Everleigh had always believed in karma.

But sometimes, karma needed a little push.

And that push? That was her.

She adjusted the strap of her bag and made her way toward Jace, who was leaning against his locker, surrounded by his usual group of friends. His expression was unreadable, but she caught the slight tension in his jaw, the restless flick of his fingers against the cold metal.

Good. He’s still thinking about yesterday.

Perfect.

Time to start phase one.

With a slow, confident stride, she walked right up to him. The moment he noticed her, his entire body stiffened.

"Hey, Jace," she said sweetly, tilting her head just enough for her hair to fall over one shoulder.

His eyes narrowed instantly. Suspicious. Defensive.

"You don’t get to say my name like that," he muttered, crossing his arms.

Everleigh let out a small laugh. "Like what?"

"Like we’re—” He cut himself off, scowling. “Never mind. What do you want?"

She placed a hand over her heart, mock-offended. "Wow. Is that any way to talk to a friend?"

His scowl deepened. "We’re not friends."

"Not yet," she said, giving him a knowing smile.

Jace hated that smile.

Because something about it felt dangerous.

Like she knew something he didn’t. Like she was playing a game—and he was already losing.

"Stay out of my way, Carter," he muttered, pushing off his locker.

But as he walked past her, Everleigh reached out, her fingers grazing his wrist—just barely.

It was intentional. A calculated move.

And it worked.

Because the moment she touched him, Jace froze.

Like something inside him recognized her before his brain could process it.

His throat went dry. His pulse skipped.

What the hell was that?

Everleigh smiled. "See you around, Jace."

And with that, she walked away, leaving him standing there—furious, confused, and completely caught off guard.

Jace’s POV – Later That Night

Jace couldn’t stop thinking about it.

The way she said his name. The way she looked at him—like she knew him better than he knew himself.

And that touch.

It was nothing. A brief brush of fingers. But the second it happened, something inside him snapped.

Something familiar.

Like he had felt it before.

Like she had touched him before.

Jace clenched his jaw, staring at the ceiling of his bedroom, frustration boiling inside him.

Who the hell was Everleigh Carter?

And why did she make him feel like he was forgetting something important?