Beauty and the Geek Boy

Chapter 23-Ellie

*Beauty*

Will's gaze was focused on something behind me, his expression abruptly unreadable.

For a short period of time, his emotions had been clear, his gaze open. It felt like a kick to the chest to see the ice sheath over his features.

I glanced back to see what had caught his attention.

My mouth fell open. 

Justin and Chelsea strolled into the restaurant. Justin's arm was wrapped around Chelsea, his typical smirk on his face. Chelsea giggled, fluttering her lashes up at him.

I spun away quickly.

I have horrible luck. 

I sighed. If Justin noticed us he'd definitely come over, ruining the best night of my life.

The other thought made my heart twist: What if Will didn't want to be seen with me?

What intelligent, talented and overall amazing guy would want to be seen with a dumb blonde cheerleader?

Maybe that was why he froze up. Maybe he was scared they'd see us and spread rumours.

Abruptly, I couldn't breathe.

My eyes caught on Will's. He was staring at me now, silent. Every trace of laughter was gone from his face. Something, an emotion I couldn't decipher, stirred in his eyes.

My heart sank. Maybe I was right: he didn't want to be seen with me.

His voice was quiet when he spoke. "Do you want to leave?"

My chest hurt.

I gave a slight nod.

Will nodded, his jaw flexing. "Alright." He stood, walking over to the front of the restaurant. 

I peeked at him through my hair, now pouring in dishevelled waves around my shoulders.

It was as if someone knocked the breath out of me and set of a billion butterflies in my chest simultaneously.

His legs were long, his gait brisk but composed. I couldn't help staring at the wide expanse of his back, imagining my fingers pressed against his muscles when we kissed.

Agh, Ellie, stop being creepy!

A loud feminine laugh jarred me out of my reverie. "Oh, Justin!" Chelsea squealed as she slapped his arm. 

He chuckled, flexing for her.

I turned away quickly.

Will returned with the waitress. He shot me a small smile as the waitress packed up the rest of the food in takeaway boxes. But his eyes were still unreadable.

The waitress beamed at him as she handed him the takeaway bags. "Thank you so much for the tip. Please enjoy the rest of your evening." She gave me a small smile. "You've got a good one there, miss." I blinked in surprise as she strode quickly back to the front of the restaurant.

I felt my face heat up as I glanced up at Will. He was looking at me, his face softened from before. I looked away quickly, feeling my face burning.

Sheesh, Ellie, stop with the blushing!

"We should go," Will said softly.

I glanced up. Will's hand hovered over my shoulder. Despite the inch difference, I could already feel his hand on my shoulder, making heat dance down my arm.

Wow. Will was just...

Internal squeal.

I nodded, standing.