Page 72 of The Ruse

Man, things could get complicated if I started having feelings for him. I had a date with Nash next weekend. I couldn’t start liking his rival at the same time I was trying to make something happen with him.

Was it even possible to like two guys at the same time?

“Well, I’m glad you both survived.” Miss Crawley clapped her hands together, bringing my attention back to the present. “Now if you two can quickly pack your things, Owen and I have snowmobiles waiting outside to take you home.”

Miss Crawley haddonuts and hot chocolate waiting at the truck that was parked on the recently plowed main road. The treats were a “please, forgive me for forgetting you” gesture.

And it was so sweet of her to do that.

It took us about an hour to make it back to the school, since we had to drive so slowly on the icy roads. I was glad to be back in the place I’d called home since September, and it was also kind of nice to see how many of our classmates were relieved to see Asher and me and hear how worried they’d been.

A few of the girls in our house even gave Asher a hug when we walked into the common room, which I could tell from the look on his face shocked him a little.

But he was sweet and hugged them back, and even told them he was happy to see them again when they told him how sad they’d been when they realized he wasn’t with them.

I knew it was such a simple thing, but it was nice to see his countenance brighten more and more as each classmate gave him the warm welcome back that he should have received when he returned to the school a week and a half ago.

“So, how was it staying in the cabin all alone with Asher?” Ava asked when we made it up to our room a few minutes later. “I see you survived, at least.”

“It was good,” I said, chuckling. “Imighthave overreacted just a little when I FaceTimed you.”

“So, do you have a major crush on him now?”

“What?” I asked, my voice going higher. “No, of course not.”

“It’s okay if you do.” Ava sat on the foot of my bed next to where I’d set my suitcase down. “I mean, he’s super hot, and I know you’ve always had a thing for guys like him.”

Why is she saying this?

Did I look weird when Asher and I walked into the common room together?

I’d tried so hard to seem normal and not at all conflicted.

I pulled my dirty clothes out of my suitcase and threw them into the dirty laundry basket, hoping to seem unruffled. “Asher is good-looking,” I said. “And I’ve liked guys like him in the past.” I grabbed my pajamas and chucked them into the hamper. “But those guys never worked out for a reason.” I paused for a second before adding, “Plus, I like Nash.”

And I had a date with Nash next week.

A reallyamazingdate, from what he’d told me of his plans.

“I know, I’m just teasing.” Ava smirked. “Nash is great. And speaking of Nash…how did things go with him this weekend? Did you finally kiss him?”

“Well…” I started, not really sure how to explain.

“You did?” Ava sat up straighter.

“Um, well. How do I put this?” I scrunched up my nose. “I certainlytriedto.” I had tried to do the bold thing that she and Cambrielle had suggested I do.

“What do you mean you tried to?” Ava’s eyebrows knitted together.

I sighed as I pulled my makeup bag from my suitcase. “Well, Cambrielle and I came up with this whole plan to get Nash and me alone on the deck on Friday night. So I went out there, and I saw him leaning against the wall. I couldn’t really see his face, but I was pretty sure it was him, so I just went for it and kissed him.”

“But it wasn’t him?” Ava covered her mouth, her eyes growing wide with shock. “You kissed someone else?”

I nodded, feeling the guilt wash over me again. “And it wasn’t like just a peck, either.” I whispered, “I, like, wentallin.”

“You made out with someone?” Ava asked. “Who was it?”

“It was Asher.” I covered my eyes, reliving the horror I’d felt when I realized I had kissed the wrong guy. “It was dark, and he was wearing a beanie, and I couldn’t see his face.”

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