Chapter 3: Meeting Kiara
1044 Words
POV: May
***
I stare in shock, my eyes locking onto hers. She smirks slightly, a quirk of her lips I can't help watching.
"Thank you, professor. I'll take my seat now."
Her voice is rough, with a delicious twang that makes me think she's from somewhere more rural. How did she end up studying law in a big city campus?
I'm so lost in thought that I don't notice her coming towards me until she asks," This seat taken?"
I jerk back, my heart pounding. Up close, she is even prettier.
Her blonde hair is short, framing her face and highlighting large, doe-like eyes. They're a hazel colour, glinting with humour. Freckles are dotted across her nose and cheeks, with a natural blush colouring her round cheeks.
She's wearing green cargo trousers and trainers with a checkered shirt to match. It's not incredibly form fitting but I can still see the flex of her forearms where the sleeves are rolled up. My brain glitches at the sight.
"Hey. Talking to you, hun. This one free?"
I jump into action, hauling my bag out of the way and clearing papers.
"Uh, yeah, it is. Sorry, just a long night. Been a bit staring-into-space today."
Luckily, she doesn't question me and just slides into the seat. I have to force myself to look to the front of the class, hyper aware of how close she is.
What's wrong with you? You've just met her. Get a grip!
I try and listen to the lecture on the different court structures but every shift next to me draws my attention. I'm considering trying to subtly shift over when she swings one arm across the back of my chair and leans in close.
"He's a bit boring, isn't he? I can see why only half of us showed up."
Her breath ghosts across my cheek, and I get a deep hit of her perfume - sweet floral and cinnamon. It's thick, sitting in my throat even when she pulls back. I swallow before flicking my eyes up to hers.
"Between you and me, I almost didn't come either. Hangovers, right?"
"Yeah, I've done that before. Till my dad found out, anyway."
We share a wry smile.
"I'm Kiara, by the way."
"I'm May. Sorry I didn't introduce myself sooner, I'm not really used to having someone sit with me."
I chuckle, hoping it comes out natural and not stiff with nerves.
Her eyes drop down for a second, alight with mischief, before coming back to my face. She drops her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"I had to sit here. It would have been a shame to miss seeing someone like you on my first day."
Then she's pulling away, refocusing on the lesson as if she hasn't turned my day upside down.
Surely I'm imagining the meaning behind her words. There's no chance someone as pretty as her thinks I look attractive.
I'm hot, I can acknowledge that, but pretty much everyone looks hot in heels and a tube top that shows more cleavage than it hides. She could wear a bin bag and look stunning.
It's too long since I've been out of the dating scene, that's all. I'm getting mixed signals because I'm just hoping anyone will take an interest.
But even as I tell myself that, I can feel a fluttering in the pit of my stomach.
***
The rest of the class passes by without incident and before I know it, we're finished.
As I'm packing my notes away, Kiara says, "Have you got any plans for lunch? Or at least can you suggest something good? I don't know what's worth getting round here."
My heart squeezes (stupid thing) and I open my mouth to agree before remembering. I groan low.
"I do have plans, actually. My friend Kat, she'll be rough as a dog. I promised her coffee."
Kiara purses her lips together and nods.
"Oh, yeah, I get it. Don't worry. I'll see you around."
Her words are clipped, hurt. I furrow my brow in confusion, my brain sluggishly trying to come up with something.
But it's too late.
I'm left staring at Kiara's back as an uncomfortable feeling washes over me, like I've missed something important.
Before I can think too much to doubt myself, I'm hitting the mic on my messages with Kat.
"Hey! Will be a little longer today but I'm definitely, definitely coming. I DO NOT want to meet your boytoy so get rid of him. And drink some water. Ok, I'll see you in a bit."
I rush out of the hall, desperately searching through the crowds of other students. I'm pretty sure I elbow someone in the ribs and I mutter an apology under my breath.
There!
Kiara is already in the car park, looking down at her phone. I stride quicker to catch up with her.
"Kiara! Kiara!"
Slowly, she stops and turns around, her face creasing when she spots me. I come to a stop in front of her.
"Kiara, I wasn't trying to blow you off, honestly. I'll show you around another day I just really need to see my friend today. But maybe we can pick up coffee together?"
She doesn't say any for a minute and I worry that I've messed this up before we've even really got to know each. But a smile creeps across her face.
"I like hearing you say my name."
It's the last thing I expected her to say and heat rushes to my face. She's so much more brazen than anyone I've ever met. My heart is pounding in my ears.
Is she...flirting? God, do I even remember how to do that? Just say something fun.
"That's nice." My voice is strangled and weirdly high-pitched.
I'm mortified.
Kiara bursts into laughter. "Wow, you are easy to fluster. Well, come on hun, where's this coffee at?"
I like being called hun. It's sweet and cute. Everything I'm not but I try to be.
I point down the street. "There's a place called Zap down the street. It's a bit slow but the nicest drink you'll ever have. The hot chocolate is gorgeous when it's cold."
Kiara hums. "Lead the way then. I'm at your command."
- Writer
