Read Amber Frost for Free Online Page B

offered, my voice a little tight.
    He sighed, frowning as he reluctantly shook his head. “No. It’s fine I guess. But next time would it kill you to use an umbrella, babe?”
    “Of course, why didn’t I think of that?”
    He smiled back at me condescendingly, obviously not understanding the sarcasm of my tone. “That’s why I’m here baby, to take care of you,” he answered as we sped off down Beach Drive, making our way into Victoria to school.
    The morning at school dragged out in monotonous boredom. Clarke smiled his charming grin at me while telling me how smart and handsome and wonderful he was. Tanya alternated between ignoring and glaring at me while I sat beside her in English and Rebecca and Cadence giggled and gossiped at the table behind us. As usual, everyone stared at me, impressed by the new girl with her easily found popularity, her family’s prestige and her flawless appearance. Today, it pleased me even less than it normally did. Today, I almost resented being me.
    I was even more eager than usual to get to art class; I desperately needed the escape, the change in pace. I told myself that was the only reason why my fingers trembled in anticipation as I opened the art room door. Almost of their own will, my eyes immediately swept the room, ignoring all others as my gaze came to rest on the tables by the window. An unexpected sense of relief whispered over me as my eyes took in the dark silhouette in front of the gray, rain-streaked glass. I hesitated for a moment, glancing around nervously. There were few students working in the art room today and everybody seemed to be engrossed in their own work. Would anyone notice if I sat in a different seat than usual? Did I care if they did? The answer to that question surprised me. I walked forward, feeling more sure of myself.
    “Hello, Gracelynn,” Sebastian greeted me without turning. His voice was warm and friendly as he smiled at my reflection in the glass. My return smile was automatic, and even more surprising to myself, it was genuine.
    “Sebastian,” I acknowledged him coolly and casually as I sat down one seat away from him. An empty chair was left between us; it was a buffer, a safety zone. He turned his head slightly, watching me sideways as I took out my sketchbook, pencils and charcoals. I turned to face him, unsurprised to find him staring at me with curious and expectant eyes. I noticed his eyes looked mostly gray today, a bare tint of dark blue in their depths.
    “Did you need something?” I asked. There was no irritation to my tone, after all, I was used to being stared at but from him it seemed… unexpected.
    “Aren’t you going to tell me?” I frowned, puzzled. “Why you decided to sit with me today,” he prompted. Understanding sunk in, immediately followed by more confusion.
    “How did you know I would change my mind?”
    “I wanted you to, I hoped you would.” He shrugged, smiling at me mischievously in a way that was much more charming and appealing than Clarke’s dashing, toothy grin. My heart beat a little faster. “But I’m still curious as to why,” he continued, waiting expectantly once more.
    I contemplated his question seriously; I had a feeling he’d see through any BS I tried to give him. Besides, I didn’t want to lie and pretend. I wanted to have just one honest conversation with someone as myself, nothing more. He waited patiently for my response, a small smile on his lips as he studied my face.
    “I was curious,” I finally answered. “You’re not like anyone I know, or anyone I’ve ever met for that matter. And…” I struggled to find the right words, blushing as I was uncomfortable with speaking so honestly. “I had a strange dream last night and I woke up this morning… thinking about you and I felt like I had to know you – like I was meant to,” I blurted out. “That sounded weird,” I added, dropping my gaze in embarrassment. He slid his chair closer to mine and leant towards me,