isPc
isPad
isPhone
Lodged (Kinsmen Billionaires #2) 8. Chapter 8 19%
Library Sign in

8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Ruin MacAllister

I guess time flies not only when you’re having fun, but also when you’re busy as hell. It’s been a month since classes started, and it’s time for our first set of exams. I’ve practically set up camp at the library, deciding to leave all the distractions in my apartment and truly focus on studying. And I’d say I’ve achieved my goal, except my very hot, very intriguing lab instructor has been at the library a lot these past few days, too.

I don’t think he’s following me. From what I’ve heard, he’s writing his dissertation—I cannot even fathom how stressful that must be. I’ve seen him a couple of times at the cafe on the ground floor. The first time, he just smiled at me after grabbing his order and disappeared into one of the elevators. Today, he surprised me by paying for my order before I even told the barista what I wanted.

It’s not unheard of for teachers to be kind to their students, but I can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, he’s a little into me. I mean, he has done so much for me ever since we met. Not to mention how much I enjoy chatting with him.

There’s only one person I trust to help me figure out this conundrum, and I need to text her ASAP.

The library has study rooms that you can reserve for as many hours or days as you want, and anticipating that I was going to need one, I reserved a room when the semester started. After placing my pumpkin-spiced latte and cinnamon muffin on the table, I close the door and take my computer and books out, setting up my mini office.

After taking a sip of the glorious fall concoction, I exhale a contented breath. Letting the delicious flavor fill all my taste buds, I feel a sense of comfort that very few things bring me—all is right in the world. I think if all I could drink for the rest of my life was pumpkin-spiced flavored, I’d be a happy person.

Ruin : Hey! Do you have a minute?

I fire up a text to Rain—I need her thoughts on Gio. I don’t trust anyone at school enough to share my budding feelings.

Rain : Hey, loser. What’s up?

Ruin : Wow, aren’t you the sweetest sister ever?

Rain : Only the best for my little sis.

Ruin : You’re only five minutes older than me. *eye roll emoji*

Rain : Still. I’m older.

Rain : So what’s up?

Ruin : I need your advice on something. But you have to promise me you’ll keep this between us.

Rain : Hmmm, why do I have the feeling I know where this is going?

Ruin : Ugh. Promise me!

Rain : Fine, I promise not to tell anyone. So long as it’s not something that can harm you.

I love how protective my sister is.

Ruin : I promise there’s nothing bad. At least not too bad.

Rain : Spill!

I bark out a laugh. I can picture her forming a tight line with her lips as she widens her eyes, her nostrils flaring as she starts to get frustrated.

Ruin : So, remember I went home in that fancy car?

Rain : Yes…

Ruin : Well, it turns out I’ve not only had dinner with my teacher, but now he just paid for my coffee and muffin.

Rain : Yuck, are you dating an old, creepy dude?

My phone falls from my hands as I bend in laughter. I guess I haven’t given her enough info, and she’s stereotyping Gio.

Rain : Gross. I mean, it’s your call. But gross.

Ruin : First off, he’s not old.

I find myself replying immediately, defending Gio.

Ruin : I think he’s only a couple of years older than us.

Rain : Okay… *eyes emoji*

Ruin : Yeah, he’s a teaching assistant. He’s finishing his PhD.

Rain : Ohhhhhh. Ohhhhhh. Tell me more.

Ruin : Well, I don’t know.

Rain : What do you mean you don’t know. Why are we talking about him then?

I bite my nail as I ponder Rain’s question. Why am I making a big deal about this? I cannot lie, I enjoy chatting with him. He’s not only hot, but he’s damn smart and sexy. But the way he treats me—he’s attentive and kind. He’s the whole package.

Rain : Hello?

Ruin : I like him.

Sigh, it feels good to admit it.

Rain : And? What are you going to do about it?

Ruin : That’s the thing. I don’t know.

Rain : Color me confused.

Ruin : Well, I’m not sure if he’s just being nice or if he likes me back.

Rain : Oh, that’s easy to figure out. Ask him out.

Ruin : Are you crazy? I’m pretty sure there’s a rule against fraternization between teachers and students.

I see the dots on the screen, telling me Rain is typing. But it’s taking her a while. This should be good.

Rain : Hmmm. Desperate moments call for desperate measures. I know you, Ru. You won’t relax until you know if there’s something between the two of you. I say you ask him out— if he says no, then you have your answer.

It sounds so easy, but if he says no, I’d not only be mortified by the rejection, I’d also have to see him at least once a week until the semester ends, and it’d be awkward as hell. No thanks, I don’t think I can do this.

Rain : What happened? Are you going to chicken out? You’re a MacAllister, for Christ’s sake. We don’t back down from a challenge.

I smile at the screen. Daddy used to tell us that all the time. “We are MacAllisters, our ancestors didn’t leave their land to come in search of a better life for us to be cowards.”

Ruin : You’re right. I need to know, one way or another.

Rain : Attagirl. *fire emoji*

Ruin : I love you, Raindrop. I’ll catch you later.

Rain : Back at ya, little sis.

Chapter List
Display Options
Background
Size
A-