Page 52 of Tutoring the Bad Boy
I’m smiling, but on the inside, I’m shaken. Yes, Kaleb was teasing me. It’s all an act, but I realize it would be effortless to fall for all of it. His kisses, his smile, and how easy it is to be around him. I told myself I’d deal with the devastation later…and I will. Tonight when I get home, I’ll have a good cry about whatever I thought this could be and remember to stick to the plan the next time I see him.
Taking a deep breath, I reach for a fry and dip it in his ketchup while Kaleb watches me. The flavor explodes in my mouth, and I moan. I hold my hand in front of my mouth. “Oh my goodness. This is amazing.” I can’t even point to a time when I remember having a regular French fry. A couple months ago we had rutabaga fries, but they were nothing compared to the culinary delight I’m chewing on.
A smile lights up his entire face, and he pops a fry into his mouth. When he finishes chewing, he says, “They’ve got some good food here. You should try the quesadilla.”
“Next time.”
The second it’s out of my mouth, I can’t help but wonder if there will be a next time. As soon as my mother gets wind of this, I’ll probably never be seen out in public again. Maybe she’ll ship me off to the nunnery like Ophelia inHamlet. That would be a fitting end to this “love” story.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Kaleb
Next time.
The way it comes out doesn’t sound so hopeful. I can’t really blame Ginny. Once her mom catches her sneaking out, she’s done for. The thought squeezes my chest. I feel things for her that I’ve never felt with someone else. I told her I was teasing, but that’s only because I chickened out of telling the truth. The war inside my head about this thing with her is frying my brain. Most of the time, I’m as surprised as her by what flies out of my mouth.
Ginny grabs another fry, dips it in ketchup, and looks to the ocean where a few people our age are playing in the water. When she finishes the fry, she says, “That water has to be freezing.”
“We could find out.”
She looks at me. “What?”
I shoot her a smile. “You heard me.”
Shaking her head, she grabs another fry and pops it into her mouth. “I’m good.”
“Chicken.”
“I amnota chicken…I just…”
My jaw drops. “Have you ever been in the water here?”
Slowly, she shakes her head. “My mom says it’s not very clean.”
Of course her mom would say something like that. I’ve lived here my whole life, swam in that ocean every summer, and I haven’t grown two heads or webbed fingers. I get up and hold out my hand. “Come on, we’re taking a dip.”
She catches her bottom lip with her teeth, and I can see in her eyes the debate that’s going on.
“You’re a rebel now, remember?”
Her lips curve into a smile that nearly takes my breath away. My heart races, and a warmth spreads into my soul. When my parents were together, my dad would say things to my mom like,I love waking up to you.
At the time, I didn’t understand what he was saying, but as I look at Ginny, I can feel the words. I can see myself taking her hand and dancing in the living room and bringing her flowers. I can see so many things I’ve never pictured before.
Ginny reaches out and takes my hand. “You might have to throw me in.”
“Challenge accepted.” I chuckle.
I pull her from the chair and lead her to the sand. We’ll take care of the food later. Before we reach the edge of the surf, she kicks off her sandals, stacks her purse on top of them, and I take off my shoes and tuck my phone in one of them. A warm, gentle breeze mixes with whatever fruity bodywash or shampoo Ginny’s wearing, and my pulse jumps again. It’s an absolutely perfect night. I’m really grateful to be with Ginny Gray.
Right before the water touches her toes, she jumps back. “You first.”
“Okay, but if I go first, you have to follow. No matter what I do.”
Her eyes narrow. “No. Way.”
“Chicken.”
