James spoke first. "Hey."God. One word, and my cheeks heated. It might have helped if he hadn't looked like he wanted to drag me across the table and kiss the hell out of me. How had this become my life? Not that I was complaining. Really, really not complaining.

And that was all I'd ever needed: someone I could count on to be there not matter what. It had only been a few days, but it was freeing to know that.

It hadn't been a week, and I couldn't remember what it was like before James. I didn't want to.

I moved without thought, my hands coming up to rest on his back and it brought back that feeling of solidity and comfort. He grounded me in a way I didn't know I'd been missing until he was there.

All I know is you missed out. You missed out on knowing someone who's funny, and kind, and-" He looked back at me, squeezing my hand. "-the best person I've ever met.

James, Mr. Nice Smile, had a spirit clinging to him.As if things weren't weird enough.

My resolve not to think about James and his perfect hair lasted until lunch. It wasn't my fault, though; it was his. I was sitting alone in the back corner of the cafeteria at my usual table when he plopped his tray down and sat with me like it was nothing.

He's nice? As in, nice-looking?" My face heated. Dammit. Yes, Nana knew. No, she didn't have a problem with it. "Are we talking about a little crush on the new boy?