Page 23 of Tutoring the Bad Boy
Chris looks out to the water. “Dixie’s place is five minutes away. Let’s do this.”
I tease him. “You ready to be ignored?”
“I’ve mastered the art of it.”
Chris is obviously being funny because I know chicks love him. We’ve been referred to as “the heartbreakers.” I understand where we got the reputation, but I’m determined to turn a new leaf.
Rolling up to Dixie’s, I see a few kids from school walking up the stone steps to her palatial house overlooking the ocean. The Joneses have a ton of money. I think her dad is a lawyer, ironically. I won’t be asking him for any career tips.
Chris brings a hand to the collar of his t-shirt. “I guess I shoulda worn my tie.”
“Dixie may be rich, but she’s more Texas than Texas.”
We walk up the steps, and I can see through the glass front door, all the way through the house and out back where there’s an infinity pool with a bunch of kids standing around it. I ring the doorbell and wait. I’ve gotta at least look polite.
Dixie’s mother, Jolene, pulls it open. In the corner of my eye, I see Chris looking toward the ground. I know what he’s thinking. Jolene Jones has never dressed like a mom, at least not to me. Her sunflower dress is tinier than it should be, and I’m pretty sure she knows it.
“Hey, boys!” Jolene flings the door open, and we step inside.
“Hey, Mrs. Jones.”
“We’re so happy to have you,” Jolene says with a twang.
“Thanks.”
I’ve never actually been inside Dixie’s house before, but I’ve heard about it. It’s got everything you would expect from a glass house on the beach. The Joneses definitely have something to prove.
Jolene leads us out back. “We’ve got burgers and hotdogs. There’s coleslaw and beans too.”
Chris puts down his skateboard. “Smells good.”
I can’t smell any of it because, for a moment, I stop dead in my tracks and feel the air kicked out of my chest. Ginny is standing by the pool, a red plastic cup in her hand, and she looks drop-dead gorgeous.
I’m not talking Dixie Jones gorgeous. Ginny is on a whole other level, and I can’t figure out why she’s an absolute magnet for me. She’s not one of those girls who tries very hard. She’s just effortlessly stunning. Her blonde hair sits perfectly on her naturally-defined shoulders that are shown off by the tank top she’s wearing.
As if she can sense that I’m staring at her, Ginny turns her head, and our eyes lock. The magnetic pull is made all the more clear. Everyone else at the party seems to disappear while Ginny and I stare at each other. A twisted grin comes to my lips. It’s been three days since the kiss, but it feels like an eternity.
Ginny turns away and starts talking to Dixie, who wears a pair of cutoff Daisy Dukes and a halter top. Considering that Ginny hasn’t been talking much to me, I should mingle and ignore her. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to do that. I walk out the back door and straight to Ginny. Her face registers a shocked look.
“Kaleb.”
“Ginny.”
Dixie looks from Ginny to me and back like she’s watching a tennis match. “Why do I feel like I need to excuse myself?”
I turn to Dixie. “Do you mind if I talk to my girlfriend for a minute?”
Dixie’s jaw practically drops to the floor as her eyes widen. She blinks a second like she’s trying to decide if she should ask questions or not. Dixie and Ginny share a look, and she finally asks, “You need a refill, Ginny?” She points to Ginny’s plastic cup. Obviously, our dating status will be the topic of a later discussion.
Ginny hands it over. “Thanks.”
Dixie smiles, eyeing me a second longer. “I’ll be right over there.”
I turn back to Ginny. “Why have you been so quiet?” I’m surprised by my boldness.
“I…” Ginny stammers a little. “I’ve just been focusing on my own classes. I need good grades too.”
She’s lying to me. “What about our plan?”
