Filthy Foreign Exchange(28)

Once we park, she’s out of the truck and running to the social circle gathered on the sidewalk, suddenly unconcerned with all the burning questions she had on the trip over. But, as always, I remind myself of our long-standing friendship and the acceptance that comes, on both our parts, with it.

As previously agreed upon, I enter the classroom and head for the back row while Kingston’s eyes find me. He gives me nothing more than a small smile and wink.

Luckily for him, continuing our “game” doesn’t draw attention to me and I can do calculus in my sleep, so I damn near giggle when my phone stirs in my pocket.

Kingston: The one on my left…Echo Meter?

I know of the girl to his left, and want not only to make sure he understands, but to up my repartee to make things more interesting. I Google quickly just to confirm my usage is correct, then reply.

Me: She’s a strumpet. Definite 0. Maybe even -1.

Kingston: Strumpet, you say? Bloody brilliant!

Me: You’re too good to be a punter.

Oh, he’s impressed. And I know this because he turns in his seat, links our gazes, and dazzles me with a pleased smile.

There’s no sense in denying the fluttered breath that whooshes past my lips, and I bow my head quickly to hide my blush.

Kingston: And the one to my right?

Me: Is. My. Brother’s. Girlfriend.

Kingston: I know that. Does SHE?

Me: Yes. She’s just a flirt, and trying to keep up with all the other girls hogging your attention.

Kingston: I’d feel safer if I came back there and sat by you.

I scoff out loud, and hear his responding chuckle from across the room.

Me: You’ll be fine.

Kingston: Doubtful. But if I survive, wait for me after class?

Me: Okay, but just you. By my truck. Lose the harem.

Kingston: Done.

~~~~~

Even though I sit in the back row, I’m the first one out the door when class is over. Savannah told me earlier that she was going shopping with one of the girls in class after, so I could jump in my truck and hightail it out of here right now.

If I wasn’t anxious to see why Kingston wanted to meet.

“Love.”

He saunters up to me, alone, wearing a smirk that oozes with saucy confidence. He’s dressed in a dark-green button-up that highlights those peridot flecks in his eyes that once you notice the first time, you notice every time.

“Text addict,” I reply, earning his deep, hearty laugh. “To what do I owe this impromptu meeting?”

“I have an idea, to which I’m hoping you’ll agree.” It’s subtle, but he moves in closer, and his voice drops to a sinister octave. “Let’s go do something fun tonight, just you and me.”

“Like?” I’m sure the skepticism in my tone matches my expression, but I also know it certainly contrasts that of my inner excitement.

“Lady’s choice.” He takes my hand and brushes his plush lips over my wrist lightly. “You’re even more radiant than usual today—playful. I’m inclined to prolong that for as much time as humanly possible.”

“You’re pretty ornery yourself today.” I don’t know what I’m doing with my voice and body language that feels foreign—possibly a really pathetic attempt at flirting?

My mood instantly sours, though, my face crumpling in disappointment. “You’re forgetting one thing: my parents.” And I’m forgetting that Kingston is off limits.

“Echo,” he responds with a laugh, “how much trouble can possibly be found on a Monday night—especially by you? Give your mum a bell and ask. She’ll say yes.”

“Okaaay,” I drawl, pulling out my phone. I’m pretty sure whatever he just said means call her.

Luck seems to be on my side, as my mom is the one to answer on the second ring. And when I throw in words like “studying” and “calculus,” she readily says yes.

I just stare at the phone after I hang up, feeling amazed…and way too eager.

Kingston’s chuckle snares my attention back to him, his face alive with amusement.

“Was I right?”

“Yes, but we have to talk about calculus at least once, so I didn’t just completely lie to my mother.”

“It’s a bloody shame we don’t take chemistry together.” He cocks his head to the side and grins smugly, awaiting my reaction.

I roll my eyes, ignoring the flare of sparks going off in rapid succession inside me but unable to keep myself from smiling just slightly. “Stop.”

“It’s sorted, then,” he responds, ignoring my last comment. “Where to?”





Chapter 12


“I’ll drive,” I say firmly.

To my surprise, Kingston doesn’t argue as he opens my door for me and gives me a look of understanding from beneath his thick lashes. “Of course.”

Without words, we agree that driving my truck around town will go much more unnoticed than his, and we might just manage to enjoy some privacy. Doubtful, since the females of Kelly Springs seem to have hormonal GPS on his whereabouts at all times, but this plan definitely increases our odds—not to mention, my father would not be happy to find out I rode with the self-proclaimed speed junkie driving.

Kingston gets in and casts me a sidelong smile, everything he’s not saying stirring in his gray eyes.