Page 55 of Bad Boy
“Maybe not, but he’s still trouble. Do you know why he left Detroit?”
I purse my lips and look to the side, peering into the dark abyss of trees. I don’t answer him because no, I don’t know. Remi and I haven’t gotten that deep yet.
“Well, I’m not at liberty to discuss what happened, but I’d advise you to find a new friend. After what I saw tonight, he’s walking a fine line with expulsion, and it’s concerning. You’ve been on the straight and narrow your entire high school career, and I’d hate to see things change now, so close to the end. I know your parents. And I know the strict path they have you on for Columbia. You don’t want to get mixed up with someone so volatile. So dangerous.”
I wouldn’t normally talk back to a teacher like this, especially one I thought I respected so much. I’m more of a quiet listener. Non-confrontational. But Dr. Benson needs to know he has Remi pegged all wrong.
“He doesn’t judge me. Doesn’t think I’m afreak. And he’s nicer than ninety-nine percent of the students here. And you’re wrong about my parents, too. They actually love him.”
I grin, realizing he doesn’t know who Remi is, and I get to be the one to tell him.
“He’s Mr. Keller’s grandson.”
“Richard Keller?” he asks, eyebrows shooting up his forehead.
“Yep,” I say with a pop.
“Wow. Interesting. And unexpected.” His eyes dart back to Remi and mine follow.
He’s sitting by the fire, legs stretched out in front of him while he assembles another hot dog. His hoodie is off, warm enough from the mild evening and heat from the fire.
My hungry eyes trace over him. His long sleeves are pushed to his elbows, showing off the tattoos decorating his smooth skin. I watch in fascination as he adds every condiment known to mankind and takes a big bite—relish and mustard overflowing onto his fingers.
He sticks his middle and index fingers into his mouth and pulls them out slowly, glancing up to look at us in the process.
My tongue darts out to lick at my dry lips. Thinking about Remi shoving those thick fingers somewhere else has my dick instantly plumping up.
Good grief.
I clear my throat awkwardly, hoping no one can see the inappropriate semi in my cargo pants.
Dr. Benson and I look away quickly, although I know we were staring for different reasons.
“I still think you need to be careful, Lincoln. I’m not trying to upset you; again, I can’t tell you much. But he does seem to leave destruction in his wake.”
“Can I go back now?” I nearly cut him off.
That’s not fair. What he said is not fair at all, and I don’t like it.
He sighs wearily again, and I swear he’s going to leave this trip with his first gray hair. “Yes, Lincoln. Just. . . watch your back around him.”
“You’ve got it all wrong. Remi’s the one who’s been watchin’ my back, Dr. Benson.The only one.” I take a step backward, away from him. “I’ll see you at breakfast. Have a good night.” I spin on my heel and march back to the campfire, intent on leaving.
“Try it.” Remi holds his arm straight out at me as I step closer. Toasted marshmallow goo and melted chocolate ooze from between two golden graham crackers. It looks pretty good but. . . messy.
“I’m full.”
“A bite. . .”
I shake my head, plopping back down next to him for a moment.
He lowers his voice. “For me?”
His eyes dart back and forth between mine before flicking down to my lips for a brief second. And I know he’s thinking the same thing as me.
Kiss me. Please, just kiss me.
Would it matter?
