My palms sweat as I take the jacket from him. “I don’t . . . I didn’t mean . . . I can’t . . .”

How am I supposed to explain why I stole some of the stuff that was in the pocket of the jacket? How am I supposed to explain why I steal? I wish I was more like Wynter. If she was in this position, she’d just play it off as being a badass rebel. But I always feel so guilty and ashamed when I get caught doing something wrong, and I’m sure it shows on my face.

“I’m fine . . . Thanks . . . for helping me,” I manage to get out.

“Don’t worry about it,” Grey says. “I get it.”

“Get what?”

He offers me sympathetic smile that only puzzles me more. “That sometimes people hit rough spots in their life and have to do extreme things to survive.”

I’m even more confounded. Does he think I was shoplifting because I had to? Like I needed all those things I stole? Is that why he helped me out?

I should correct him, tell him I wasn’t surviving anything except the frustration in my life. I just have issues, and I’m a terrible, messed up person. But before I get the chance, Beckett strolls into the classroom.

“Aw, look at this. My two favorite people in the whole, wide world hanging,” Beckett says as he plants his ass on my desk. “What a great way to start the day.”

I note his bloodshot eyes. “You’re high already,” I mouth.

He grins goofily and mouths, “I needed cheering up.”

I bite back a smile. When Beckett’s in a good mood, he can be quite charming, but I don’t want to encourage him.

He winks at me before turning to Grey. “So you’re still on academic probation, huh? That fucking sucks.”

“Yeah, I’m hoping to catch up by the end of the week so I can play in Friday’s game,” he grumbles in frustration. “But I’m not sure if I’ll be able to pull it off. I suck at this class, man.”

Beckett deliberates something before his gaze glides to me. “Luna’s pretty good at it. Maybe she can help you.”

“Willow is better than I am.” I give him a pleading look not to push this. Even before Grey found out I’m a klepto, I don’t think I could’ve handle being alone with him. “You should ask her to do it.”

Beckett dismisses me with a wave of his hand. “Don’t listen to Luna,” he tells Grey. “She’s just being shy.”

“No, I’m not.” I blast Beckett with a look. “I’m just being honest. I’m not as good at this as Willow is, and you know as well as I do that she’s a way better tutor.”

“I’d love it if you could, but it’s okay if you don’t want to,” Grey says, but he seems disappointed.

Beckett gives me a what’s-wrong-with-you look that makes me feel like the biggest jerk ever. I’m being rude after Grey saved my butt from getting busted at Benny’s. I kind of owe him.

“No, it’s okay,” I tell Grey. “If you want me to tutor you, then I can.”

Grey smiles a full-on, genuine smile. “Thanks. I’d really appreciate it, and I promise I’ll be the best student ever.”

I return his smile, but on the inside, I’m a wreck. Why the heck did I just agree to tutor him? Grey freakin’ Sawyer. The guy who made me feel like a loser. The guy who knows my dirty, little secret. He knows stuff about me I don’t want people to know. And now I’m just going to what? Spend hours with him, trying to help him get better with English class and hope he doesn’t want to talk about what I did?

Then there’s my mom. She’s going to freak if she finds out I’m hanging out with a guy, even if it’s just to study. She always gets that way when I try to spend time with guys she doesn’t know. She still acts like a weirdo whenever I mention Ari and Beckett.

As reality sets in, I open my mouth to retract my offer, to tell Grey that I have something else I need to do, but the bell rings, and people come pouring into the classroom.

While there’s a distraction, Beckett pulls a crinkled envelope from his pocket and lays it on Grey’s desk.

“Thanks, man.” Grey doesn’t appear very happy about the envelope as he picks it up and stuffs it into his backpack. Then he collects a small box from his backpack, and with his fingers gripping it tightly, he hands it to Beck. “Here you go.”

“Thanks, man,” Beckett says, taking the box from him. “And let me know what you decide.”

Grey bobs his head up and down, shoving the envelope into his bag.

Curious about what’s going on, I attempt to capture Beck’s gaze, but he refuses to make eye contact with me.

“I should probably bounce. I mean, I do have class,” Beck says to no one in particular.

Just then, Logan, one of Grey’s friends, drops his books on the desk in front of mine. “What’s up fuckheads?” he greets Grey and Beckett. Then his gaze lands on me, and a grin plasters across his face. “Hey, what happened to the grandma outfit you were wearing this morning?”

“I ditched it,” I mutter, opening up my textbook.

“Yeah, I don’t blame you,” he sneers. “You looked like a fucking hideous beast.”

“Dude, shut up.” Beckett rises to his feet and gets in Logan’s face. “Don’t talk to her like that.”

“Beck, it’s fine.” I snag his sleeve and haul him back, not wanting him to get in a fight. “He’s right. I did look like a hideous beast.”

“See? She agrees with me.” Logan flashes me what he probably thinks is a charming grin.

I stare at him, unimpressed. Gag me.

“I thought I was having flashbacks from last year,” Logan rambles on, “when you used to dress like a homeless person all the time. Glad you weren’t stupid enough to go back to that look.”

“Just say the word, and I’ll punch him in the face,” Beckett says to me, looking eager to please.

I’m not about to get Beck into trouble. “Beck, I said it’s—”

“Quit being an asshole, Logan,” Grey interrupts in a harsh tone. He keeps his gaze fixed on his book, flipping through the pages. “Not everyone has the privilege of being a spoiled, little rich kid who never has to worry about money.”

Beckett gives me a questioning glance then leans in and puts his lips beside my ear. “Why is Grey Sawyer standing up for you?” he whispers. “I mean, I love you to death, Lu, and I think you’re fucking amazing, but Grey doesn’t get involved with other people’s drama.” He moves back, raising his voice. “That’s my thing.”

“Yes, it is.” I stress each syllable. “And maybe you should really think about what you just said, considering you’re always chewing out Wynter for being a drama queen.”

His brows furrow as if he just realizes they both share the same trait. “Interesting thought process.” He rubs his jawline. “I’m going to have to think about that one for a while.”

“Maybe you should do that when you’ve done a little less.” I put two fingers up to my lips and suck in a breath.

He aims a finger at me as he backs down the aisle. “Good idea. Although, I’ll probably forget about this conversation by the time that happens.”

“Beckett Vincent, get to your own class,” Mr. Gartying barks as he strides into the classroom, carrying a stack of papers.

“Yes, sir.” Beckett salutes the teacher before spinning on his heels and disappearing into the hallway.

Mr. Gartying shakes his head as he sets the papers down on his desk. “Everyone take a seat and turn to the page written on the board while I take roll.”

I rack my mind for an excuse to give Grey that will get me out of tutoring him as I open my book to the correct page. But everything I come up with seems lame and rude, and I don’t want to be a lame or rude person to anyone, no matter who they are or what they did to me.

“You okay?” Grey whispers to me from across the aisle. “I know Logan can be a dick sometimes.”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I reply. “And it’s not that big of a deal. He was right about my outfit, anyway.”

“It doesn’t matter if he was right.” He keeps his voice low. “He shouldn’t be an asshole just because he’s rich and doesn’t know what it’s like to struggle.”