Ruthless knight

Sawyer

I look down as my phone vibrates for what feels like the hundredth time in an hour. 

Cole: Stop ignoring me, Bible Thumper. 

Good Lord. 

Making sure they’re still calling up the students in the B row, I answer him. 

Sawyer: I’m ignoring you because we’re about to graduate and all you care about is whether or not I’m wearing panties. 

Cole: Your point? 

Before I can respond, another text comes through. 

Cole: I asked you a question and I demand an answer, Church.

Sawyer: No.

Cole: No, you’re not wearing panties? Or no you won’t answer the question? 

My lips twitch as I hit the reply button. 

Sawyer: You’ll find out later, Covington.

Tilting my head, I look down the row of chairs. 

I smile when I see Cole biting his knuckle.

A moment later I receive another text. 

Cole: Here comes the sun. 

Confused, I glance around.

Sawyer: It’s raining.

Cole: I was referring to The Beatles song. 

I almost fall out of my chair. 

Sawyer: When did you start listening to The Beatles? 

Cole: I’ll tell you if you answer my question first. 

Stubborn ass. 

Sawyer: That’s not the way it works, champ. You’re go

Cole: How hard?

Sawyer: Jonas hard. 

Cole: Fuck that. I’d rather cut off my ears. 

I grin. 

Sawyer: I guess I’m putting my panties back on.

Even though we’re seven chairs away from each other, I can feel the heat from his gaze. 

Cole: Goddammit. You’re killing me. 

Cole: It’s like you have me in chains. 

Geez. That’s a little dramatic. 

Cole: But the thought of anyone else having you makes me jealous. 

Cole: Which is why I always want you close. 

Wait a second…

The last word of those texts are titles of Nick songs.

My fingers start flying across the keyboard…until the kid next to me hisses, “Can you move?” 

Oh shit. Of course, this is when they call up our row. 

I watch as Miles Cabalo—our valedictorian—walks across the stage to accept his diploma. 

I could waste my time being upset about the fact that I didn’t get it. 

“Sawyer Church,” the a

But I’d rather focus on the things that actually matter.

Drawing a deep breath, I walk across the stage. 

“Whoop. Whoop. Go, short stack,” Oakley yells from the back row as I accept my diploma. 

“Woo! Sawyer!” Dylan, Jace, and Bianca cheer.

“That’s my baby girl!” Daddy roars, causing everyone to laugh. 

Like the people who were always there for me. 

My heart nearly pounds out of my chest when they call Cole’s name. 

“Lucky Seven!” someone shouts when he accepts his diploma, but Colton’s attention is solely on me.

And the love of my life...who will always take my breath away.  

I can’t help but smile as he wraps his arms around me, pulling me in for a kiss. 

Earlier this year, I thought I knew exactly what my life would be like. 

But I was wrong. 

Because sometimes when you least expect it…

The most popular quarterback can fall in love with the Jesus-loving nerd. 

Pride swells in my chest and I cheer my lungs out as I watch Oakley walk across the stage and accept his diploma.  

The school pothead can end up becoming one of the smartest people you know. 

Tears prickle my eyes when I notice the green and black-tipped wings fluttering above us.

You’ll see a butterfly in the middle of a rainstorm.