Crush

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Hunter-

I was mesmerized. To be totally honest, listening to her sing made me excited to watch the movie—something I hadn't been sure about before. I couldn't stop staring as she wrapped me up in the sound of her voice and the story she was telling. She was completely in character, and I totally believed she was a young girl pining at the grave of her father.

She isn't good—she's gifted. I was pretty sure it wasn't just me who thought so, either. A passing glance around the theater showed everyone watching intently, some even had tears in their eyes—it was incredible. I stood up and clapped when the performance was over, not caring if it was the right thing to do. She was awesome and getting a standing ovation from me. Thankfully, a few other people did too, so I didn't look like a complete idiot.

Her gorgeous blush stole across her face, and she gave a quick bow before returning to stand with the rest of the choir for their remaining numbers. I settled back into my chair and watched her every move for the rest of the concert. She was a star in the making; someone who came alive on stage and it was as if I was seeing her for the first time. Suddenly I felt inadequate to be around her.

Who are you to try and lay claim to this girl? I thought. To sweep in and turn her life upside down—what gives you that right? My conscience nagged.

She had dreams and goals, things that didn't include me. I'd taken one look and barged right in, without giving a second thought about what was going on with her prior to my arrival. I'd allowed myself to be totally ruled by my attraction for her.

Was it wrong for me to want her so badly? Really? She was almost eighteen, in exactly three weeks to be precise. I actually had the day marked on my calendar because it meant one guilt trip I could finally be free of. I hated all the secrecy I was involved in. I wanted to be open and honest with her, to tell her who I really was. I wanted her to fall for me—the real me, not some fake imposed person she thought she knew. When things were all said and done, I hoped she felt there was enough truth in our relationship to keep seeing me.

I sighed, sinking farther down into my chair. I'd certainly made a mess of things. But there was nothing I could do now, except try and make the best of the situation and hopefully ride it out to the finish.

I glanced around at the people in attendance. There were enough to fill the auditorium about halfway. I'd chosen my customary seat in the back of the crowd, so I could carefully observe everyone, but I'd been too caught up in Cami to notice anything.

They were starting the last number when I noticed Clay sitting across the room. It was obvious he was staring at Cami. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, not liking him here. Cami still hadn't spoken to him. He'd quit calling, but he continued texting, begging her to talk to him. She wanted to handle it her way, so I stepped back, not offering any more advice. She knew my opinion on the matter.

He turned suddenly, looking straight at me. I didn't look away as he stared me down. I could plainly see he was angry, and I knew he was trying to intimidate me. He had no idea who he was dealing with if he thought he could make me cower. I was totally down for winning a juvenile contest against this hotheaded. We were both legal adults, let him show me how 'man' he thought he was.

Neither of us looked away until the applause after the final number. The choir and instructor bowed, and the students began making their way into the audience to greet friends and family.

I waited while Cami paused to hug her parents, and I saw Clay making his way in their direction. She didn't see him though and turned to hurry up the steps to where I was sitting. Clay stopped, glaring at me before walking away.