Page 1 of Hostile Exchange
Chapter One
Evan
The student center is swarming with families, all dressed in their Sunday best. I probably stick out like a sore thumb in my black jeans and maroon polo, but I couldn’t afford any new clothes, not even from the thrift store. Not after Mom found my stash and spent it all on Jose, Jack, and Morgan, her three favorite men. She got so wasted that night, she was hungover for like three whole days. I couldn’t even yell at her without feeling like I was kicking a dog while it was down.
My gaze strays to the blonde guy I’ve been watching all afternoon. He’s the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen. He’s got smooth, tan skin, sparkling green eyes, and a strong build that hints at the man he will become one day. His smile is dazzling, but there almost seems to be something sad hiding in eyes. I sigh at my inner thoughts. Clearly, I’ve been reading too many of the romance novels that Bee got me hooked on.
Deciding to stop acting like a creepy stalker, I make my way over to the coffee stall and get in line. The university went all out for the award ceremony. Attendees are able to order from any of the available food stalls in the student center without having to pay. I plan to hit up the Italian vendor before I leave to get something to take home. Natalie and Sarah will be so excitedto eat real food for a change. We’ve been surviving off of peanut butter and jelly for the past two weeks.
I shift my stance and accidentally bump into the person behind me. Turning to apologize, I’m rendered speechless when I meet the eyes of the guy I’ve been drooling over. “Um– sorry! I was lost in my own head,” I finally manage to get out.
The shy smile he gives me makes my heart race. “Don’t worry about it. I might have been standing a little closer than a normal person would while trying to build up the courage to introduce myself.”
My eyebrows attempt to get lost in my hairline, before I school my face. Holding my hand out for him to shake, I introduce myself, “I’m Evan.”
Taking my hand gently, he responds, “Reese.” I almost miss his name, too distracted by the sparks that shoot up my arm at his touch.
“Are you here to support someone or are you in the running for the scholarship as well?” I ask, just managing to not cringe at the basic conversation starter.
Reese’s smile drops just a little before he manages to put it back in place. “Uh yea, I’m up for the scholarship. It’s kind of a really big deal to my father.”
“That’s awesome that he’s supportive! I’m pretty sure my mom doesn’t even realize I’m not at home right now.” My eyes widen before slowly sliding shut in shame. “Please ignore me. I have a tendency to overshare when I’m nervous.” I mumble out.
Reese’s warm laugh makes my skin prickle, and the hint of mint brushing across my face has me leaning forward unconsciously. Reopening my eyes, I’m gifted with the sight ofhow laughter changes Reese’s whole demeanor. He’s naturally handsome, but the sight of him light and loose in laughter is absolutely stunning.
“I think you’re cute when you overshare,” he says, and we both blush.
Thankfully it’s my turn to order, saving me from having to respond. I place my order and move to stand at the other end of the counter. Reese joins me after placing his own order. We make awkward small talk infused with even more awkward attempts at flirting as we wait for our drinks. Coffee in hand, I’ve finally worked up the courage to ask him out, when something over my shoulder catches Reese’s attention. His entire body tenses up, and he takes a step back from me. Grabbing his coffee off the counter, he says “It was really nice to meet you, Evan. I wish things could be different,” before he turns and disappears into the crowd.
What. The. Hell?
Reese
Flirting with Evan had been so freeing. For once, I was just Reese, not Reese Kensington, son of business mogul William Kensington, but the sight of my father chatting with Chancellor Anderson brought me right back down to Earth. There is no escaping his hold on me, at least not without the trust fund my mom left me. I have to play his game for four more years, then I can finally be my real self.
Playing his game is the entire reason I’m even here today. I guess I can be a little thankful as it gave me the opportunity to meet Evan, but that is overshadowed by the much larger feelings of guilt flooding my system. The scholarship isn’t worth very much. I believe the paperwork I received said it was for $5000 a semester, which won’t go far at Harrington University, but Father insists winning will be good for “my image.” I’m sure it never even crossed his mind that there are students applying for this that actually need it. Meanwhile, that's all I can think about. Hopefully, the judges will recognize the name Kensington and give it to someone else.
I make my way to my seat and flop down, before adjusting my posture. Father would not be forgiving if he saw me slouching in public. The auditorium continues to fill as the time for the ceremony to begin approaches. Eventually, Father joins me and my mood plummets farther.
“Try to at least look appreciative, son. Public opinion means more than you realize. We have a certain standard to uphold. I will not allow you to make me look bad. Do I make myself clear?” Father’s tone is icy, but his face remains frozen in his pleasant public figure mask. The duality never ceases to shock me.
“Yes sir,” I reply, lowering my eyes.
The ceremony begins, and I do my best not to let my boredom show. It takes everything in me not to search the crowd for Evan. The resulting punishment for my distraction would not be worth the two second glance of a cute boy that I can never have. Mention of the scholarship pulls my attention back to the speaker on stage.
Chancellor Anderson waves an envelope with a flourish. “Now for the reason, you’ve all gathered here today. The winner of the Margaret Wells Scholarship is…” He fumbles with the envelope slightly before managing to get it open. “... Reese Kensington!”
Caught in my shock, I’m slow to respond. My father’s elbow in my ribs gets me moving. On my way up to the stage I catch sight of Evan. The bright smile that was on his face is gone, replaced with growing storm clouds. I have to break eye contact in order to climb the stairs up to the stage. The Chancellor and I go through the necessary song and dance of handshakes and photographs before I can make my way off the stage. On my way back to my seat I look for Evan, hoping that he’ll be able to read the apology in my eyes, but his seat is empty.Great.
Chapter Two
Three and a Half Years Later
Evan
God fucking damn him!
I don’t know how, but somehow, some way this is all Reese Kensington’s fault. I’m going to kick his fucking ass when I see him! The one good thing about this whole fucked up situation is that I actually have the upper hand physically.
