Free Falling by Design by Valia Lind Page A

and find them watching us with amusement. I'm really going to have to get me some new friends. "Isn't he a little, err, stale for you?"
    Wait, what? I shoot him a look, trying to figure out what he can possibly mean by that and find his eyes light up in the same challenge that runs through me.
    "Excuse me, what does that even mean?" I focus my attention fully on Grayson.
    "It means you need someone fun. Someone who experiments beyond flannel and solids." With every statement, Grayson leans in closer and closer, until our faces are just a breath apart. The logical side of me knows I need to move away, but logic plays no part in the way Grayson has been making me feel since his return. "You're a good girl. Mr. B just doesn't fit with your good girl image."
    "And you know all of this, how?"
    "Because I know you." He says it almost at a whisper, his sweet breath sweeping over my skin. His lips form a smile that looks more like hunter going after his prey than anything friendly. Even so, I feel that smile rush over my being and the urge to bang my head against the table in front of me is strong. I need help. I need some serious help.
    I have to get a hold of myself. I'm not a little kid anymore and I don't have to let Grayson get to me. His mind games are what made him so dangerous in the first place, but now, coupled with good looks and smarts, he's like a lion ready to pounce. I have to turn it around, I can't be the victim anymore. Determination washes over me, my mind set on making my stand. If only this one time, I'm not going to let him keep the upper hand. So I do the one thing that I never thought I'd be brave enough to do. I lean in. I feel his body go frigid still as I trace my finger slowly over his arm, the smell of something that's distinctly Grayson overpowering my senses. My lips are a breath away from his ear before I whisper,
    "Maybe you don't know me all that well. Maybe I'm not so good after all."
    I stand then, smiling down at Grayson's shocked expression. His eyes are wide open, his mouth hanging. I watch as his chest rises up and down as if he's trying to calm his racing heart, catch that runaway breath. My own heart is not that far behind, but I try and appear nonchalant. My skin buzzes from the tiny feel of his under my finger, but I can't give him any indication to just how unnerving his closeness is to my emotions. 
    "I'll see you guys later," I call over my shoulder as I turn and walk away. I know Dakota will follow in a few, probably after she recovers from my unusual display of feminine wiles. And Chance, well, I'll be hearing from him later, no doubt. Right now, all I know is that I can't sit there without making a fool out of myself. Especially after that performance. Grayson is much better at games and if I stay, I'll lose what little ground I just gained.
    Who would've thought I could baffle Grayson Banks?
    Score one for Brooklynn.

    FOURTEEN
    Never do anything that you wouldn't want to explain to the paramedics.
    - Author Unknown
     
    Two days after the cafeteria incident, I start my volunteering assignment.
    Chance and I meet up outside the old building that houses our school administration offices, planning on driving over together. Dakota walks with me to the car since she has to go to the library for her assignment.  Her volunteer position is a reading hour with the kids, which makes it easier for her since she already works at the library. That and she's not big on smelly animals, so working with us is definitely out of question.
    "I have to admit," she states as we make our way through the parking lot, "Grayson is definitely rethinking his approach with you."
    She's been on this overanalyzing spree since she followed me out of the cafeteria two days ago. After giving me a huge hug and a high five, she started spewing all of these ideas on how Grayson is going to retaliate to gain his footing back. For some reason, she really views Grayson and my relationship as a reality show she gets to