Candice barely had time to react before Hanna yanked her by the sleeve, urgency flaring in her voice.
"Candice, hurry up! We're going to be late for Professor Carter's lecture!"
Candice grinned, brushing her off. "Relax, Hanna. We've got ten minutes. Besides, Carter won't notice."
They rushed up the steps of the grand lecture hall when a familiar voice called behind them.
"Hey—wait up!"
Andrea and Blake appeared, Blake tossing an arm around Candice's shoulders like it belonged there. His trademark smirk slid into place.
"Miss me, Candi?"
Candice rolled her eyes, laughter bubbling. "You saw me yesterday."
"Yeah, and it's been twelve hours. I almost didn't survive."
She shoved his arm off with a laugh, but before she could reply, a cutting voice sliced through the banter.
"If you're done clogging the entrance, some of us would like to get to our seats."
The air shifted.
Candice turned, face hardening as her eyes landed on him.
Nick.
Arms crossed. Eyes cold. Hair tousled like he'd run his hands through it one too many times. He didn't just look annoyed—he looked like she personally offended his morning.
Candice arched an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
Nick exhaled like he'd already wasted too much energy. "I said, move aside. Not everyone's here to flirt."
Blake stepped forward. "Who are you, campus police?"
Nick didn't even look at him—his gaze was locked on Candice, sharp and unflinching. The heat in her chest flared.
"Wow," Candice said, voice syrupy with sarcasm. "You must be so fun at parties."
"I don't waste time on pointless things," Nick replied, deadpan.
"Well, that explains the stick up your—"
Hanna jumped between them. "Okay, okay. Nick, chill. It was a misunderstanding."
Andrea leaned over. "Wait... you know this guy?"
Hanna groaned. "Unfortunately. He's my cousin."
Candice blinked, then laughed humorlessly. "Oh, great. Just great."
Nick turned to Hanna, ignoring Candice like she didn't exist. "You seriously hang out with people like this?"
Candice's laugh died.
"People like what, exactly?" she asked, voice cold.
"People who treat college like a dating pool," he said without missing a beat. "Not a classroom."
A slow burn climbed Candice's spine. She stepped forward, deceptively calm.
"You don't know me. You don't even want to. You just assume. Judgmental much?"
"I call it like I see it."
"Well, maybe get your eyes checked."
Andrea tugged at her arm. "Candice, let it go."
Nick scoffed. "Whatever. I've got better things to do."
He turned and walked off.
Blake whistled under his breath. "Someone's allergic to joy."
YOU ARE READING
Stole My Heart 💕
Short StoryNick raised an eyebrow, then pointed at her before jerking his head toward the door, a silent command. She hesitated, clearly unsure if he was addressing her. He gave a firm nod to confirm. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out...
