Aaron noticed Keeley's frequent glances as the school year ended, but she remained silent. He wondered if he'd miscalculated. Why look at him if she didn't want to talk? He knew she missed him. Was pride the obstacle?
He finally decided to talk to her on her birthday morning. Before class, he placed a small, bow-topped box on her desk. "Happy birthday," he said simply.
She looked up, astonished. "How did you know?"
"I have my sources."
"Right," she murmured. "Uh…thanks."
Her bewildered expression amused him, yet also worried him. He'd given her gifts before. What was so unusual about a birthday present? It's perfectly normal.
"Open it," he encouraged.
Keeley's fingers trembled as she opened the box. It was a necklace. She carefully examined it.
The design was simple—a gold double helix, edged with gemstones representing nucleotide bases. Aaron had it custom-made before their falling out; online "DNA jewelry" was all cheap and tasteless. He wanted something nice that reflected her interests—she did want a PhD in genetics, after all.
She admired the necklace, its delicate twist. "It's beautiful."
Aaron took it, asking her to lift her hair. To his surprise, she complied. It had been too long since he'd helped her with a necklace. The sight of her neck sent goosebumps down his arms.
He fumbled with the clasp, his fingers brushing her skin. The contact made him want to kiss her—a small touch ignited a longing he hadn't felt in a month. It was pathetic; he needed her back. He couldn't continue like this.
Keeley dropped her hair and smiled genuinely. "Thanks, Aaron. I really like it."
He almost smiled back. "You're welcome."
He returned to his seat, happy. She'd accepted the gift, smiled, and allowed him to touch her. His plan had worked! She missed him. There was hope.
It was a shame he was going to prom with someone else that night. His parents provided an acceptable list of names—prom was a highly visible event—and he'd chosen Alice Wheatley again. In his past life, she'd been more interested in being seen with him (a status symbol) than actually spending time with him. They'd danced a few songs before she left for the rest of the night, which didn't bother him.
Prom was an obligation, like his parents' dinner parties. They dictated his date because it was a high-class event with photo opportunities. The Valentine's dance was inconsequential; they didn't care who he went with or if he went at all, which is how he'd gone with Keeley.
He hadn't initially planned to attend, finding such events frivolous, but she'd practically begged him to go with her. They'd only recently started having lunch together daily. He was less suspicious of her motives, and she'd grown on him. He'd succumbed to her puppy-dog eyes.
At the Valentine's dance, Keeley danced with unrestrained energy. Her enthusiasm was endearing; with anyone else, he would have been annoyed. She got him to dance a few slow songs before the punch bowl incident.
She offered him punch, then went to get it. Aaron saw Lacy shove her—clearly deliberate from his perspective, though Keeley thought it accidental. Keeley sheepishly asked to leave; she was wet and sticky.
After that, Lacy became his prime suspect whenever Keeley had problems at school. Each incident increased his protectiveness. He regretted trying to shield Keeley, it backfired horribly. He should have told her about Lacy.
They were in a relationship; they should have been a team. He wasn't used to trusting people, and he didn't learn to rely on Keeley until it was too late. He'd tell her everything when she gave him the chance. They could fight their enemies together.
Keeley had been naive in his past life, but she seemed sharper, more alert, and sadder now. He wasn't sure what changed, but it might be beneficial. He could use someone sharp in his fight against his father and the Knightons.
At least Lacy couldn't interfere tonight. He'd endure the dance. Since Keeley was in a good mood, he might even get a response if he texted her later, asking if she enjoyed her birthday.
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