In His Kiss - Ava Alise Page 0,44
from him over to Shana and Kyle, who are deep in a debate about the difference between Pepsi and Coke. I nod and slide from the table.
“I’ll be right back.” My skin flushes as I walk from the group. I feel like I’m being rude but since he noticed the call I’d probably be doing more harm than good in his eyes by not answering. The sounds of quiet conversations and clanking plates surround me as I move through the restaurant toward the restroom. I reach the big red door and push it open, then I plop down on a bench and fish my phone from my purse. There’s a missed call and a text from my father asking how my finals went, which I immediately erase. I don’t have anything to say to him and I doubt I will anytime soon. Moving back to my inbox, I see two more texts from Jordan.
Jordan: I hate how weird things have been between us and not talking to you has been driving me fucking crazy.
Jordan: Looking forward to our talk.
The first message gives me pause as I scroll over the second. I can read so much into these words but it’s a slippery slope and for a second I consider putting my phone away and just responding later. I don’t, though. I feel sort of bad for ignoring him, and he’s right, things have been weird long enough. But it has taken me a lot to get to this point so I decide to shoot him a quick text, telling him I’m looking forward to it too, then I turn my phone off and head back to the table.
Lucas grins when he sees me walking up and slides over, giving me the aisle seat.
“Thanks,” I say, looking up at him sweetly. It was a cute moment until a bright flash catches me out the corner of my eye. I turn to see Shana holding up her phone.
“What? It’s for the memories.” She laughs. I give her a dirty look and she slides her phone away. The rest of dinner goes smoothly. Lucas and I laugh, flirt, and really start to get to know each other. It feels great, freeing. It’s like I’m finally in control of something and not guarding my heart and waiting. Lucas is unapologetically quirky with the right mix of charm, and so much fun to talk to.
By the time we leave the restaurant, I can tell I'm really going to like him. I'll have to remember to thank Shana for this set up. I’m sure she already knows I’m into him. She’s been making eyes at me all night.
We continue to chat as a group while taking the short ride through town to the buggy station. Shana has had a few drinks and is gabbing away about our first night in the dorms.
"Her father may as well have spent the night. He was there for hours. My poor Xia almost cried." I roll my eyes. Lucas smirks. I didn't realize how tightly I had been gripping my knee until Lucas places his hand on mine.
"It’s okay, Xia. Your father makes me cry too." He mocks a sad face and I can't help but laugh.
The car slows to a stop at a small stand that sits directly in front of what almost looks like a pop up garage. The words "Riverside Carriage Rides" light up a sign on top. We get out of the car and the guys approach the stand while Shana and I stand by the car.
"We really need to come down here more. Chrome Hills has grown so much," I say as I look down the street. It runs the length of the river for at least a mile until water disappears as its path turns to run through the thick trees. The smell of barbeque surrounds me from one of the bars, restaurants, and dessert specialty shops sitting side by side across the water. People young and old move over the cobblestone path, approached by foot vendors hoping to sell cheap flowers or handmade jewelry.
"You’re right, we should hang out here more often," Shana says looking over the water. "I forgot how beautiful it is down here,"
The sound of shuffling grabs our attention as two men lead horses to parked carriages and secure them in a harness before approaching us in a single file. The guys join us and Shana squeals, hugging Kyle's neck and kissing his cheek. Then she pulls out her phone