Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
The final showcase isn’t until the end of the semester, but it’s not the only thing I need studio time for. I have mini solo and group in-class performances that need my attention as well. I might have to bite the bullet and deal with driving across town to use Flip’s yoga studio.
My phone buzzes with a new message.
Flip
Hey, kitten. How’s your morning?
I smile at the term of endearment.
Tally
I brought the guys working on the studio coffees and pastries. It was appreciated, but it looks like the studio won’t be finished for at least another few weeks. I’m worried we don’t have enough practice time booked, and the other on-campus studios are waitlist only.
Flip
I’m sorry. I know this is stressful for you. I’m about to get on the ice, but I’ll pick you up when I’m done, and we’ll see if we can find a solution.
Tally
Do you have time for that?
He flies out early tomorrow morning. I’m sure he has things he needs to take care of that aren’t me related.
Flip
I’ll always make time for you, kitten.
That hits me right in the heart. I haven’t mentioned the studio situation to my family. My mom has recently mentioned getting a part-time job. I don’t know how she’ll make that work with Fenna’s cello practices and performances. And I won’t ask my dad. We still haven’t managed to find a day that works to make up for the missed dinner.
Flip has taken me on a date, we’ve gone for fajita night at Rix and Tristan’s, and he’s driving across town to spend time with me before an away series. He keeps making time for me, and as much as I love it, it shines a bright light on how bad my dad is at putting anything ahead of his job. I shake off the sudden swell of emotion and type out a quick response.
Tally
Okay.
I head into my marketing lecture. Ten minutes before the class ends, my phone buzzes with another message. I brace myself because Fenna has been having issues at school lately. Our parents’ divorce has become public fodder, which means everyone knows our business. It isn’t Fenna, this time, though.
Flip
Want to pin drop me your location so I can meet up with you?
Tally
Class is over in a few. I can meet you at my building?
Flip
I’m already on campus. I’ll drive to you.
My stomach churns with anticipation as I share my location.
Flip
See you soon.
Tally
Can’t wait!
I’m excited that he’s here, but so far the media hasn’t caught wind of us. That won’t last forever. Especially if he keeps showing up on campus or at my apartment.
When class ends, I shove my books in my bag and wipe my damp palms on my thighs as I leave the lecture hall. Flip is easy to spot when I step outside. He towers over everyone. He’s wearing dark jeans, thick-soled boots, a black winter jacket, a beanie, and sunglasses.
The whole world disappears as he wraps his arms around me and drops his head, his lips soft and warm. “Hey, beautiful. How you doing?”
“Good. Great. You?”
“Better now that I get to see your gorgeous face.” He glances around. “We should probably get out of here before someone recognizes me, eh?”
“Probably a good idea.”
He laces our fingers, and we walk to the nearby parking lot. “You’re done for the day, right?”
I love that he pays attention to my schedule. “Yeah. I just have studio time this evening.” It was the only slot left in one of the less-appealing studio spaces. It’s always freezing in there, which makes it tough to be limber.
“We have some time then.” He helps me into the passenger seat and rounds the hood. It’s bitterly cold today, and a gust of frigid air follows him into the car. He turns over the engine and blasts the heat, then stretches his arm across the back of my seat. “Hi.”
I smile. “Hi.”
He tosses his sunglasses on the dash. “It’s nice to see you.”
“It’s nice to see you, too.”
His maple eyes rove over my face. “You look pretty.”
I bite my lip. “So do you.”
He laughs. “I look pretty, eh?”
I grin, a flush working its way over my cheeks. “Maybe yummy is a better word.”
“Mm...” He leans in closer, eyes heating. “You definitely look yummy.”
“Want a bite?”
“Yeah. Actually.” He sucks my bottom lip. “More than one, if I’m honest.” He flicks my top lip with his tongue.
I angle my head and curve my hand around the back of his neck, hoping to keep him close. His tongue sweeps my mouth, gently, sweetly. I savor the feel of his wide, warm palm against the side of my neck. This going-slow thing will probably result in my spontaneous combustion, and I’m pretty okay with that. It’s the first time I’ve dated someone who isn’t in a rush to get me into bed, and I like it.