The Force of Gravity by Kelly Stevenson Page A

you’re right! I want to tell you things . . . but I can’t.
    “What is it?” she says, softening.
    “It . . . it’s a lot of stuff, Ems,” I say, defeated.
    “So talk to me.”
    “I will, okay? Just not now. I really am tired.”
    She hardens. “Whatever,” she says, storming off.
    “Damn it,” I whisper to myself.
    She knows me too well. She would be appalled if she knew what was distracting me from our friendship. When she swoons over Mr. Slate it’s all fun and games. She’d be furious if she knew a crush on my teacher was putting a strain on my relationship with Tommy. She doesn’t want anything jeopardizing our precious foursome. Especially not a silly, childish crush. But it’s more than just that , I realize. I haven’t let her in on anything lately . . . the seriousness of my parents fighting, my lack of arousal toward Tommy, and my full-on arousal toward Mr. Slate—not that I would ever admit to that last one.
    I watch her until she’s around the corner and out of sight and decide to wait out here for Tommy. His truck is parked next to Derek’s car, and I don’t want the fight with Emily to continue. A cool breeze swirls around me as I stand on the deserted sidewalk, tugging on my long sleeves. I wish I had decided on jeans instead of a skirt. Scanning the faculty lot, I spy about five unattended vehicles . . . one being a shiny black Tahoe with oversized rims, polished to perfection.
    Movement catches my eye as the hatch on the Tahoe slowly rises. Mr. Slate slings a bag of equipment in the back, then disappears from my view. I glance around the near-empty lot and hesitate before stepping off the curb. The Tahoe is facing the school, so he can’t see me approaching. My brain screams at me: Stay back! But I’m drawn to him like a magnet to steel. I need to be near to him—even if for just a moment. I want his attention. I want him to reward me with that twinkle in his rustic-brown eyes. I no longer want to be his student . . . I want to be on his level.
    I want to attract him.
    I approach the SUV and round the corner, startling him.
    “Oh! Hey there, Kaley.” He glances around. “Car trouble again?” He hesitates. “Do you need a ride?”
    I suppress a laugh at his unintentional innuendo. “My car’s still in the shop,” I say. “Don’t worry, I have a ride.” I smile. “Thanks again for helping me this weekend. You were right about the alternator.”
    He slides a baseball bat next to the bag of equipment. “No problem.” His voice is stiff. He’s no longer in uniform and wears a thin, dark-gray athletic shirt—leaving little to the imagination of what his upper body possesses—with a pair of black athletic pants. He still wears his baseball cap that threatens to hide his beautiful eyes in a way that makes him even more mysterious. The newfound ache swells below me.
    “Do you mind if I sit for a second?” I ask.
    Not waiting for an answer, I hop up on the back ledge next to the equipment and let my legs dangle before I cross them. His eyes flicker to my bare legs for a moment, sending a thrill across the back of my thighs. Uncertainty crosses his expression.
    “This is okay, right?” I say with a timid smile. “It’s not like we’re alone or anything.”
    He stares at me without a reply—we both know we’re pretty much alone. No one can see us back here. He seems guarded and takes a step back, continuing to watch me without saying a word.
    “Sorry. Should I leave? I just wanted a minute to breathe. Emily’s mad at me, and I’m not looking forward to going home.” Ugh, that sounded so juvenile. “I still haven’t told her about my parents, and I think she’s misreading me,” I add.
    He crosses his arms, almost as if he is trying to hold onto himself. “I’m sure she’d understand if you just told her.” His voice is low, and I start to wonder if he’s annoyed.
    I’m making a fool of myself.
    “I’m sorry, I’ll go,” I say as I move to