Page 61 of The Jack*ss in Class

I pulled on the sweats, which were indeed too big but soft and comfortable. As I tugged the t-shirt over my head, I noticed it featured the art from a dragon-shifter paranormal romance novel.

“You like romance?” I asked, gesturing to the shirt.

“Love it. It’s basically all I read.” She sighed happily. “I’m obsessed with this dragon-shifter series right now.I’m a sucker for forced proximity trope. Like... there’s only one bed? Hell, yeah.” Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “Know anything about that trope?”

I swallowed hard. “I might have read a few.”

“Although, I’m a bit distracted by this sports romance series.” She jumped down from the washing machine and gathered my muddy clothes. “The author is super secretive about their identity, which of course has everyone freaking out trying to find out who they are. Everyone in my plus-size book club has theories about who it could be.”

My throat went dry. “Really?”

“Mmhmm. The books are based on Shakespeare plays, but with, you know, sexy times.” She winked. “The newest one’s coming out soon. I have it preordered, but also notifications set up for her InstaSnap account and FlipFlop and everything.”

“Sounds... interesting,” I managed.

“You should check it out. I think you’d like it. The heroines are all smart women who don’t take any crap from the heroes.” She started the washing machine. “Speaking of which, my brother isn’t giving you any trouble, is he? Because I can totally take him down if necessary.”

“No,” I said, surprised by the protectiveness in her voice. “Flynn’s been... unexpectedly nice.”

Jules studied me for a long moment. “He’s different with you. Usually he’s all charm and swagger, but with you, he’s more... himself.” She shrugged. “It’s weird. Good weird.”

Before I could process that, Flynn appeared in thedoorway, still shirtless but significantly less muddy and a little wet. Looking like that, he wasn’t the only one who was going to be wet.

“Jules, are you interrogating my guest?”

“Of course.” She grinned unrepentantly. “Someone has to vet the first girl you’ve actually liked in... ever.”

“I like plenty of girls,” Flynn protested.

“For exactly two weeks,” Jules shot back. To me, she added, “You’ve already outlasted his usual expiration date, which means you’re special.”

But also... “I’m not, we’re not?—”

“That’s enough,” Flynn said, but there was no heat in it. “Dad called. He’s picking up lunch on his way home and wants to know if you’re staying, Tempest.”

The invitation hung in the air. Jules looked at me expectantly.

“I should probably get back to campus,” I said, though part of me wanted to stay. “I have a deadline for... a paper.”

“Let me drive you back when your clothes are done,” Flynn said, disappointment flashing across his face before his easy smile returned.

“I can take her,” Jules offered. “I’m heading to the library anyway. We can get to know each other better.” She waggled her eyebrows at Flynn, who looked mildly terrified.

“That’s okay,” I said quickly. “I have my own car.”

“Next time, then.” Jules’s smile was determined. “Because there will be a next time.”

I had no doubt about that, and honestly, I was looking forward to coming back to the Kingmans’. Which is not something I ever thought I’d think. It was probably areally bad idea to let Flynn get into my heart. Uh, I mean his family.

One more sister was definitely not what I needed. Even if I really liked her, and her older brother.

Mierda.

HE FELL FIRST

FLYNN

The door hadn’t even closed behind Tempest before Jules pounced.

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