Page 28 of Tantalizing Kings

Because the only girl I want to have my ring on her finger is Sadie Evans. No one else in this world is worthy. Only her.

Now I just need to get her to fall in love with me to make that happen. And from the effect I seem to be having on her, I don’t think that’s going to be an issue.

There’s a knock at the door. My eyes fly to it, a smile on my lips as my heart races. Being so close to her this morning, the smell of her peaches and cream shampoo invading my nose, has been on my mind all day. Seeing her in class wasn’t good enough. I couldn’t talk to her, couldn’t be close to her. But now? Now I get her all to myself. Restraining myself will be a bit of a challenge, but I don’t want to come on too strong, and I don’t want to freak her out. While we have a past together, she doesn’t recognize me just yet. “Come in.”

The second she opens the door, she adorably starts to ramble.

“Sorry, I’m late. I’ve never been here before and this building is big. I got lost a few times and... You...” She blinks at me like a deer caught in headlights. “You’re the guidance counselor?”

Chapter 9

Sadie

“Come on in,” Collinencourages, a bright grin on his handsome face.

“Hi,” I reply, suddenly feeling a lot more shy than I normally do. Quickly, I step in and close the door behind me before rushing over to the seat in front of his desk.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked you here,” he chuckles.

“Maybe.” I give him a small smile, butterflies taking over my belly.

“We are required to meet with all the new students to see how they are adjusting to their classes and talk about the future. So, Sadie, how are you liking University so far?” He places his elbows on the desk and leans forward to rest his chin on top of his hands. I try not to squirm at how closely he’s paying attention, his eyes locked on mine.

“Ahh...” I nervously tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. “I’m enjoying it. I like my classes.” I shrug.

“And what are your goals while attending Kingston Academy? What is the career you’re working toward?”

“I’d like to do well in my classes, and enjoy what I learn. But I’m not here to work toward a new career. Well, maybe with my business classes. They will help when I take over for my mom.”

“Joining the family business? And what might that be?”

Does he really not know who I am? I’m not really well known, but all the staff knows my mom. “My mom is Erin Evans. Our family has been the groundskeeper here since the school opened up. She made it into a company and is the head of all the landscapers and maintenance workers. I’m going to work for her when I graduate, and when she retires, I’ll take over for her,” I say proudly.

“That sounds interesting. Trade work is very important. Is this something you want to do, or something your mother expects of you?” He tilts his head to the side.

I sit up a little straighter, the need to defend my mom heavy on my chest. “My mom would never make me do something I didn’t want to do. If I wanted to become a doctor, teacher, lawyer—hell, even a circus clown—she would be there cheering me on. I chose this because it’s something I want to do. I want to keep the family business, my family legacy, going,” I rush out all at once, out of breath by the time I’m done.

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