“You’re so sweet to me.” I look over at him again, unable to stop myself. “You like calling me that.” Ren rub little circles on my wrist with his thumb as he takes off when the light turns green. Ren reaches over, grabbing my hand and pulling it to his lap. I didn’t play kickball anymore after that. I’d always been the smallest in my grade, and I figured that meant we were over. Johnny pulled one of my pigtails and called me a runt.

That’s what it’s called, right? I haven’t had a boyfriend since the fourth grade, and it only lasted through one recess and ended because I tagged him out in kickball. His eyes are on me while we sit at a red light. “’Cause you're mine,” he says, cutting me off. “Because she wants to meet the new girl at the hardware store, or because-” “She’s supposed to work at the hospital today, but knowing my mom she won’t be able to help herself and she’ll show up tonight to see you.” He gives me a half-smile, like you know how moms are. I knew his parents owned the hardware store, but I hadn’t really thought about meeting them. “Okay.” I push a lock of hair behind my ear. We get to leave early, and I’m grateful it will give me more time to work before I need to get home. He pulls out of the school parking lot and heads towards the hardware store. “I have a feeling my mom might show up tonight,” Ren says, glancing over at me from the driver’s seat. When I pick her up and put her in the truck, I give her a quick kiss. Taking her hand, I pull her from the room, and we stop by my locker to grab out coats before heading out to my Jeep.

“You’re amazing.” I look into her eyes when I say it and see her blush again. “Wow, that’s incredible,” I say, and I mean every word of it. It’s so lifelike, I feel like it could climb off the paper. I walk over to where Lily is sitting and see the breathtaking sketch she’s drawn. I look forward to the next class.” She gives my paper a cursory glance before the bell rings and everyone packs up. “My dear, you have an extraordinary talent.

Alexa riley shielding lily