Page 13 of Race to Me

“What is it with you and your obsession with lattes?”

I sip on my creamy drink, ignoring Kate’s judgmental glare. “I’ll have you know that this keeps me alive.” I hold up my cup while we walk onto campus.

Kate smirks, tossing her crimson hair over her shoulder. “From all that studying you do?”

“Yes,” I reply, smiling. “And cheer, plus gym with you before that.”

“Hm,” She taps her chin, looking mischievous. “Want to do something fun this weekend?”

“Can’t, I’m—”

“—Studying. Yeah, I know, but you’ve moved up in the world, Sky. We have this big old campus. You need your introduction to the real college experience.”

“I have a game this weekend.” I grip the cup tighter in my hand, inhaling the warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla. “Plus, I go to Brett’s Frat parties.”

“That was once, and I forced you,” Kate laughs. “Doesn’t count.”

We pass by tall brick buildings. Students flutter around us, trying to get to class. It’s so insanely busy around here, I wonder if we’ll be late.

Hopefully, it’s something calm. “So, where would you like to go then?”

With a calm shrug, she turns around and walks backward, facing me. “How about Bike Night?”

My eyes widen in surprise. “What’s that?”

Kate chuckles, placing her hands on her hips. “You really do need to get out more. Every weekend, everyone goes to the strip and they race. It’s really fun. I’ve only been a few times, but I think you’d like it.”

My head tilts back in laughter; she knows I never go to the strip. Influential people aren’t allowed there, or whatever bullshit my parents said. “Why would that be something I’d like?”

Twirling her hair, she heightens her voice. “Because Ghost is there,”

I try not to spill my coffee. “And?”

“And you like him. If I would have known you were into the whole bad boy vibe, I would have taken you years ago!”

I play off her accusation with a chuckle. “I don’t even know him.”

Finally, we reach the courtyard. Kate hops onto a short brick wall. Our classes don’t start for another ten minutes. “You don’t have to know someone to want them in bed.”

“Kate,” I snap, rolling my eyes. “It’s not like that.”

She nods, gesturing up and down my body. “If it’s not like that, then why are you wearing this?”

“What?” I fake innocence, knowing full well that my outfit had been specifically chosen to impress Mr. Tattoos and Obsidian Eyes. I can’t get him out of my head, and I don’t know why. He’s just stuck there, and I haven’t seen him all week.

He’s finally back today.

Kate hops off, circling around me like a flaming vulture. “Beach waves, minimal make-up, but no foundation.” I didn’t want to cover my freckles, but I don’t tell her that. “Short summer dress, but still innocent. I guarantee you that you changed in the car, so your mom didn’t see.”

I sigh, growing annoyed; she was already gone shopping for the day when I left. “Are you in the CIA? It’s just clothes.”

Kate nods, narrowing her eyes. “Clothes specifically picked out for the mysterious bad boy on campus.”

“Again, it’s not like that.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t care; I think it’s hot. Sweet innocent girl meets the dangerous, tattooed college boy. It would make a good smutty novel.”

“I’m peacing out of this convo!”

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