Lucas Mabry wants it all.
He wants a girl, team captain, and the popularity that comes with it.
Unfortunately, the new girl wants nothing to do with him and he turns to the only person he thinks will help.
Nikki Young.
His worst enemy.
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Lucas
"Mr. Mabry." The science teacher places down her pen, eyes peering at me in surprise. "I thought you'd never make it."
I shrug.
It took a lot of courage for me to be here. I hate being evaluated by a teacher because they always assume something is happening at home. And when they don't, they want to persuade you to do better without knowing what happens at home.
"Okay. Well..." The science teacher opens her grade book while humming to herself. "I'm pleased to say you have a "B" in my course."
"Great." I fake a smile. "Can I leave?"
She clears her throat, her hand going under her chin to hold it up. That is the universal "are you okay?" teacher look. "Are you okay, Mr. Mabry?"
"Not until I leave." My arms cross over my chest like a small child.
She places her glasses on top the grade book, running a hand through her hair. "I understand you're pleased with your "B" but I am not." Her eyes seem sincere.
My face burns in embarrassment. "I'm passing." I shrug as my eyes find an interesting tile on the floor.
"Maybe but you're not doing well in your other courses."
I don't say anything this time.
I want to do well but I don't want to waste my entire time studying. My father has a spot for me at his company, so why try? Besides, even if I don't pass, I don't need a degree to work under my brother. And everyone knows, he's the heir to our company.
I hear her sigh. "I'm worried you won't pass the year if you don't do better. We are almost finished with the first week of the school year, so how are you failing your courses?"
"I don't know."
"Quinten tells me you've been communicating about the project." Her eyes analyze me. "He says you've been very helpful and eager to do your part."
Understatement.
"I don't want any trouble."
She nods. "I know you can do better. You seem to understand the material at a glance and show signs of great comprehension. If you apply yourself, you could - "
" - Could be great." I nod with a roll of my eyes. "Except I don't have to try because my father has a place for me at his company."
Her eyes lower to her grade book, hands closing it. "I know. But your brother - "
" - Is not me." My hands turn to fist, heart thumping inside my chest.
It's always Logan. Even when he's gone, he's here.
"I don't mean - "
"Can I leave?" My face isn't hiding its annoyance anymore. "Class will start soon and I don't have my books."
