I sit in silence for several moments, wondering what would make Callum hang up on me. Did I make him mad? No, he was most definitely angry on my behalf. I try and text him.

Me: That was abrupt…

Nothing.

This really has been the worst day. First the fight with my mom and now all these mixed messages with Callum. On top of that, I’m getting a serious headache from skipping dinner. All I want to do is roll over, bury my face in my pillow, and forget this day even happened. I’m not sure how long I lie there, obsessing over the day’s events, but I’m startled when I hear a tap on glass.

Someone’s at my window.

I climb out of bed, taking my blanket with me and wrapping it around me since I’m not wearing much aside from a T-shirt and shorts, and head for the window. Pushing the curtains aside, I pray like hell it’s not Levi come to terrorize me.

It’s not Levi.

The man wearing jeans and a black hoodie is too big to be Levi.

“Open the window, sweetheart. I brought you food.”

I leave the window to turn on a lamp. When I return, Callum’s face is illuminated. With his hood pulled up over his head, he seems more mysterious than usual. I want to pull it down and run my fingers through his hair.

He brought me food.

Sure enough, in one hand is a fast food bag and a Styrofoam cup is in the other. I open the window, ignoring the chilly air that rushes in, and smile at Callum.

“How did you know where I live?”

“I have my ways.” He winks at me. “Are you okay?”

“I am now. You brought me food. That better be a cheeseburger and fries.”

He grins, wide and flirty. My heart flops around inside my chest. “And a chocolate milkshake.”

“My hero.” I climb through the window and sit on the edge, my legs dangling. He hands me the milkshake.

“I didn’t know what you liked on your burger, so I had them put everything on the side. Just in case.”

I’m in awe at his thoughtfulness. Not only did he take care while ordering my food, he brought it to me. Even though so much is at risk for him, he’s still here because I need him.

“Thank you,” I say, setting the shake on the ledge beside me. “You’re the kindest person I know.”

“Only to you. To everyone else, I’m an asshole.”

“I feel special.”

“You are special.”

Chapter Nine

Callum

So much for staying away.

This girl makes it nearly fucking impossible. Aside from the fact I have to see her every day in class, now I’m so far gone obsessing over her, I’ll never escape this madness.

How could anyone be cruel to her?