Illogically Logical

Setting The Stage- Part Three

Emma and her sisters walked out of the guidance counselor's office, with their schedules in hand. They chatted briefly, comparing their schedules and making plans to meet for lunch. For the most part Emma and Evelyn had the same classes but their first class of the day was separate. Emma had AP English, while Evelyn had AP Math. The girls separated and began searching for their classes. Emma was the last to leave. She was intently studying the map, so she didn't notice Marcus getting ready to pounce.

"Need help?" questioned Marcus as he casually leaned against the wall. Emma jumped and looked up, nearly dropping her map and schedule. He smirked charmingly at her. Emma smiled in spite of herself. He was even better looking up close. Emma gave him a smirk of her own.

"Actually a little help would be more than welcome. My name is Emma by the way." She confidently stuck out her hand for him to shake. Marcus stared at her hand, a little bit startled. She wasn't blushing. Or giggling for that matter. And her voice. It was a really hot voice. Like velvet and scotch. Smooth, but with a husky undertone. Her accent was really hot too. His fascination for her grew. His smirk turned into a smile as he reached for her hand.

" Marcus Edwards." Their hands met and a little shock traveled through their bodies. They both pulled their hands back quickly, surprised by the electricity. Both of them covertly rubbed their palms on their legs, trying to get rid of the tingle. Emmaline recovered from her shock faster then Marcus. She forced her smirk back in place and handed him her schedule. He started to look it over.

"I need to find AP English with-" she paused and looked over his shoulder, leaning close to him. Marcus forgot to breathe as she pressed close to him. He was so intensely aware of her. "Mr. Rolfe." She said as she found her English teacher's name. She moved away from him and Marcus started to breathe again. He shook his head as if to clear it and turned to her.

"Well. Aren't you lucky? All your classes, except for gym, are with me." He said with cocky grin, pointing to his chest with his thumb. Emma smiled and sarcastically replied.

"Oh yeah, so lucky." With a role of her eyes she turned around and started walking. Marcus stood there, amazed that she could brush him off so easily. Emma noticed he wasn't following and smirked over her shoulder. " Well, aren't you coming?" Marcus jogged lightly and caught up with her. His cocky persona slid back in place and he grabbed her book bag off her shoulder.

"I'll carry this for you." He said as they strolled down the hall. She shrugged and kept walking. Outwardly Emma's confident mask was firmly in place, but inside she was busy trying to figure Marcus out. He was in all her classes. Which meant he was smart, because all her classes were AP (advanced). She had been hopping he would be stupid. That would have made him easier to resist.

"So I hear you and your family traveled a lot before coming here? Where have you been?" questioned Marcus, eager to break their semi-awkward silence.

"Just about everywhere. South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia. Just to name a few." Marcus looked at her in surprise, his gaze searching her face for the reason why her voice had sounded almost sad when listing all those amazing places. Most people would be thrilled to have visited so many great places, but Emma's tone had been resigned, sad and bit bitter. Marcus was just about to ask her, when she jumped in, quickly changing the subject.

"So what is there to do around this place for fun. We just moved in two days ago, so we haven't really looked around yet." Her tone was cheerful and her eyes warned him not to broach their previous subject. Marcus let it drop. He would ask later, when they were…closer.

"There's a lot to do. We're right in the heart of downtown Toronto; concerts, movies, clubs, and great restaurants. Do you like sushi?" when she nodded her assent he continued, " There is this great sushi place called Sushi Inn, best sushi ever! You have to try it. Actually, why don't I take you there? Tomorrow night. We could grab some dinner and then I can show you the city?" he smiled charmingly at her, confident it her reply.

"That sounds great, but can I say maybe now, and confirm later?" Marcus found himself stunned for like the 50th time that day. A maybe? He forced a smile.

"Sure. How come though? Have to cancel with some other guy first?" he replied jokingly. What if she did have a boyfriend? He thought. A big ball of jealousy bounced in his stomach. He looked at her waiting for her reply, trying to figure out why he felt like growling MINE and thumping his fists against his chest.

"Ha, no, you're the first guy to ask me out today. My grandparents are having us over for dinner tomorrow. I just have to find a way to get out of it." She smiled up at him as they came to a stop outside of their English class. Marcus smiled back, butterflies dancing in his stomach. He put his hand on the small of her back and led her into the class. She sat beside him and they talked quietly, ignorant of the stares and whispers from their classmates. Marcus smirked as Emma laughed at one of his comments, her laugh sending all kinds of signals straight to his groin. Best Thursday Ever.

So that's the end of Setting the Stage. Which means less descriptions and more action coming up! Thanks to everybody who reviewed. Your comments were great. Please let me know what you think about this chapter. Happy Reading.