Lodged (Kinsmen Billionaires #2)

12. Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Ruin MacAllister

W e still have at least half the semester to go, and being around Gio without giving away how much I’m into him is getting harder and harder. I feel like a love-sick puppy, or in calf love—as Granny would call it. Gio is going over the lab experiment for today, but my mind is somewhere else—on that Ferris wheel where I was hoping he would kiss me.

“Any questions?” I hear Gio ask the class, but no one speaks. I think we’re at a point in the semester when everyone knows what to do independently.

As I’m about to start working on today’s experiment, I notice Alyssa’s shit-eating grin, and it’s directed at me, which is immediately suspicious. Does she know I’ve been chatting with Gio? Oh, hell.

“Oh, haven’t you heard? Ruin, the goody two-shoes transfer girl, has the hots for the teacher,” Alyssa whisper-shouts as soon as Gio leaves the lab. Collective giggling and chuckling bubble up throughout the class, and my face grows hot. I can tell I’m blushing hard . My lab partner gives me a look that says, Are you going to let her talk shit about you? And that’s when my brain kicks in.

“Are you projecting, Alyssa? Because last time I checked, you’re the one who melts everytime Gio is in the room. You ask the dumbest questions just so he can get close to you.” I raise a brow in defiance, and now it’s her turn to blush.

“Oh, Ruin can fight,” one of the guys says, and everyone starts chanting, “Ruin, Ruin, Ruin.” I guess Alyssa’s little attempt to embarrass me backfired. Suddenly, the lab goes dead silent, and it doesn’t take me long to figure out why. Gio is back. I’m pretty sure he knows what’s going on because his face is stern.

“At the beginning of the semester, I made my expectations clear—not just for academics, but for behavior. Sadly, everyone on this floor could hear the ridiculous accusations being thrown around in here.” I lower my gaze, ashamed—because, yeah, it was silly. Alyssa set the bait, and I fell for it.

“Ruin, Alyssa, please come with me,” Gio says and leaves the room, not even waiting for us. I remove my gloves and lab coat and rush to meet him outside of the lab, Alyssa trailing behind me.

“Ladies, I don’t know what’s going on, but it has to stop. I have no intention of letting my classroom become a gossip corner. I’ve been teaching for four years and have never had to deal with this kind of behavior,” Gio says, visibly exasperated. I can tell he’s really trying not to yell, his hands clenched in tight fists.

“I’m sorry, Gio. Mr. Bianchi.” I correct myself, just in case Alyssa says I’m being too informal. “I know I have no excuse to behave the way I did. I shouldn’t have reacted to Alyssa’s false accusations.” I lower my eyes as I say the words, I know she would see the lie in my eyes.

“Yeah, Gio. I’m sorry, too. I just thought it was a silly joke,” Alyssa says with a chuckle. Oops—that’s the wrong thing to say and do.

“Joking about people’s private lives is despicable and distasteful. I thought I was dealing with adults here, but clearly I was wrong.”

Alyssa is breathing hard, clearly trying to keep the tears from spilling down her face at Gio’s harsh words.

“I’m going to set the example and behave like an adult. I’m not going to report you to student affairs for defamation or harassment. But I do expect your behavior to improve drastically, or else I’ll be forced to tarnish your student record.” Gio’s words are hard, and his tone leaves no room for argument.

I nod at him, and he nods back. Alyssa goes back into the lab, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Once she’s out of earshot, I ask him, “Harassment?”

Gio motions for me to follow him, and we go to the break room.

“Yeah, she came to my office hours earlier this week to ask the most minute things and tried to touch me while asking me out. I’ve been too patient with her, but when I heard her going after you, I had enough.” His expression relaxes, and the Gio I know starts to come back. I hate that he’s dealing with this, though. Now I’m even more upset at Alyssa for going after him.

“Are you alright?” he asks as he grabs my wrist, making small circles with his thumb against my pulse point. I shiver at the touch, but give him a reassuring smile.

“I’m a real tough kid,” I say with a shrug.

“I can handle my shit.” He doesn’t skip a beat, and I’m shocked he knows I was actually quoting a song. “What can I say, I enjoy Ms. Swift's music, too.” He smiles and starts walking backward toward the lab. Every day he surprises me more and more. I’m shamelessly falling for my lab instructor, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

I walk back into class with my head hung low, trying to play the part of the reprimanded student. I don’t need or want any more drama and gossip from the other students.

As I get ready for bed, my phone buzzes with a text, and a flock of butterflies takes flight in my belly. I hope it is who I think it is. When I grab my phone, a big smile spreads across my face.

Gio : I just wanted to check in and make sure you’re doing okay.

Oh, my goodness, this man.

Ruin : Yes, I’m good. I told you I’m a tough kid.

Gio : I know, but I still wanted to check in.

Gio : Or maybe it was an excuse to get you to text me? *shrug emoji*

I laugh at his playfulness.

Ruin : I don’t think you have to work so hard for one of my texts anymore.

