It Started With A Bet

Chapter 5 The Start of Something New

The week had passed by and with just a blink of an eye, classes were approaching.

Noah squired Em back to her home town and was only back just yesterday. After a few words with Em, my whipped brother escorted her to the dormitory where she was boarding. Noah offered one of the rooms but she declined.

Jared, Gab and Brent, on the other hand, stayed out of my way just like what I had asked them to. I had not heard of them since my outburst. And frankly, I could not point out whether I was relieved that they heeded my order or worried because I had stepped over the line. I missed them.

I made a mental note at the back of my mind to buy coffee crumble ice cream for peace offering. I knew they would not decline, I smiled to myself as I thought of their would-be reaction.

And then there was Jace.

Jace was the type of person who did not take no for an answer. The more I turned him down, the more persistent he was.

A day after the concomitant, Jace asked me out which I half-heartedly refused. I was surprised he even knew my number. But knowing his tenacity, I was not surprised afterall.

I took one last look at myself in my floor to ceiling mirror before I headed downstairs. I grabbed my phone and read the text from Jace. There were three, actually, and a call I missed, all from him.

'Angel, I'm at your doorsteps. Saw Noah, told him I'll drive you to school. Jace.'

After I figured out he still had my ID, I had no choice but to agree with him taking me to SLU. I stacked my books as I scrolled down my phone and read the rest.

'Answer your fucking phone!'

'What's taking you so long?! I'll give you two more minutes.'

God, he was so bossy. I rolled my eyes as I ran and locked the door. At the sight of him, my heart ricocheted. He was leaning on his car, shades on, arms crossed, legs on the other. He was wearing a checkered long sleeves rolled just above his elbows, and a soft blue jeans. Did he have to look gorgeous this early in the morning? And to think I was with him in a ride for a couple of minutes. Suddenly, I felt antsy.

I slowly walked towards him once his gaze landed on me. Judging by the smirk he wore, even in shades, I knew he was eyeing me.

Busy dealing with my own thoughts, I tripped but Jace had a fast reflex and caught me with his strong arms, wrapping them around my waist.

Oh what a great way to start my day! 

"Careful."

He took my bag and my books, opened the door for me. After I muttered my thanks and got in, he rounded to the other door, got in then started the car.

The ride to SLU was pretty awkward. I was not expecting him to be this silent. In fact, I never thought he could keep his mouth shut for long. For the times I had talked...argued with him, he always had smart remarks. Yet now, I was seeing a new side of him.

"Uhm, thanks for the ride." I said, once he parked his car. "So, you're a Louisian, too eh?" I presumed he would just drop me by but when the guard let him through, I knew we were in the same school.

'Idiot. Of course he was a student!' I could just imagine my subconscious reprimanding me.

I reached for the door to open. But before I could, Jace stopped me, his hand on mine. I gazed at him. His proximity had caused the butterflies in my stomach to whirl.

"I'm sorry about what happened." He started. I was taken aback, to be honest. I was waiting for him to laugh but he was serious. "I know you think I'm a jerk based on my demeanor, but I'm not. I don't want you to feel awkward around me, especially now that I'd be spending more time with you."