Chapter 2: Coincidences and Revenge Promises

I fixed my hair and stepped out of the bathroom—right into Carter.

We nearly collided. He was standing there, arms crossed, like he’d been waiting for me. Great.

There was still a drop of water on his bangs, his skin pale and cool, his eyes smiling as he looked at me.

He looked annoyingly fresh, like he’d just walked out of a commercial. I tried not to stare. Not today.

"What a coincidence, Little Number Two." My stomach twisted at the nickname. Ugh.

He said it with a lazy drawl, like he had all the time in the world.

How could someone so good-looking have such a mouth on him?

Seriously, if looks could kill, I’d be toast. But I wasn’t about to let him win.

I didn’t get mad, just smiled: "Yeah, what a coincidence, 5’10”."

I leaned in, lowering my voice so only he could hear. Two can play this game.

Carter’s face changed instantly—flushed with color, all kinds of shades.

He opened his mouth, then closed it, searching for a comeback.

"I’m 5’11”!"

His cheeks tightened, words squeezed out through gritted teeth: "That machine was broken!"

He sounded so defensive, I almost felt bad. Almost.

I shook the water from my hands and walked back to the classroom, sighing helplessly: "Fine, fine, you’re 5’11”, you always were 5’11”. I’ll call you 5’11” from now on, okay?"

I winked at him, just to rub it in. His glare could’ve set off the fire alarm.

I just wanted to drive him crazy.

Honestly, it was the highlight of my day. Carter Brooks, flustered and speechless? Worth every second.

Almost at Class Eight’s back door, I heard a chilly voice say, "Ava Collins, one day I’ll get you back for this."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, but I couldn’t help grinning. The game was on.