Page 56 of What Happened on Roslyn Street?
“No! I apologize, Professor.” I lock my phone, flushing a darker shade of red.
I’m not used to the professors caring about where our attention is. The professors at my last school certainly didn’t. Now, two professors have scolded me today—god, this school reallyischanging me.
He grunts and turns away, continuing with the lecture.
I glance down at my phone just in time to see another text.
Let me take you on another date.
I would like to make it a special one this time.
A special date. Our first date wasn’t special enough—he has something evenbetter planned?
The thought sends a thrill of anticipation up my spine.
I risk pissing off the professor to send one final message:
Yes.
Chapter Thirteen
“Last time I let you plan a date, someone tried to invite me to a vampire orgy.”
Where will he take me now? We’re walking this time—alone. That should raise the fear factor, but it doesn’t. I’m familiar with this area, and with the light of the sunset casting a joyful yellow glow, I feel safe.
But I’mnotsafe. I broke my promise to Margaux. The texts to her went unanswered. After sharing my location with her, I let Caldwell whisk me away on our next so-called date. The stake is still at my side for protection, but Margaux wanted to be here, too.
That’s not my problem. She should have answered her phone.
No matter how many times I’ve roamed these streets, I have no clue where Caldwell is taking me. I should be terrified, but something scarier nags at me: Ilikethe feeling of my hand in his.
His hand is warm, and I haven’t figured out why that is. Why isn’t he cold like Margaux?
His fingers are gentle and graceful, his thumb brushing against the back of my knuckles. It’s soft compared to our bickering.
“You didn’t mention them extending an invitation.” He lifts a brow.
I sniff haughtily. “That’s because they didn’t. They asked me to leave, actually.”
“Very wise of them.” He sighs. “If only I had done the same when you first bothered me.”
“Excuse me? I seem to recall you being the one to botherme, and you haven’t left me alone since.”
“I can’t recall. It was so long ago.”
“It wasweeksago! I know spending time with me is irritating, and it must feel like it’s been years, but…”
“It’s not!” He laughs—a real laugh. I’m still getting used to it, the kind of laughter that crinkles his eyes and comes deep from his belly. It’s more striking in the sunlight, with the warm beams casting rays into his bright eyes. “I wouldn’t have invited you here if I didn’t like when you bother me.”
“Where are you taking me this time?”
“I’m taking you to a bookstore, if you must know.”
It’s the least suspecting place hecouldtake me, and once again, Caldwell has planned a perfect date. Around us, the fall foliage is on full display, bright colors scattering the sidewalks. Crisp autumn air messes with my bangs, and the nostalgic smell of dirt and rotting leaves fills my nostrils. It’s a divine day for a book date.
I don’t know whether to be relieved or let down, but my suspicion isn’t going anywhere. He says he’s taking me to a bookstore, but he could be lying.
“Far less adventurous,” I say. “After that talk last time about how I had you all wrong and how adventurous you are… you’re taking me to look at books.”
