Page 30 of Lodged

“Remember my teacher? The one who lent me his car?” Rain nods with a huge grin on her face.

“Well, we’ve gone out a couple of times.” I giggle and kick my feet in the air as Rain jumps up from her bed.

“Shut up! You’re dating an older man?” she asks as she gets back in bed with me.

“Ew, no. Gio is like thirty,” I tell her, and she nods as she bites her lip.

“Okay, tell me more. What does he look like? Why do you like him? Where have you guys been? Tell me everything.”

I chuckle at her enthusiasm, but I can’t help but get excited as I begin to share.

“He’s tall, with blond hair—shorter on the sides and longer on top. Sometimes it curls, which issohot. He has the most gorgeous shade of blue eyes. They are dark, vibrant, but when he’s happy, they turn lighter.”

“Have you guys kissed?” she asks eagerly. I groan, and she frowns. “Why not?”

“Well, he’s my teacher, and even though I know he likes me, it was me who asked him out first. I think he was going to wait until the semester was over to ask me out.”

“No way. The man is a saint.” I chuckle at her assessment. “And from what we can tell, he’s rich.” I nod because I honestly don’t think anyone on a teaching assistant salary alone can afford a Range Rover.

“And he’s handsome and smart.” Rain keeps going, and I nod. “And he’s in love with my little sister. Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to meet him!” Rain shouts, and I cover her mouth with my hand.

“I don’t want to tell anyone until after the semester is over. I don’t want them to get the wrong idea about him. You know?” Rain nods, understanding dawning on her, and I remove my hand from her mouth.

“And that’s not all.” Her eyes grow big. “He asked me if I wanted to spend a couple of days with him in Corolla,” I say, way too giddy to contain myself.

“The Outer Banks?” I nod, and Rain whistles. “Yup, he’s loaded.”

“Well, that’s the thing. I don’t know if he’s paying or if we’re going dutch.” Rain rolls her eyes.

“What?”

“Ruru, do you really think that a man who drives a Range Rover is going to ask you out and is going to make you pay half?” I ponder her words, and I think she’s right. I haven’t even told her about the amount of flowers he sent me the other day. That must have cost at least a couple of grand.

“You’re right. Silly me.” I roll my eyes at her as I blow raspberries. I don’t doubt he’ll cover everything, but I feel like I should be contributing somehow. I’ll have to talk to him about it next time I see him.

“I’m always right, darling.” She winks at me, and we both laugh. I’m so lucky to have Rain in my corner.

“The semester will be over in, what, eight more weeks?” Rain wonders, and I nod.

“I can’t wait to meet him. I need to give him the twin seal of approval, but from what I’ve heard and the way your eyes light up, I reckon he’s one of the good ones.”

We hug, and I can’t help feeling overly grateful, loving this little sisterly moment too much.

I can’t wait to see those cobalt eyes again next week.

Chapter 14

Gio Bianchi

“Gio, do you have a minute to chat?” Dr. Smith queries when he pops his head in the lab after class. I hope this is not about the rumor Alyssa tried to spread—I don’t think I would be able to lie to him. And I don’t want to spoil my days off with Ruin either, since we’re leaving tomorrow morning.

“Of course, Dr. Smith. What’s going on?” I square my shoulders, like I’m preparing myself for impact.

“Why don’t you follow me to my office? I think it’d be best to be away from prying ears.”

I inhale deeply. I’m so fucked. Why did I ever think I could pull off dating a student? I should have waited until after the semester was over, as I originally planned. But to be fair, I don’t think I could have stayed away from Ruin much longer—the way electricity runs through us everytime we’re close is mindblowing.

Dr. Smith motions for me to take a seat across from his chair, but I shake my head. I have too much pent up energy accumulated, and I need to keep moving.

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