Page 37 of Second First Kiss

Just how she liked it.

It was an unexpectedly perfect start to what could have been a crappy Monday morning.

She gave the engine one last rev and put the car in reverse. She was about to push the gas pedal when her phone rang. Before she could stop herself, her mind went straight to Nolan, wondering if that was him calling to make sure she saw the keys.

She fished her phone out of her pocket and every single flutter died a fiery death when she saw the caller ID lit up.

The high school.

Not just the high school. But Principal Beekman’s personal extension.

Suddenly the coffee tasted like acid in her mouth.

Six months ago, Kat would have been terrified that a call like this signified Tessa was injured or sick, but recent history told her to prepare for battle. While Kat had been leisurely sipping her morning coffee, Tessa had likely been staging a coup.

Pulling on her big girl panties, she answered. “Good morning, Principal Beekman.”

“Um, it’s me,” Tessa said quietly, but there was a hint of teenaged boredom rounding out the end of each word.

“Why are you calling me in the middle of class? On the principal’s phone? And if it’s to claim cramps to get out of PE, then the answer is no.”

“Oh my god, can you not say that?” Tessa whisper-yelled. “Why do you always think I screwed up? Maybe I just need a change of clothes.”

“Do you?”

“Yes.”

“Seriously? That’s it? Just a change of clothes.” Relief teased Kat’s shoulders and she popped in another doughnut hole. Clothes were no problem. Easy fix. She could be in and out in under five, hit the high school, and get to work with time to spare thanks to Good Neighbor Nolan.

Good Neighbor Nolan who kissed like a gold medalist.

“Preferably a skirt. And one that doesn’t make me look like a loser.”

“I’ll leave the muumuu and Birkenstocks at home,” Kat joked, turning off the engine and opening the car door. “Can you meet me at the curb?”

There was a long, you don’t have the whole story pause.

“Tess?”

“Let me ask.”

She heard Tessa’s hand cover the mouthpiece and caught only a few muffled words.

Violation.

Last warning.

Suspension.

“Um, you kind of have to come inside and talk to Principal Beekman.”

Kat dropped her head against the window and felt a tic begin under her right eye. “May I speak with her now?”

There was an elongated pause before her sister answered. “Just promise you won’t freak.”

Kat ran a hand down her face. “Hand over the phone. Now.”

There was some rustling around and then Principal Beekman’s voice cut through any good in Kat’s morning. “Miss Rhodes.”

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