Page 10 of Hell House
“No problem. I’m alright.”
“Maybe you should watch where you’re going.” The words tumble out of my mouth before I realize I’ve said them. Both Salem and Emmet, swivel their heads towards me. Emmet with a stare that clearly says, ‘what the fuck’ and Salem looks about ready to set me on fire.
“What’s your issue? He said he’s sorry.”
I feel myself flare with irritation. Her sassy fuckin’ mouth.
“No issue, just annoyed by the distraction from working on our project.” I force the lie out between my clenched teeth. I don’t know why she can get me so riled up like this. My emotions tumbling out of control.
“Oh, please. Like you’ve even been paying attention.” Shit. She’s good.
I smirk, “What makes you think I haven’t been paying attention?”
“What’s the business name then?”
I stare at her as her face takes on a triumphant glow. Fuck, she’s caught me, but then I realize she’s far too pleased with herself.
Javelynn raises their eyebrow, while Jackson looks like the smug little shit he is.
I lean in to Salem’s space, catching her by surprise as a waft of vanilla and caramel hits me.
“We haven’t named the business yet, little witch.”
Her eyes go wide with surprise. Gotcha.
“Can we focus on the project? I really want to get as much done as possible since this accounts for a large chunk of our grade.” Javelynn breaks Salem’s and my stare and I nod, picking up the project paper.
Emmet stands awkwardly off to the side taking in the scene, before giving a wave as he heads out of the library.
“Asshole.” I hear Salem whisper as she writes something on her paper.
“Hag.” I retort.
She glares at me, her jade-colored eyes flashing with contempt. I glare right back, the world quieting around us as we’re locked into another staring match. The electricity flowing between us is almost palpable.
“Seriously?” Javelynn’s voice cuts through to us again and I shake myself.
“Sorry, Jave.” Salem sounds full of remorse which irritates me.
“Well, this has been fun, but unfortunately I have another engagement.” Jackson says his voice sounding like a new accent entirely as he gathers his things and pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
“Great.” Javelynn throws up their hands in annoyance. “You two better get your shit together so we don’t fail this project. I’m not risking an F because you two couldn’t stop making goo goo eyes at each other.”
“Goo goo?” Salem practically shrieks.
“Shhh!” The librarian directs at our table mid book scan.
“I was not giving him goo goo eyes.” Salem whispers, turning to Javelynn. “If anything they were my ‘I hope I don’t murder you’ eyes.”
Javelynn rolls their eyes. “Whatever. It’s obvious you two need to just have a little hate sex so we can get back on track.”
I let out a low laugh while Salem stares at her friend with an open mouth. I press my finger on her chin helping her to close that perfect little mouth of hers. She whips her head away from me, which only makes me laugh more.
“Be quiet or get out!” The librarian whisper shouts.
“We were just leaving.” Javelynn says. They point their index finger at both Salem and I. “Get your shit together.”
Javelynn leaves us both, Salem sitting there stunned and irritated and I’m enjoying seeing her squirm.
