If Only (GxG)

Chapter 12 Navigation

She launches into the lesson with her usual quiet confidence, her voice carrying easily over the rustle of textbooks. I honestly try to focus on the material—something about rhetorical structures in a short story we're reading—but my gaze keeps drifting to her.

The snug, tailored dress pants she's wearing highlight her figure every time she moves, and it's impossible not to recall exactly how that figure felt pressed against mine.

I shift in my chair, teeth catching my bottom lip. I'm not fully sure how to handle all these memories in the middle of a public classroom.

Almost on cue, Blake's gaze flicks in my direction. She sees my flustered expression, and a ghost of a smile curves her lips.

If we were alone, I know it would be a full-blown wolf grin.

She knows exactly what she's doing to me, I think, swallowing hard.

Before I know it, the lesson ends. Despite the magnetic pull, I don't linger behind—I gather my things and offer Blake one final smile from across the room, slipping out with Amy to avoid raising suspicions.

My heart thuds in my chest, both thrilled and terrified by everything that's unfolding.

One thing is certain: any worry that Blake might have changed her mind—didn't stand a chance.

By the time I reach the school's main doors, Thomas is already waiting there, his usual easygoing smile in place.

"Hey, stranger," he greets, flashing me a grin.

I return it without hesitation. "Hey, Thomas. Everything going all right?"

"All good." He gestures for me to walk beside him as we head down the hall. "Listen, I was wondering if we could grab lunch together and figure out the final details for the Winter Dance."

"Sure—sounds good," I agree. I can't help thinking about how everything feels different now, but Thomas has always been a decent friend, so I push the discomfort aside.

We walk toward the cafeteria, discussing the logistics of the dance. I mention that I'll be wearing a red dress, and Thomas ponders whether a matching tie or bow tie would look better.

The conversation flows, light and friendly, until we pass the teacher's table. My attention—unbidden—drifts automatically to Blake, who's seated a few rows away. Her back is turned, so I can't see her face, but just knowing she's there sends a flutter of warmth through my chest.

Thomas clears his throat, pulling me out of my reverie. "Oh, before I forget—" He rummages in his pocket and produces a small necklace I thought I'd lost months ago. "I found this under my bed. Must've been there since the summer."

My eyes widen in surprise. "Oh wow, thank you!" I say, taking the necklace from him and slipping it into my pocket. "I really thought it was gone for good."

By the time we join Amy and Ross at our usual table, my mind is spinning from the chance run-in with Blake, but I manage to redirect my focus to lunch—at least on the surface. Thomas sits down next to me, maybe an inch closer than he used to. Once upon a time, I wouldn't have noticed or cared. Now, however, it feels too familiar, an intrusion on a closeness I reserve for someone else. For Blake.