"We need to talk about Project Ray," he declared, and I closed my eyes.
Was he really this hung up on her?I chewed on my hair as I sighed.
"I really don't think—"
He cut me off as he yawned loudly in my ear. "—She is interested. I know. She's not. So I need your help. Should I come over?"
I nearly choked on my hair as I grabbed for it frantically, dropping the phone simultaneously.
"Shit!" I hissed as I picked it back up, wondering what I was going to say.
"No."
There was silence on the other end.
"No?" He repeated softly.
"No," I confirmed, even shaking my head for confirmation- another pointless exercise.
"Ok, then you come here. Do you know where I live?" He demanded, and I laughed.
"Bailey, I'm not coming to your house. I have things to do. I have to go."
I hung up immediately before he could make any further comments. I realized I was shaking as I made my way back to the bathroom, dipping my fingers into the now lukewarm water. I sighed as I pulled the plug, the water swirling down the drain perfectly as I watched, entranced. I dried my hair, pulling it into a loose bun as I slid on my hoodie and comfy shorts. I made my way down to the kitchen to see that Elijah had left a note on the table saying he would be back late. Finally, I had the house to myself! As I opened the fridge, I did a little dance, my appetite now raging. I spotted the pasta salad and spooned some into a bowl before carrying it back to the window seat in the kitchen. It was raining now, lashes of rain hitting the window as I ate quietly, wondering for the hundredth time why Bailey was so intent on me helping him.
Project Ray? More like Project Nay.
I snickered as I remembered her reaction earlier. I suppose it would be entertaining to attempt to convince her; it would humor me if nothing else.
I picked up the phone and dialed her number, a smile playing on my lips as I envisioned her reaction this time.
Oh, Bailey. It seems you are finally out of your depth, and even I can't help you.
Three
Speed
“You are out of your mind. Have you started taking drugs?” Ray demanded, her voice filled with worry. I laughed as I sank into the sofa, staring at the ceiling.
“No, I’m not that brave.” I frowned as I considered it. “Or stupid. Look, just explain to me why you hate him so much.”
I grinned as Ray took a deep breath, launching her attack.
“First of all, guys like Bailey Fenton are shallow and selfish. They only do things for themselves and never think of others. Do you think he knows anything about me at all?” She seemed to pause before continuing. “No, he doesn’t. He sees what is on the outside, making him think I will look good on his big muscly arm. Anyway, I’m saving myself for Stefan Salvatore.”
I burst out laughing as she sighed.
“I’m not going on a date with him. Not even for you.”
Suddenly there was a sharp rapping on the door.
“I gotta go. See you at school,” I muttered as I hung up, making my way to the front door. I pulled it open to reveal none other than Bailey Fenton. He wore a tight navy t-shirt over his jeans, my eyes drinking in his arms as they folded across his broad chest.
“Holy fuck,” I whispered as he smirked.
“I’ve been called worse. Can I come in?”
I couldn’t say no; it was just too rude. I stepped aside, and Bailey walked in, his delicious scent filling the air. How did one smell like pine trees, andwhat was that smell?I couldn’t place it; I had never smelled anything like it before. I closed the door and realized my hands were clammy, so I wiped them on my hoodie. He turned to face me as he leaned against the kitchen doorway, his hair falling in front of his striking blue eyes.
