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She wasn’t just flesh under his hands, it was more. It was always more with her, and God help him, he could not comprehend why .
    They both froze for an instant. He could feel the heat of her flesh under the thin cotton of her dress. He was pretty sure that every inch of her ivory skin at the moment was covered in a blush, and thinking of such things was not doing him any favors.
    She slowly lifted her head when the lightning flashed. When he saw a surreal excitement in her eyes, he let her go. No ties , his thoughts warned.
    “Come on,” he said with a tight nod.
    The wind had stilled, but Declan could see the clouds stirring in the distance, daring to attack. The saying calm before the storm had merit—still was not good.
    He sent a text to Nolan as they walked. U sure it’s 2 bad 2 leave.
    His response was quick . Stuck. You good?
    No. Fine.
    Justice glanced over her shoulder toward the steps that lead out.
    “It’s not safe to leave, I just checked,” Declan said shortly.
    “As if those eerie sirens said otherwise.”
    He drew his brow together questioning why her words were bold, but her tone was shaking. Assuming it was the storm stirring her, he placed his hand on the small of her back and led her away from the growl of Mother Nature.
    Even though his hand was barely touching her, he could feel her shiver, and it took all the willpower he could muster to not pull her against him. He couldn’t handle the idea of her being scared.
    Even though they were walking away from the opening of the dugout, moving further underground where the locker rooms were—with each step, the more electric the air seemed to become.
    I’m way too aware of this girl.
    Right as they passed the coach’s office the weather radio on his desk went off, sounding a horrible noise that would’ve made anyone think the end of the world was breathing down their neck. Declan let go of her and stepped inside to grab it then turned it down a bit, thinking it would help with her nerves. He listened to the warning that followed. Nolan was right, it was worse than they thought it was going to be all week.
    Holding the radio, he stepped back out and guided her down the hall toward the locker rooms. She hesitated outside the doors. “Is this allowed?” she asked in the most innocent voice he’d ever heard.
    He couldn’t help the dangerous smile that emerged. “I think in a life or death situation no rules apply.”
    “Good to know,” she said under her breath.
    He heard and it caused him to arch his brow in question. She didn’t see it, though, she was too busy taking in the forbidden territory of the boys’ locker room that was wet and littered with towels. She always imagined the smell would be rank, but instead it was rich with cologne and the hint of Irish Spring soap.
    Declan adjusted the bag on his shoulder then pushed the door open wider, guiding her as he took her hand. “It’s slick in here,” he said to offer an excuse. “Don’t fall.”
    When she tightened her grip on him his heart thundered in response.
    He led her down the aisle a ways, beyond the showers and the lockers. He squeezed her hand a little tighter each time her steps would dare to hesitate as he pulled her further and further underground. He was determined to get her to the safest place under this school.
    “There are storage areas back here. Used to be at least. We get there and we’ll be in the inner most room, underground.”
    “I would’ve never thought to go back here,” she admitted.
    His look was incredulous. “Surely you know how to ride a storm out?”
    “In a cellar with a good book. Tends to be less than riveting, well...depending on the book, I guess.”
    He bit his lip so he wouldn’t smile. She read through storms and he partied. “Well, see there’s your mistake. You’ve never ridden one out with a Rawlings.”
    A crimson blush washed down Justice; the wave of a dare that landed her there was quivering under his penetrating gaze.