Page 119 of Even Exchange

Coach Bexley walks away, and the wait for the elevator feels like hours as Charlotte remains quiet, tugging my jacket tight around her.

“I was going to tell you,” I say.

“It’s fine.” She waves me off.

“He asked me about this extra training, and Coach Porter insisted, and?—”

“Noah,” she says, cutting me off with a smile. “I’m not mad. I get it, you have a job you have to get back to. I didn’t think we could play hot teacher forever.”

The elevator dings, and we step inside. When the doors close, securing us in privacy, I nudge her against the wall, towering over her.

“But Ms. Benson, I have a very long lesson plan, and participation is a significant part of your grade.”

“What’s next on the syllabus?” she asks, staring up at me with a teasing smile.

“Showing me how good you are on your knees.”

She nudges me forward and drops to the floor, staring up at me with beautiful doe eyes. “Yes, Professor.”

IT:Mi piaci da impazzire- EN - I like you like crazy.

IT:Non fermarmi mai. Per favore, non mi stoppare mai.- EN: Never stop me.

IT:“Ah sì? Ti piace quando ti parlo in italiano?”- EN: Oh yes? Do you like it when I speak to you in Italian?

22

CHARLOTTE

NOAH

Me

Fun Fact: There are around 80 Lego bricks for every person on earth

I sigh, staring at the phone as I’m snuggled in my tiny bed. Noah had to clear his cabin since he wasn’t returning, so no more sprawling for me.

The room is dark and quiet. Andi’s been asleep for hours, so it’s just me, my thoughts, and this unanswered message. I sent it around lunch time, and I know Noah’s busy, but I thought he’d at least text me before bed. Especially because of his cute obsession with Legos.

Maybe this really was all for show.

At the gala, I thought we were starting to have something real, but maybe he’s a professor of Faking It too. Tossing my phone next to me, I force my eyes shut, opting to dream about him instead.

I awake in the morning to a text.

Noah

Apparently I’ve got enough for half the population of CBU

Staring down at the message, I ponder if I should text back immediately. Wouldn’t want to seem desperate.Desperate or confident?

Me

Thought you’d like it

Noah

Have a good day, soffione

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