Chapter 213
Caitlin stopped in her tracks and glanced back.
The person calling out to her was a teenage boy, maybe seventeen or eighteen, dressed in the same blue-and-white school uniform as the rest of them. He was the picture of youthful confidence-charming, well-put-together, like the leading man straight out of a high school romance novel.
Scarlett’s eyes widened in an instant. She bit her finger excitedly, then leaned close to whisper in Celeste’s ear, “That’s Carson! It’s Carson p>
Celeste looked puzzled. “Who’s Carson p>
Scarlett filled her in, “Carson is, like, our school’s reigning academic champion. Before Catie showed up, he was always number one. Plus, he’s basically the heartthrob of Central Academy p>
Celeste’s eyes lit up. “No way! Is he about to confess to Catie or something p>
If she weren’t already shipping Gordon and Caitlin so hard, she might have actually been rooting for Carson-he was pretty cute, after all.
Scarlett nodded, her expression dead serious. “Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me. Catie’s only been in our class for two days, and she’s already gotten a whole stack of love letters. But Carson’s got guts, I’ll give him that-confessing in front of everyone? I always thought he was just a bookworm who lived for straight A’s!” Caitlin looked at Carson, her expression perfectly calm. “Can I help you?” Carson met her gaze, his voice steady. “I can’t deny it you’re impressive, and you have a way with words. But next month’s exams? I’m going to beat you p>
Carson had a serious case of perfectionism—always had, ever since he was a kid. He’d never let himself settle for anything less than first place. This time, though, he’d been caught off guard. He’d underestimated his competition, figured he could coast to victory. Then Caitlin had come out of nowhere and stolen the top spot.
Scarlett and Celeste just stared at each other, dumbfounded.
Seriously?
Was this guy for real?
So he hadn’t come to profess his love-he’d come to lay down a challenge.
“Alright then,” Caitlin said, breaking into a grin. “Good luck with that. Anything else p>
“Yeah, actually p>
“What is it?” Caitlin asked.
Carson hesitated, suddenly looking awkward. He raked a hand through his hair, cheeks tinged with red. “Could you… um… could you maybe p>
Scarlett narrowed her eyes, whispering, “I bet you a bag of sour gummies he’s trying to get her WhatsApp p>
Celeste nodded eagerly. “I’ll bet two bags. I think you’re right p>
After an epic internal struggle, Carson finally blurted it out, looking Caitlin in the eye. “Caitlin, could I borrow your test papers? The ones from the last exam-the ones you scored 710 on p>
Know your enemy, and you’ll never lose a battle. Carson was nothing if not methodical. He needed to see Caitlin’s test-only then could he figure out her strengths and, hopefully, outdo her next time.
Scarlett and Celeste were stunned.
Seriously?
What was wrong with this guy?
Faced with a gorgeous girl like Caitlin, he didn’t ask for her number-he wanted her test papers?
“Sure,” Caitlin replied with a small nod. “Wait here. I’ll go get them for you p>
Carson froze, caught off guard.