Shades of Amber Read Online Free Page A

boy?” I bit my lip, but the words were already
out.
    He smirked. “I’m
definitely not the good guy.”
    I looked from his black
motorcycle boots to his dark blue t-shirt and leather jacket. No,
he was definitely not the “good guy.” I glanced toward the front,
and realized we were one of the only pairs still
talking.
    Ms. Mitts’ voice boomed
over the shuffle of books. “Don’t forget this is the only class
time you get for this project. Make sure you have your likes and
dislikes ready for Wednesday!”
    My paper barely had two
sentences, I realized as I strangled my pen. The second I turned to
say we could email each other, I lost my train of
thought.
    He was watching me,
again.
    “ What are you doing?” I
asked as I shoved my things into my backpack.
    “ What do you think I’m
doing?”
    I lowered my voice. “It
looks like you’re watching me.”
    He smiled. “I am watching
you.”
    My mind was void of a
response. I got up and moved my desk back to its rightful spot.
“Why?”
    “ You’re different, and it
makes me curious,” he said, backing toward the front of the
room.
    Not wanting to leave with
him, I took an extra moment to bend down and grab my bag. My
shoulders relaxed until I found him standing in front of the
exit.
    My heart was pounding, but
I stayed where I was. “Curious about what?” I asked as he walked
toward me.
    He laughed when I climbed
over the desk to the next row. “You are so spirited and dramatic.
We would be good together.”
    I climbed over the next
desk, walking along the wall until I was by the whiteboard. “I feel
like I should take offense to that statement.”
    “ Opposites attract.” He
stood in the middle of the room, but his gaze held mine. “I want
you to stop running and agree to go on a date with me,” he said,
slowly closing the gap.
    I glanced at the door.
“You’re making me feel cagey.”
    “ I’m sorry.” He chuckled
softly. “I know it’s silly, but I really wanted you to like
me.”
    I ran for the exit and
grabbed the knob right as he reached me. His cheek brushed mine as
he pressed me against the door.
    “ You need to feel
comfortable around me, and at the rate we’re going, you’ll never
want that.” He leaned his forehead against mine. “You won’t even
give me your phone number.”
    “ You want my number that
badly?”
    He brushed my hair behind
my shoulder. “We do have to finish the project. We can complete it
over the phone or in person. It’s your choice.”
    My pulse sped up. “I’m
afraid to give you my phone number.”
    “ Why?”
    “ You might not leave me
alone.”
    His laugh was sinister,
yet seductive. “I won’t let you avoid me, Jade.”
    I stared into his eyes,
wondering what it would be like to let him get close.
    He’d probably destroy
me.
    Best to get the project
done and stay professional, that way he’d get bored and find
someone willing.
    I exhaled. “Meet me in the
library tomorrow at two o’clock, okay?”
    He smiled and pulled the
door open. “It’s a date.”
    I rushed into the hallway.
“No, it isn’t! See you tomorrow,” I called over my
shoulder.

    It was hard to concentrate
when someone was openly stalking you.
    By the end of the day,
Troy was in three of my classes. As if Math and History didn’t
already suck. I didn’t know much about him, just that he preferred
the last row and enjoyed staring holes into the back of my head—or
maybe he was trying to picture me naked. If he was, that would be
as far as he got.
    When I was fifteen, my
sixteen year old cousin lost her virginity to a boy she’d dated for
three weeks. He’d claimed love and she’d given it up, only to get
dumped. Therefore, anytime I stumble upon a sexy guy, I remind
myself that I promised to wait until I knew what love
was.
    Once Math ended, I packed
my things at a snail’s pace. My school day was over, but I still
had one goal: get to my car without seeing him. This could work, I
realized as I grabbed my bag.
    Or