Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Trouble Looks Good On Him
Blossom walks into her first university class and immediately clashes—and connects—with Nidal. Their first exchange is a battle of wits that leaves her unsettled and intrigued. The principal's son makes a threat she can't ignore.
I was having a perfectly ordinary morning.
Well, apart from the fact that I was already late.
I hurried through the university doors, my bag hanging off one shoulder as I glanced around the lecture hall. Almost every seat was taken.
Brilliant.
I spotted an empty chair beside a boy sitting near the middle of the room. He had dark hair, a relaxed expression and the confidence of someone who had never worried about being late in his life.
I walked over.
“Is anyone sitting here?”
He glanced at the empty chair before looking back at me.
“Nope. It's been waiting for you.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Does it usually get this much attention?”
He laughed. “Only when someone arrives late enough to make an entrance.”
I dropped into the seat beside him.
“I didn't realise I was performing.”
“Trust me, everyone noticed.”
I placed my bag down and turned towards him.
“Blossom.”
He looked at my outstretched hand before shaking it.
“Nidal.”
“Nice to meet you, Nidal.”
“Likewise. Although I have to say, you're making quite an impression already.”
I gave him a cheeky smile.
“You haven't seen anything yet.”
He laughed, and I couldn't help noticing that he had a rather nice smile.
The lecturer entered, and the room gradually fell quiet. I turned towards the front, determined to pay attention.
Unfortunately, I hadn't brought a pen.
I looked down at my empty desk, then towards Nidal's notebook.
I leaned slightly closer.
“Can I borrow a pen?” I whispered.
He glanced at me before handing one over.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.”
I began writing, trying to catch up with the lecture. A few minutes later, I leaned towards him again.
“What's the lecturer talking about?”
He stared at me.
“You've been here for five minutes.”
“And?”
“And you've already missed half the explanation.”
I smiled innocently.
“That's why I have you.”
He shook his head, trying not to laugh.
“You're unbelievable.”
“I get that a lot.”
I turned back towards the front, hiding my smile.
I had only just met Nidal, but I was already enjoying myself. He was funny, quick with his replies and clearly not intimidated by my personality.
That was interesting.
The lecture finally ended, and I packed my notebook into my bag.
Nidal stood up beside me.
“So, are you always this distracting?”
I looked at him.
“Are you always this easily distracted?”
He laughed.
“Only when the company is good.”
I paused for a second.
Well, that was unexpected.
I adjusted my bag and started towards the exit.
“Try to keep up, Nidal.”
I heard him laugh behind me.
I hadn't expected anything interesting to happen that morning.
But perhaps university wasn't going to be as boring as I'd imagined.