Romancing the R.A - By Ashelyn Drake Page 0,13

I have to go right by it.”

I smile. “Then I guess that decides it.”

He smiles back and motions for me to lead the way. I head toward the stairs, assuming that’s what he’d do.

“Do you and your dad have dinner together a lot?” I ask, wanting to get to know him better. The chemistry between us is so obvious, but I want more than that. I want a relationship.

“Every Saturday.”

“What about your mom?”

His face falls, and I know I’ve put my foot in my mouth. “My parents divorced last year.” His voice is small, letting me know this is still tough for him to talk about.

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

He shrugs. “Still getting used to it, I guess.”

I drop the subject, giving him a moment to regroup.

“What are your parents like?” he asks.

“My dad’s a carpenter, and my mom is an editor at a small press.”

“So, your dad can build you anything and your mom can proofread all your papers.” His smile is back.

“Funny but I didn’t even think about that.”

We reach an old building that looks nothing like the others. “Wow, you were right. This place is ancient.”

“I wouldn’t lie to you.” His voice is soft, sincere, and he reaches for my arm, lightly trailing his fingers down it.

“Enjoy your dinner with your dad.”

“I’ll try to convince him to lighten up on his long-winded speeches.”

“Good idea, but I think we’re finished with them anyway. All we have tomorrow is the entrance exams for math and English.”

“Oh, you can bet he’ll speak again before you leave.” He smiles, drawing my eyes to his mouth.

“Then thank you in advance for trying to convince him to be brief.”

We stand there for a minute in awkward silence. Do I kiss him goodbye? “Oh, I don’t have a key card to get in.” I motion to the door.

“Here. My card works on all the dorms. R.A. privilege.”

I cock my head. “Well, aren’t you all powerful?”

He swipes his card and opens the door, leaning his head on it. “Maybe I’ll see you later.”

“Maybe.” I give a small wave and turn around, but he grabs my waist and pulls me to him. My chest is pressed against his, rising up and down with the pounding of my heart. He stares into my eyes for a moment before pressing his lips softly against mine. I look at him as I pull away. “I’ll definitely see you later.” He smiles, and I walk inside. It takes all my might not to turn around and see if Andy’s still standing there, watching me. But I walk to the front desk and tell them my name.

“Room three fourteen. Your roommate already checked in and has your key,” the girl says.

“Thanks.”

I take the stairs, working out what to tell Julia. I don’t even know how to put into words what I’m feeling for Andy. No one has ever gotten to me like this before. The connection between us is intense. I just hope it goes beyond wanting to tear each other’s clothes off.

I knock on the door, and it flies open. Julia takes one look at me and screeches. “He kissed you!”

It’s like a talent she has. She can always tell when someone gets kissed. “Not exactly.”

“Oh, come on. You chickened out, didn’t you?” She doesn’t even try to mask her disappointment.

“No. We kissed, but I’m the one who initiated it.”

“Wait.” She holds her hands up and narrows her eyes. “You’re telling me that you made the first move?”

I nod.

“No way!”

I nod again.

“Seriously?”

“What do you want me to do, sign a sworn statement in blood to prove it?”

She cringes. “That’s a little much, don’t you think?”

“Can I get in the room now?” I push her aside and step into the room. It’s nothing like Andy’s. The drop ceiling is crumbling apart. The top of the window is taped where a huge crack spiders across it. And the floor is a dull, putrid green. “Good Lord!”

“I know. Apparently, they’re knocking this place down over the summer, but they decided it was good enough for orientation.”

At least they’re knocking it down—if it doesn’t fall down first. “You ready to go to dinner?”

“No!” She pulls me over to the bed closest to the door and sits me down. “Spill. Everything.”

“We talked. We made out. He walked me to the dorm. We kissed goodbye.”

“I didn’t ask for the short version. I want details!” She shakes me by my shoulders.

“He’s an amazing kisser.” Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe it, but Julia is already panting