The final bell had barely finished ringing when Xander was already waiting outside Claire’s classroom, leaning against the wall with that effortless confidence that still made her heart skip. The moment their eyes met, his serious expression softened into a warm smile. He pushed off the wall and met her halfway, taking her bag from her shoulder without asking.
“Ready to go home?” he asked, lacing their fingers together.
Claire nodded, still getting used to the public displays. Students whispered as they walked down the hallway hand-in-hand, but after yesterday’s warning from Alissa, the stares felt less hostile and more curious.
Instead of heading straight to her house, Xander drove past the usual turn. Claire glanced at him questioningly.
“I want a few minutes with you first,” he expl
