." His hands find my hips, pulling me toward him, and before I can even think, his lips are on mine.

I melt instantly, the warmth of his lips sending a jolt through my body, as addictive as sugar. I forget where we are, my hand instinctively finding its way to the back of his neck, tugging him closer as I deepen the kiss.

Maybe I missed him a lot.

I whimper as Grayson pulls away, already aching for the feel of his lips on mine again. He smirks, clearly aware of the effect he has on me.