Page 62 of The Invite
In the kitchen, I make myself a cup of coffee before going to the living room. My phone sits on the low table and I pick it up.
ACE: I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.
It was sent ten minutes ago.
I scurry to pack my purse, filling it with my notes, books, and some cash. Just as I’m finishing, there’s a knock on my door.
Is he early?
I freeze while wondering if it’s Augustus. No, his highness wouldn’t knock. Chivalry or manners aren’t in his vocabulary.
Hiking my purse on my shoulder, I reach down the hallway and open the door. Ace’s sculpted bulk fills my doorway. His hair iswavy from the wind and the rest of him is covered in formal clothes. Today, he’s wearing a dark blue tie that complements his soulful eyes.
“Morning, Nessa,” he says with a charming smile.
“Good morning, Ace,” I reply, nervously glancing behind him for signs of Augustus. I glance back at Ace before he notices. “Let me lock up my house and then we can leave.”
“Give me your purse, I’ll put it in my car while you finish,” he offers.
With a grateful smile, I pass him my purse. While he struts to his car, I grab my keys and lock my house, which is pointless, really. I delude myself into believing it makes a difference.
I meet Ace near his car and he opens the passenger door like a gentleman. I climb inside and put on my seat belt as he rounds the hood. One hand rests on the wheel and the other on the stick shift.
“Did you have a good night's sleep?” he casually asks, turning on the ignition and pushing the engine into first gear.
My heart blips and I brush my cheek with my palm to hide the flush. “Yeah, I did. And you?”
It’s not a lie. I was too exhausted to stay awake. As soon as the door shut, signaling Augustus's departure, I fell into a slumber.
“Me too,” answers Ace, smoothly turning onto the highway. “Are you nervous about today?”
“A little.”
“Do you wanna know the best way to beat gossip?”
I curiously ask, “What?”
“Give something more interesting to talk about.”
“How do I do that? I don’t have anything new for them to gossip about.” I heave a sigh. “I barely know anyone. And is it even appropriate to do that with my students?”
“No, I didn’t mean togive them new gossip.” Ace chuckles lightly, and says, “Instead of giving a boring class from the syllabus, surprise them with a new assignment or trending topic. Something that will highly appeal to them.”
I think about his suggestions and it’s actually not bad. “Do you have any suggestions?”
Ace mulls over, rubbing his jaw, before replying, “It’s the season of The Massacre Ball, which is a big deal around here. Ask what attracts them to it. Trust me, the last thing they’ll be thinking about is what happened last week.”
Listening to him, I’m convinced I should go ahead with his suggestion. Except, the topic I have in mind is something else, but it’s similar. A topic I’m intrigued by myself. I’d love to hear what others think too.
The rest of the ride passes by in peaceful silence. The town is rustic andquaint with smooth roads and beautiful weather. I sit up straight when I catch something in the distance.
“Is that a castle?” I gasp, staring at the gothic monstrosity.
“Oh yeah,” answers Ace.
“Does someone live there?”
“No.”
