The Billionaire Boys Club (Billionaire Romance Series Book 1(14)

“I love them,” Jessica said.

They reached their dorm and headed up the stairs. Kelsey opened the door to their room and lay down on the bed, smartphone in hand. Jessica dropped her coat on her chair, put the fleece on top of it, and retrieved her own phone. She sat on her own bed and put the list next to her.

“The best thing about this,” Jessica said, as she typed the name of one of the books into Amazon, “is that I use my parents’ account. With any luck, they won’t make me pay them back.”



Kelsey laughed. “I’m just happy that we found them cheaper,” she said. Buying them used had saved Kelsey over $900.

“Me too. Who can afford those prices? I mean if you don’t have access to Daddy’s gold card.”



“I guess they figure you’re paying so much for tuition, what’s five thousand dollars more?”



“Five thousand dollars more you have to come up with after graduation,” Jessica said. “That’s crazy. Next semester, I’m going to order them in advance. By the way, I got the nutshells for Civil Procedure, Torts and Property. You’re welcome to use them.”



“Thanks,” Kelsey said gratefully.

“They’ll come on Thursday. Sorry, Kelsey, I love you, but Amazon is the best thing to come out of Washington.”



“You probably flew a Boeing jet out here.” Kelsey grinned.

“True, but I could have taken the train. Amazon just saved me a bundle. When we were standing in the bookstore, I was wondering how much I could dilute my shampoo and whether I could do without toothpaste for a year.”



“I was too. I thought maybe I’d raid my parents’ house when I went back at Thanksgiving,” Kelsey said. “By the way, don’t forget that you’re invited.”



“Thanks,” Jessica said. She stood up and picked up the fleece. “I’ll go if I haven’t packed up and fled back home after our first few weeks.” Jessica put on the navy fleece jacket and untucked her hair with her hand. She zipped it up. “So soft. This is really nice.”



Kelsey sat up and reached over to give it a stroke. “Good quality,” she said.

“You’re the expert,” Jessica said, putting her hands in the pockets. “You guys sell these, right?”



“Fifteen brands, twenty-three colors,” Kelsey replied.

“Is it weird working for your parents?” Jessica asked.

“We’ve had the store since I was three,” Kelsey said, “So I don’t really know what it would be like not to.”



“I can’t imagine working with my parents. We’d fight everyday. I mean we do anyway, but it would be weirder.” Jessica removed the fleece and lay down on the bed. “I thought I’d be reading my new textbooks right now.”



“Count the money you saved instead.” Kelsey grinned. Smartphone in hand, she sent a text to her mom letting her know about the Amazon charges. Her mom replied that it wasn’t a problem, and that she appreciated Kelsey letting her know. Kelsey put the phone to the side.

“What time is it, Kels?” Kelsey picked up the phone she had just put to the side.

“4:15.”



“I think I’m going to take a nap before dinner. The stroke I got from seeing those prices made me tired. How about you?”



“I think I’ll go for a quick run,” Kelsey said.

“You Northwesterners are sickeningly healthy,” Jessica groused.

“Interesting combination of words,” Kelsey said, standing up. She walked over to her dresser and got out running shorts, sports bra and a short-sleeved shirt.

“Where will you go running?”



Kelsey thought for a moment. Darrow was situated on a lovely lakefront beach, and of course the athletic center had a track, but there was a part of her that wanted to get away from campus for a bit.

“McGilvra, I think. South,” she said as she slipped on her clothes and shoes.

“And how long will you be gone? I’m channeling my mother,” Jessica explained.

Kelsey grinned. “Only an hour or so. I just need to get some fresh air.”



“OK, be safe. Don’t forget your ID.”



“Right. Thanks,” Kelsey said. Now that all of the students had their IDs, they would be checked at the gate upon entry. Otherwise, people had to wait at the gatehouse to be verified as students or invited guests. Darrow Law School had reopened for business and there was no time for tourists. Kelsey slipped the ID around her neck and clipped on her mp3 player. She put the earbuds in her ears.

“See you later,” Jessica said, turning on her side and putting her face in her pillow.



Kelsey left the room. She headed out of the dorm and did a light jog past some of her fellow dorm mates who were slowly walking back under the weight of their purchases from the bookstore. She jogged out past the gatehouse and turned right, heading for McGilvra. Once she reached the street she turned south, down the tree-lined promenade.

As Kelsey ran down the quiet street, she found her mind emptying. Her breathing became faster, but her tension began to melt away. Had it really only been this morning when she and Jessica were running late for school? And had it really only been yesterday when she had woken up in her childhood bed, ready for an adventure? Kelsey felt she had lived lifetimes in the past 24 hours.