Fifty minutes has never gone by so slowly. I’m the first to the door when the professor dismisses us. Emily stretches her long legs to catch me. “What is up with you?”

“Nothing.”

Her smile starts small and widens before she erupts in laughter. “You’re legit running to get to class to see Shaw.”

I slow my pace. “Am not.”

This makes her laugh harder. It’s no secret that I have a thing for Tanner Shaw, but I thought I’d played it cool enough that my friends couldn’t see just how crazy he makes me.

“You are. Slow down. Let him get to class first for a change. That way you can walk in front of him.” She exaggerates her steps, swaying her hips from side to side and then flipping her blonde curls.

I give her a death stare and she nudges me with her elbow. “What happened with you two the other night?”

“Nothing really. He showed me the gym, we played basketball, and then you were there for the rest.”

“That’s it?” She seems disappointed. Me too, girl. Me too.

“He asked for my number.”

Her eyes widen. “Did he text?”

“I didn’t give it to him, but I got his.”

“Wait.” She stops. “He asked for your number and you told him no? Are you crazy? You’ve been completely hung up on this guy for over a year.”

Okay, so obviously I haven’t played it cool.

“If I’d given him my number and he hadn’t called I’d be disappointed or worse, sitting around waiting and hoping he’d call. This way I have the power.” Power I now realize that I don’t want.

“I guess. So, what did you say when you texted him?”

“I haven’t yet.”

“Oh.” She blows out a breath. “Why not? He isn’t the kind of guy you play hard to get with.”

We fall back into step heading to our communications class. I have a sinking feeling in my stomach that I’ve screwed this up. Tanner can get any girl he wants. Excited, eager girls who don’t hesitate when he asks for their number.

My stomach is queasy when we push into the auditorium and I spot Tanner in his usual seat. I stare at my feet as Emily and I pass by, but I can feel the moment his gaze lands on me. I can’t help it. I look up and meet his stare. He smiles and a little bit of the uneasiness fades.

Professor Sanchez starts just as I sit. I steal another quick glance at Tanner, his eyes still on me, and then pull out my notebook and my phone.