Page 20 of Unpredictable

“It’s a big school,” I say dryly.

“True.”

“So, our task…,” I offer, trying to remind him why we’re meeting in the first place.

“Not one for small talk?” He smirks.

“What can I get you today? This guy bothering you, V?” Sage asks in rapid succession.

“I’m good,” I tell her while raising a brow at Taylor.

“You know the help?” he asks while holding eye contact with me.

“Yeah, this help went to BA like you do,” Sage snaps and walks away without taking his order.

“You’re not very smart, are you?” Now it’s my turn to smirk.

“What do you mean?” Confusion is written all over his face.

“That,” I say, pointing at Sage’s retreating form, “is Sage Covington-Humphries, one day to be Yates. She’s dating Reed Yates. You just called her ‘the help.’ You have a death wish or just live under a rock?” I prop my cheek on my hand as I watch the emotions cross his face.

Confusion. Skepticism. Panic. Horror.

His face is bright red at this point. “I… I didn’t realize….” His stuttering is oddly satisfying.

“Of course you didn’t. Friendly piece of advice, don’t make assumptions. It makes you look like an ass,” I tell him with no room for argument.

After letting him stew a moment, I address him again. “Now, back to why we’re here….” Pulling out my binder, I rearrange my papers.

“But she never took my order,” he says weakly.

I put my papers down and stare him right in the eyes. “And she won’t. Now, are you up to the task of interviewing and choosing the male, or do I need to let the powers that be know that you’re a pompous ass who insulted royalty?”

I watch as he takes a deep breath. “Where were we?”

Just like that, he went from being an asshole to all business. It’s easy to see why he was chosen. I might have been wary at first, but after speaking with him and hearing his thoughts, I think that we’re going to do a good job.

Feeling accomplished, I pack my items up.

“So, want to catch a movie?” Taylor has that smug look on his face again.

“Not on your life, buddy.”

As he walks out, I wait by the hostess stand for Sage.

“Who the hell was that? Please tell me you’re not dating that imbecile,” Sage says as she pulls me to the back.

“Calm down. I’m not dating Taylor.”

“What the fuck then?” she asks as soon as she closes the office door behind us.

“We’re working on a project together.”

Sage rolls her eyes. “I might have been born at night, but not last night. Finishing Class doesn’t have homework or projects.”

“So skeptical,” I tease. “Taylor is in my sociology class with me. Since we attend the same school, we decided to partner for this group project.”

I hate lying to her, but the rules are there for a reason.

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