Free Fall For Me ((The Tate Chronicles #1)) by K. A. Last

I made a note to ask Grace if I ever had the chance.
    “You should join the soccer team, Archer,” I said. “We could use a new player.”
    “Why would I want to do that?”
    “Looks like you could handle a bit of rough and tumble, plus it’s a good energy release.”
    “I get plenty of that in my spare time, so no thanks,” he said.
    Ok, it looked like I was going to have to try a different angle. The talking sports routine didn’t seem to be working; he was a tough nut to crack.
    “To answer your question,” Emma said softly, “about where the girls are, they’re off doing their thing.” She sounded a bit jealous. “Grace is trying to make Charlotte welcome by showing her around. If you ask me, the school isn’t that big.”
    “You’re just upset she’s ditched you,” Archer said.
    “Am not.” She threw a crust of bread at him.
    From a distance you would think they were an item, the way they played and joked around, but I knew they’d known each other for too long. Archer looked at Emma like a second sister, and I got the feeling he’d do anything for her.
    The end of lunch bell rang making Ryan jump. He’d been staring at Emma as she talked and we all laughed. I think it was the first time through the entire conversation we all felt comfortable with one another.
    “We better get to P.E. before Mr Bruner makes us hit the deck and do twenty for being late,” I said.
    “I’ll walk with you. See you later Emma,” Archer said, giving her a wink.
    The two of us headed towards the school hall slash basketball court slash gym while Ryan hung back. When I glanced over my shoulder I caught a glimpse of Emma’s smile. Way to go Ryan, at least it looked like romance was working for one of us. A few minutes later Ryan ran to catch up. He threw me a high five, unable to contain his excitement.
    “Date tonight. Starting in the common room, then maybe a nice walk and a nightcap in my…”
    “You hurt her and I’ll break you.” Archer stopped and got in Ryan’s face.
    “Hey, I would never do that.”
    “Easy, Archer,” I said, touching his arm. “Ryan’s a good guy. He won’t hurt her.”
    Archer was not exactly big but I wouldn’t call him small either. He looked as if he could hold his own and I definitely didn’t want to get on the wrong side of him. We walked the rest of the way to class in silence. I couldn’t help wondering how I would fare if and when I actually did start dating Grace.
    We changed quickly then took a seat on the stage at the far end of the basketball court just as the ten minute bell was ringing. The class was chattering noisily until Mr Bruner walked in. He began raving about the fitness obstacle course set out in front of us and I was paying absolutely no attention. My eyes were scanning the faces trying to find Grace. I knew she was in my class but I couldn’t see her.
    “Where’s your sister?” I whispered to Archer.
    He didn’t reply, just pointed to the big timber framed glass doors at the entrance to the hall. I could see Grace running across the school grounds. Even at a run she looked so elegant, like she was flying.

ELEVEN
     
     
    GRACE
     
     
    T he doors burst open and I came to a screeching halt. Charlotte wasn’t with me and I looked around wondering where she’d gone. The entire class was staring at me after witnessing my abrupt entry. I mouthed, sorry, and gave Mr Bruner a sheepish look, then hurried across the basketball court and quietly sat down next to Archer. He shook his head. Suddenly, I was very aware of who he was sitting next to. Being so close to Josh made my heart flutter.
    “As I was saying,” Mr Bruner bellowed, “teams of two, one full circuit around the court. Complete each station before you move to the next.” Then he blew his whistle. The class sprang to their feet and spilled onto the court, sneakers squeaking on the polished wooden floor. “Grace, could I see you for a moment please?” I approached my gym teacher with a