Page 47 of Kingston
Archer smirks. “Dane is in your class this morning. He’ll make sure you get next door.”
My lips part in surprise. “Okay, then. I guess you’ve thought of everything.”
* * *
Inside the building, and finally on my own, I take the deepest breath I’ve taken in days, hold it, then exhale slowly. Looking around, I let it sink in that I’m about to take my first college-level course—and it’s chemistry, too. A thrill moves through me, and I hurry to room 108, where the lecture portion of the class is held. There’s only so much that can be taught in high school chem classes, so this is a huge step for my science-nerd self.
The guy in front of me holds the door open so I can pass through, and I’m at once overwhelmed. There’s got to be at least a hundred people in this room. It’s set up with stadium seating, and I’ve entered at the top, in the back of the room on the left side. There are rows and rows and rows of small tables with chairs. I scan for open seats, of which there are several.
I’m about to head for an open spot in a row about midway down when I hear someone whisper loudly, “Elliot.”
I swivel my head toward the voice.Right.They said Dane would be taking this class with me. I hold up a hand and wave, about to continue on my way when he sharply says my name again. He cocks his head to the side when my eyes find his again and waves me over, patting the seat next to him.
I hope the surprise isn’t showing on my face. At this point, I don’t expect any of the brothers to willingly want to hang out with me. And Dane certainly doesn’t have to sit with me. Unless… this could very well be aKingston-Archer-and-Cannon-forced-me-to-do-thiskind of thing. Or maybe Dane is simply a nice guy. He was nice to me before, so why not now?
Choosing to accept his invitation at face value, I make my way over to him, skirting past the legs of a few other students with an apologetic look on my face. Finally reaching him, I let my backpack slip from my shoulders and down my arms, then set it on the floor before I take the offered seat. “Hey. Thanks.”
He leans toward me, pushing his glasses back up to the bridge of his nose. “You guys get a late start? Zeke was taking Taggart to class since I had an earlier one.”
I shoot him a clenched smile. “Yeah, I saw Tag before we left. Um, I guess it’s no easy task to herd the freshman out the door on the first day.”
He sucks in some air through his teeth, then in a careful voice, says, “Lots going on in the house this weekend.”
I side-eye him, taking in the slight curve to his lips. The way he crosses his arms and glances my way makes me think… “You’re messing with me.”
“Maybe a little.” He shrugs. “It’s all good. You’re doing what you have to do.”
“That’s what I told Taggart this morning.”
“I know. He texted me.”
Right.I guess it makes sense. “Is no conversation sacred in that house?”
He huffs out a soft laugh. “Baby girl, you’re forgetting one very important thing.”
“What’s that?” I can’t help but smile a bit at the way he saysbaby girl.And dammit, I’m reminded of Will. He used to call me baby girl all the time.
For several moments, I don’t think Dane’s going to answer, but then he shrugs as if it’s obvious. “Brotherhood. There are no secrets among brothers.”
My heart thuds and skips over a beat.
“But definitely say something to Kingston if anyone bothers you about any of it. We were told not to.” He hesitates for a second, and from the expression on his face, I get the feeling he’s not sure he should say more. “Believe it or not, I totally do get what you’re dealing with, even if no one else does.” Without waiting for me to respond, he changes the subject. “Anyway, are you any good at chem?” He nods his head toward the front of the classroom, where a harried professor looks for something on his desk.
His glasses, if I’m not mistaken. And they’re on his head.Oof.This display screams adorably-dorky-but-brilliant professor. Happy to talk about something else, I grin. “Chemistry is kinda my thing. Or it will be. You know. It’s what I’m studying.”
“Oh, yeah? And what are you going to do with a chemistry degree?” He cocks an eyebrow at me.
I take it that my field of study wasn’t important enough for the brothers to pass around among each other, yet a video of me riding my magic bullet—yep. That was a definiteyes.I purse my lips and try to shake off my attitude. After all, Dane’s been nothing but kind to me, even before he saw me naked on the big screen. “Well, it might be a degree in chemistry, but I’m actually toying with the idea of going into forensic science. Something like that. I’m playing it by ear. I probably need to talk to my advisor.” I shrug. “Sorry, I feel like I’m babbling.”
“No worries. Youdohave plenty of time to decide. This is your first class, after all.” He chuckles, throwing his head back. “Ooo-kay, nerd girl. I'll tell you what. I suck at science. But I need a science class to meet my general studies requirement. Gotta pass this one.”
I squint at him both cautiously and curiously. “Are you about to make some sort of deal with me?”
“Yep. You get me through this class—”
“I won’t cheat. Not happening.” This is one thing I’m absolutely against. Always.
“No, you wouldn’t, would you?” He shakes his head. “And I didn’t mean to imply I wanted you to give me answers or do my homework. I know shit happens in frats and sororities, but I wouldn’t want to pass in that way. I need someone who can tutor my sorry English-major-wired ass so I don’t have to retake the class. I don’t have time for bullshit, know what I mean?”
