Linger

O N E H U N D R E D + T W O

He wore the sweater vest well.

Too well.

The dark tie he paired it with fit him perfectly as if it was made just for him. The sleeves of his white dress shirt were rolled up just to his elbows, making my knees for whatever reason. I couldn't tear my eyes away. 

His dark blonde was combed perfectly into place and his face was cleanly shaven, different from the light stubble he had been wearing the last couple weeks and I couldn't figure out which look I liked more. 

"Ugh, delicious, right?"

I turned to see Kelsey next to me.  "What?" 

She nodded toward where Daniel stood on the other side of the crowded school hallway with a few other teachers as students and teachers gathered and chatted before the award ceremony started. 

"Mr. Hayden!" Kelsey exclaimed. "What else would I be talking about? The cookies?" She threw her hand out to a dessert and beverage table just a small distance away. "Psh no!" She scoffed with a wave of her hand. "Not with him around."

As if sensing my gaze, his head perked up, his eyes meeting mine. 

My heart fluttered and I quickly glanced away. 

"Oh my gosh! He totally noticed us!!" Kelsey screeched. 

I bit the inside of my cheek. "Have you actually noticed the cookies though?" I forced a laugh. "They look amazing and we can't get in trouble for thinking they're delicious."

"Well, after this week, we can't get in trouble for thinking he's delicious too." She smiled mischievously. "Might as well get a head start." 

I gave her an unsure look. 

"Look at these beauty queens!" a new voice sang and we both looked up to see Chelsea and Alice walking up to us, both dressed far too beautifully for just some high school awards. 

Chelsea wore a long gorgeous golden gown and Alice's classy navy blue dress flowed elegantly with her movements.

"Look at you!!" I exclaimed back, holding my arms out to them as Chelsea pulled me into a hug. 

"You don't think it's too much?" Chelsea tugged at her gown as we pulled away.

"Definitely not." I shook my head. "Everyone here is just not doing enough." 

Sophia suddenly rushed up to us. "Have you seen Mr. Hayden?" she squealed, grabbing Kelsey's arm.

"Have you seen him?!" Kelsey turned to her eagerly. 

"Have you ever seen a sweater vest look that hot?"

"Like, who cares about winning any award when you could take him home?"

My stomach plunged. "Okay." I huffed, turning to them. "Did Sasha tell you something or what?"

"Huh?" They gave me a confused look. 

"What did Sasha tell you about him that makes you want to go out with him so badly?"

"She doesn't have to tell us anything." Kelsey shrugged with a laugh. "Just look at him." She nodded toward Daniel. "Who knew a sweater vest could look that good?"

I dug my nails into my palm as my gaze drifted over to him. He was still talking with Mr. Schottenberg but his eyes found mine and I quickly looked away. 

As much as I hated to admit it, they were right.

He wasn't supposed to look this good in a sweater vest.