Gio : Really? *evil emoji*

Ruin : Really. Did you have any issues after the lab? Did anyone ask what all the commotion was about?

Gio : No, I made that part up to get you and Alyssa out of the lab. I really wanted her to know she needed to stop going after you.

I feel bad that she ended up crying today, especially since I really did go out with Gio. But at the same time, I’m upset she’s been trying to make a move on him.

Ruin : Okay, I’m going to completely switch topics. I really don’t want to keep talking about her. What’s your favorite season? I feel like your answer will make or break us.

Gio : Wow, okay. Harsh. No pressure, Gio.

I bark out a laugh.

Gio : Can I take a few minutes to think before I answer? I don’t want to get it wrong.

He’s a goofball, and I love him for it. Wait—love? Where did that come from?

Ruin : Clock’s ticking…

Gio : Fine, I’ll answer, but I want it to be known that I was rushed to answer, so if my answer is wrong, you know why.

A big smile spreads on my lips as I see the three dots dancing on my screen.

Gio : In Argentina, we get all four seasons, so it wasn’t a big change for me when I moved here. But I have to say my favorite is fall. The colors and the crisp air are something special. Spring is a close second.

Ruin : I regret to inform you…

Gio : What? No, this isn’t fair.

Ruin : That fall is my favorite season, too!

Gio : Ahhh, you scared me.

Ruin : I gotcha! *laugh emoji*

Gio : That you did.

I continue to laugh and smile in equal measure as we stay up texting all night long.

It’s been a long day, but I’m finally done, and I’ll be going to my hometown this weekend, so I’m in good spirits. When I get back to my apartment, I’m stunned by the sight—red, orange and yellow mums, sunflowers, dahlias, and roses are everywhere. It’s a sea of fall-colored flowers, and the apartment smells divine.

“What’s all this?” I murmur as I get closer to the largest bouquet, where a small card is tucked inside.

Ruin,

Happy First Day of Fall.

I wish I could spend it with you, but alas, this is life.

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Cobalt.

“Holy crap, Ruin. Who are you dating, and where can I get one? Look at this place,” Everly says as she comes out of her room. I can’t help but grin at the note. He remembered. Last time we went out, I told him everything about home—how much I love fall and the Apple Festival. Though we haven’t gone out since then, our text exchanges keep me on my toes. His messages are so thrilling, and the warmth in his words is intoxicating. I love getting to know him.

“Ruin?”

“Oh, sorry. It’s a guy from home. No one you know.”

“Damn, and he sent all this? I thought you were going home this weekend.”

“I am, but I guess he wanted me to know he was thinking of me on the first day of fall. It’s my favorite season.”

“I guess so,” she says, grabbing an apple from one of the arrangements. There are apples and pumpkins along with the flowers. I can’t believe Gio did all this for me.

“I mean, this is super cute but what kind of name is Cobalt?” I chuckle because she’s right. Cobalt is a unique name, and there’s no way I can tell her it’s the name I gave the husky plush Gio got me because it reminded me of his eyes. Another thing he remembered.

Heading to my room with the note and an apple in hand, I get goose bumps all over my body at the sight—there are even more flowers in here. A basket on my bed catches my eye, filled with a set of candles, a cute mug, a soft blanket, and all the ingredients to make my favorite pumpkin-spiced latte. Putting my backpack on the floor, I get comfortable in my bed before texting Gio.

Ruin : What did I ever do to deserve you?

I send a selfie, smiling while hugging Cobalt, with all the flowers behind me. I don’t think anyone has made me happier in my life. This is amazing. He’s amazing.

Gio : Actually, I think I’m the one who should be asking that. I just wanted to make sure you know that, even though we can’t be out in public, you’re important to me. I think about you every minute of the day.

How is he even real? I’m glad I’m lying down in bed; otherwise, I’d be a big puddle on the floor.

Ruin : Any chance you’d like to join me this weekend in my hometown for the Apple Festival?

Gio : You know I’d love to, but I think it’s best if the first time I meet your family, I’m no longer your teacher.

I know he’s right, but it still stings. I want to spend as much time with him as possible.

Ruin : I know.

Gio : But next year, I’d love to go with you, and maybe when you come back, we can have another fortuitous encounter.

Ruin : Oh, I’d love that. Where do you think it’d be?

Gio : Well, since fall break is coming up, I thought we could take a couple of days and head to Corolla…

Oh my, this is getting serious, isn't it? Or am I making a bigger deal in my head than it actually is? I don’t know if it’s appropriate or not to ask, but going to the Outer Banks isn’t cheap, and I’m not swimming in money. Is he expecting me to chip in for the trip? Either way, I’m so excited. I’ll ask Rain to lend me some money.

Ruin : Definitely. I’d love that.

Gio : Excellent, I’m looking forward to it then.

Gio : Sweet dreams, Ruin.

Ruin : G‘night, Cobalt. *heart emoji*