Ransom Canyon. Jodi Thomas

she finally said without looking at him. “The story of what happened Saturday night has changed so much I don’t even think I was there. Now Reid Collins claims Tim was hanging on by a thread, and we could all hear the ghosts whispering. I would have probably broken both legs in the fall from the window if he hadn’t caught me. And—”

      “I know,” Lucas interrupted her. “According to Reid, I wasn’t even there. Which is fine with me.”

      She stopped and turned to him. “But you were there. You saved my life. Reid can lie all he wants to, but I’ll never forget. I owe you a blood debt.”

      “Let Reid’s legend live, querida. You and I will remember and that is enough.”

      “Like the kiss at the hospital. Between you and me, right?”

      “Right.” He smiled, remembering.

      “It was the best kiss I ever had.” She laughed.

      “It was the only one you’ve ever had,” he teased. “When I find you in a few years, I’ll ask you again how I compare and see where I stand then.”

      She blushed and ran ahead of him into her class.

      Lucas stood watching her disappear, knowing they were both late but not caring. She’d forget about him, but he’d remember Lauren. She’d be the only girl he’d ever call darling in any language. Funny thing was, Lauren would probably never know just how special she was.

      “Reyes?” Mr. Paris, his math teacher, snapped. “Are you planning on joining us this afternoon?”

      “Of course,” Lucas answered. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

      He wasn’t sorry at all, but Mr. Paris didn’t need to know that. Being late because he was talking to a girl didn’t compute in the old guy’s world.