Chapter Three: Mixed Signals
581 Words
The next day dragged on longer than Scarlett expected. Classes blurred together, voices fading in and out, until finally—freedom.
Instead of heading home, she made her way to the library, needing a little quiet… or at least a change of scenery.
The moment she stepped inside, the cool air wrapped around her, calm and still.
And then—
She saw him.
Blake.
He was leaning back in his chair, surrounded by a few of his teammates, their voices low, almost like they didn’t want anyone else hearing what they were saying. He looked relaxed… confident… like he owned every space he walked into.
Scarlett slowed her steps without meaning to.
As she walked past, she felt it—eyes on her.
One of the guys nudged another, whispering something. A quiet chuckle followed.
“Who’s that?”
“Man, she’s—”
Scarlett didn’t catch the rest, but she didn’t need to.
She kept walking, her head high, her white shirt fitted just right, black shorts hugging her frame, her confidence doing half the talking for her.
Still…
She felt his gaze.
Blake’s.
It was different. Not loud like the others. Not obvious. But intense.
She glanced back for just a second—
And there it was.
A small, almost teasing smile tugging at his lips.
Her heart skipped.
Okay… he’s cute, she admitted silently, turning away before he could catch her looking for too long.
Scarlett found a quiet corner and sat down, opening her book—but not really reading.
Her mind wasn’t in it.
Not when she could still feel him.
She peeked again.
Blake was still there… still watching her.
This time, his gaze didn’t move away. It held hers—steady, confident, almost like a challenge.
And that smile…
It wasn’t just a smile.
It was dangerous.
Scarlett swallowed lightly, her fingers tightening around the edge of her book.
Why does he look at me like that?
She looked away first, exhaling softly.
“This is ridiculous,” she muttered under her breath.
But curiosity got the better of her.
Just one more glance—
She turned her head slightly…
And froze.
Blake wasn’t looking at her anymore.
Instead, he had a girl pressed close to him, his hand resting casually at her waist. The girl leaned in, laughing softly, like she already belonged there.
And then—
He leaned down.
Their lips met.
Close. Intimate. Like it wasn’t the first time.
Scarlett’s chest tightened instantly.
Her stomach twisted in a way she didn’t like.
Her grip on the book hardened.
Seriously?
Her jaw clenched as she looked away quickly, heat rising to her face—not from embarrassment… but from something sharper.
Anger.
Annoyance.
Something she didn’t want to name.
“Of course,” she muttered, her voice low and bitter. “Figures.”
She let out a dry laugh, shaking her head.
“Typical.”
Just a moment ago, she thought he was different.
Now?
He was just like every other guy.
Maybe worse.
Scarlett slammed her book shut, the sound louder than she intended. A few heads turned, but she didn’t care.
She stood up, grabbing her things.
Her chest still felt tight, her thoughts racing faster than she could keep up with.
Why do I even care?
She didn’t.
She shouldn’t.
And yet…
As she walked out of the library, her steps a little sharper than usual, one thing was clear—
Blake had just gone from interesting…
To unbearable.
- Writer
