“It’s not a crime to be friends with someone.”

Callum’s stare hasn’t left me. I can feel it cutting into me like a hot knife. I want to look back at him, but I also don’t want to be obvious. My cheeks heat knowing I’m the object of his attention. Dempsey is rambling, but I can’t focus on him.

It’s not until Callum steps into his classroom that I finally manage to suck air back into my lungs. I quickly catch up to what Dempsey is saying, something about how wasted they’re going to get on Friday, and nod as though I never missed a word. He walks me to my first hour, gives me a mock salute, and then saunters away.

By the time I’ve settled into my seat and checked my phone, I notice a missed text.

Callum: Should I be worried my family is going to steal you away from me?

He adds in an eye roll emoji that has me smiling. Despite his joking, I think he’s jealous or at the very least feeling insecure. My chest tightens, knowing he’s just as vulnerable as I am. This thing between us has the potential to go sideways or blow up in our faces.

Yet, we’re both here for it.

Me: They invited me to a party Friday night. Even offered to sneak me out of the house.

Callum: And?

Me: It’s kind of nice to have friends. That’s what friends do, right?

I’m eagerly awaiting his reply, but he doesn’t respond. As my teacher starts the lecture, I remain focused on my phone. Finally, it buzzes.

Callum: I just gave everyone a pop quiz so I could get back to this conversation.

Me: You’re so evil.

Callum: You have no idea. And, yeah, that’s what friends do.

Me: So you don’t care if I go?

Callum: Are you asking my permission?

A thrill shoots through me.

Me: Yes.

Callum: Good girl. Let me think on it. Now pay attention in class. I wouldn’t want to have to give you detention for texting in class.

Since I want to please him, I dutifully put my phone away and get busy taking notes. Sure, detention would be fun, especially with him, but obeying him is better.

I don’t want to be the teacher’s pet.

I want to be the teacher’s good girl.

His sweetheart.

Chapter Eleven

Callum

I’ve never done this before.

Certainly not with a student.

But this whole flirting gig is new to me. Maybe, when I was in high school, I flirted like every other guy. After Jamie and my dad did me dirty, it skewed the way I see dating and relationships. Since then, I’ve gone out with women, but usually only as a means to an end.

Sex.