Page 42 of Drive Me Wild
“That looks good, what flavor?”
“Berry Blast. My favorite.”
“Mine’s butterscotch. But don’t they have milkshakes at The Daily Dose?”
“Don’t tell my parents this, but I get tired of the menu there.”
“Why would they care?”
“They own the restaurant.”
“Huh. I had no idea. I guess I’ve been too busy with work to learn more about this place.”
“Is that what you’re doing at Caleb’s?”
My body feels like I just touched a live wire. I want to play dumb, but she obviously knows.
“Yes. But how did you know?”
“I work across the street, Zoe. Not much gets past me.”
“Has anyone else noticed?”
“Doubt it. I would have heard.”
“Have you said anything to anyone?”
“No. Why would I?”
“I’ve only been here a few weeks, but I know how much people like to talk.”
“Yeah, well.” She runs her finger through the condensation on her milkshake glass as a crease appears between her eyebrows. “I’m not in a position to be spreading rumors.”
“What do you mean?”
“Zoe, you seem to be the kind of person who doesn’t jump to judgments or believe town gossip. I noticed it when we first met.”
“I like to believe that’s true about me.”
“Even so, will you promise not to tell anyone?”
“If you keep my secret, I’ll keep yours.”
“Deal. But why is it a secret you’re working at Caleb’s?”
“You aren’t the only person who has warned me against him. Cole and Renée are hell-bent on keeping us apart. They think that Caleb is a bad influence on me. Or rather, that he’ll treat me like any other woman he’s crossed paths with.”
Avery leans forward. “No offense, but their concerns aren’t invalidated. So, has he?”
“No. He’s been a perfect gentleman.” My face flushes at the thought of what we did this morning.
“Then, why are you blushing?”
“He’s been a perfect gentleman, but he’s also—” I look around the restaurant to ensure no one is listening. The only other people here are the two teenagers behind the counter, who look too young to work during school hours. Despite looking like they aren’t paying attention, I lower my voice. “He’s my sex-pert!”
Avery’s eyes grow as big as plates. “And?”
“And it’s been amazing. But—” I look around again, paranoid that someone will hear what I’m about to tell her. “This morning, we became more than teacher and student.”
