Pushing Limits (Fighting Love #1) - kali cross Page 0,10

pass even one person the whole way.” He turns to me, and I get my second look at his deep blue eyes. Wow. “Let me know if you’re interested in a ride. I would love to show you around.”

My mouth gapes open, and I feel the blush rush over my cheeks. “Thanks.” Glancing at my feet, I smile. Shit! Speak, Amber, speak. Ugh. What’s the point? Most definitely too cute for me. He’s not serious, I’m sure. I turn, taking my bag.

As we walk in to the entrance of the dorm, Aunt Patty glances back, whispering, “He’s watching us.” Giggling like a girl half her age.

Rolling my eyes, I say, “I doubt it. He’s making sure we get inside.” I so want this conversation to be over.

“Bye.” Aunt Patty waves and whispers conspiratorially, “You should take him up on his offer. You might as well have some fun while you’re here. He’s really dreamy.”

“Can we just get inside?”

The girl at the front desk greets us, and I explain that I’m here to check in. She shows us to the top floor. My room is at the end of the hall.

The hallway is quiet, but I’m only cautiously optimistic that will continue after classes let out. Most dorms are boisterous, loud, and buzzing with constant activity. The two person suite is larger than I expected while still being a typical dorm room. At least I’ll get to decorate it myself since Aunt Patty would be the only one venturing down here to see me. As I swing my bag onto the bed, the bag sinks into the mattress as it lands, and a fresh linen scent drifts upward. That’s my idea of the perfect bed, cool and inviting. I’m so tired, it practically calls to me. It’s a double at least, bigger than what you would expect in a dorm.

“Am I sharing a suite?” I ask gesturing to the other bed.

“Not at this time, but sometimes girls ask for reassignment so that could change,” she says. Walking to the bathroom, she continues with her guided tour. “This suite has its own bathroom. No tub, but the shower is bigger than a traditional single stall.”

Thank God for that. After so many boarding schools, I am totally over the communal bathrooms. Its standard white with a shower and a cute pedestal sink with a cabinet against the opposite wall. The shower has a door with scalloped glass and swirls etched in the glass. The whole bathroom shines and sparkles with a hint of lemon in the air. It’s much prettier than I would expect in a dorm.

“Let’s see.” She refers to her iPad. “Amber is scheduled to see Ms. Chadwick later today at three o’clock. Amber, you can either stay here tonight or out in town…your choice.”

“I’ll stay in the dorm. If you can call her a cab to take her back to the hotel, I would appreciate it,” I reply, noticing out of the corner of my eye, the completely dejected look on Aunt Patty’s face. A slight pang of guilt hits. Straightening defiantly, I grimace, silently imploring the chick to get on with it before my aunt makes a scene. Aunt Patty turns to face me and says briskly, “Your mother insisted that I meet Ms. Chadwick.” Turning back to our guide, she says, “I’ll stop at the front desk when I am ready to leave. Thank you.”

“Certainly. Amber, I’ll leave your orientation packet here. If you have any questions, you can call the front desk or speak with your resident director, Ms. Maria Gonzalez. She’s in room 352.”

“Thanks,” I say with a polite smile. The resident attendant leaves, closing the door behind her.

Turning to my aunt, I say curtly, “Really, Aunt Patty? What am I twelve? You’re going to escort me to the meeting with the ‘School Principal’?” Using air quotes to drive my point home.

Aunt Patty grimaces but stands her ground. “It’s what your mother wants. I am responsible for you now. If you screw up, they are going to call me.” She sneers with a sigh. “Then Amber, I will have to deal with your mother. Believe me when I say, I don’t like dealing with your mother...ever. In fact, I try hard…not to ‘deal’ with your mother.” Giving me air quotes with more than a slight sarcasm tone, “So, why don’t you get over this spoiled brat routine? Give it a rest, ok?”

“Now you have a fucking backbone? Now. Seriously. With me?” I say in disbelief. “You