Uh. If that sounded creepy, sorry. I just sometimes check it. Multiple times a day.
I texted back. You always sound creepy.
And you love that, don't you?
I love that you're weird sexy.
Did I tell you I wrote a song with that title?
What?
Len says it's good. I'll have to play it for you tonight.
Are we chatting tonight then?
Depends on whether you mind me waking you up.
I glanced over my shoulder to make sure no one was looking before replying. I wish you could wake me up in a different way.
You and me both.
We're getting closer.
Better get some sleep, because you're not getting any when I'm with you.
The same goes for you.
"Cara?" a male voice called from behind me.
My heart nearly jumped out of my chest at the sound of my name. I tried to stuff my phone into my back pocket-only I didn't have one so it fell. I cringed, waiting for the inevitable sound of it making contact with the concrete. Before I could check the damage, someone else scooped it up.
"Didn't mean to spook you." Professor Grayson glanced at the screen before handing back my miraculously intact phone. The screen was illuminated, meaning my messages were completely visible.
I could feel the blood rushing to my face. "Hi, Professor Grayson."
"Are you busy right now?"
"Uh, not exactly."
"Great, let's walk."
What the hell? Was I about to be lectured about inappropriate text messages or something?
"I wanted to talk to you after class today, but you took off before I could ask."
"Is everything okay? I thought my participation was pretty normal."
He smiled. "It is. I just noticed your name was on the waiting list for my creative writing class this semester and someone dropped."
"I didn't know I was first on the list."
"You were-at least now you are. Sometimes people drop wait lists."
"I only have fifteen credits scheduled. I can fit it in. It's a night session, right? Six o'clock on Tuesdays?"
"Yes. We're focusing on the personal essay this semester. It's more of a non-fiction emphasis. Does that interest you?"
"It does." I'd been writing more personal essay type stuff lately, but it was definitely not something I had much experience with. "I'd like the spot."
"Great. I'll get you enrolled then. I'm looking forward to having you in two classes this semester." Grayson nodded and continued walking ahead.
I was so excited about finally getting into a creative writing class that it took a minute to dawn on me: A professor I was going to have two classes with may have just read my naughty texts.
I glanced down at my phone. I had three more texts.
I'm holding you to that.
Cara you there?
Are you really going to stop on that note?
After the letting a professor see my texts detail set in, I replied. OMG seriously embarrassing moment, but on a positive note I got a class I wanted.
I'll pretend I understand that. Talk to you tonight :)
Bye for now. I slipped my phone into my tote bag and continued my walk back to the house.
***
I was exhausted. Pure and simple. All I wanted to do was change into comfortable clothes and veg out, but I'd promised Jade I'd help her get her interviews. The thought of a late night at a show didn't appeal at all. What if there was an easier way to do it? I picked up my phone and called Chase.
He answered after two rings. "Hey there. Did I really get a phone call from you without having to leave a message first?" he teased.
"Crazy, I know." I generally texted because I was afraid he was busy.
"To what do I owe this honor?"
"I'm calling in a favor."
"A favor? I'll probably say yes." He paused. "If you ask nicely." He had a gift for making seemingly innocuous things sound naughty.
"Okay, it's actually a favor for Jade, but it means I don't have to go out tonight, and I really don't feel like flirting with a guy just to help her."
"Uh, flirting with a guy to help Jade? I don't like that idea either."
"So, Jade has this radio show and her boss says she needs to get interviews."
"Interviews with whom?"
"Bands. Especially some local ones."
"Okay. I'm starting to see how I can help."
"Is there anyone you could talk to for me?" I curled up on my bed.
"Definitely. I'll start making some calls."
I let out a sigh of relief. Jade was going to be so excited. "You're the best."
"Am I?"
"Yes. The absolute best."
"Remember that."
"I will."
He exhaled loudly. "I miss you."
"I hope I'm as great as you remember." After only a few weeks, I was realizing that the long distance thing was harder than I'd expected. Relationships are always hard, but seeing each other regularly kind of helps.
"I'm sure you're better."
I laughed. "Wouldn't that be something?"
Someone called his name. "I hate to do this, but I have to go."
"Not a problem. I've already gotten what I need from you."
"I'd much rather be giving you something else-but no reason to go there."
"Nope. Have a good show tonight. Where are you anyway? DC?"
"Yeah. Not too far away."
"If only I had a private jet."
"One day."
"Talk to you later." I hung up and leaned back against my pillows. Talking to Chase was becoming so natural, so comfortable. I wondered how different it would be when we finally saw each other in person again. Would it feel the same way?
I texted Jade. Talked to Chase. He's taking care of all of it. Want to come over for movies and take out instead?
I'm tired and not really in the mood to go out, so that sounds great, and please thank Chase in any way possible.
Lol, I had no idea you were like this. Does Mallory know you have this side?
What side? I'm innocent.
See you soon.
The door opened and Mallory walked in dressed in her gym clothes. Seeing her reminded me of how badly I needed to make a trip to the gym. "Want to order in Chinese or something?"
"You read my mind. I just talked to Jade about it."
"You're stealing my little sister."
"More like borrowing her. She doesn't mind."
"Nope, it seems like you guys have more in common than we would have thought."
"Well, she did find Chase for me." I got up and searched around for my flip flops. I needed to stop by Lacy's room to discuss the change of plans.
"Your face just lit up. It's official."
"What's official?"
"You really, really like him."
I smiled. "I've never been good at hiding my feelings from you guys. Who'd thought it was possible to fall for someone more over the phone?"
"Call Juliet. We're making this a roomie plus Jade event."
"And Lacy. We're supposed to hang out."
"Okay, sounds great. I'm going to jump in the shower."
"Enjoy."
Friends, food, and a girly movie. Friday nights couldn't get much better.
Chapter Eleven
There's something sexy about a short dress and cowboy boots. It's not my usual style, but I always have at least one pair of cowboy boots in my wardrobe and about half my closet is filled with short dresses.
I went with a violet dress and my brown boots the night of Kyle's party. Mallory gladly let me borrow her cowboy hat- that was one item I didn't have in my collection. I guess I just wasn't country girl enough.
Kyle was waiting for me outside my house exactly when he said he'd be there. Dressed in jeans, a belt with a huge buckle, and a cowboy hat¸ he looked nothing like his usual preppy self.
I smiled. "Glad you decided to dress up too."
"What? You thought I was going to make you do it and not come through?"
I shrugged. "Aaron didn't usually dress up much for these things, but he always expected me to."
"The more I hear about this guy, the more I wonder why you stayed with him so long." Kyle started back down the street toward the Omega house.
"I thought I was in love. Or maybe I was. I don't know anymore. I'm too confused."
"Well, you still have two and a half years of college to spend without the jerk." Kyle put a hand in his pocket.
"And the rest of my life. Can you believe I thought we might get married one day?"
Kyle shrugged. "You are a girl after all." His grin saved him from getting a smack. "Just kidding."
"Well, either way, I just hope we can avoid each other as much as possible the next few months."
"One good thing about an Omega party is you won't run into him."
I laughed. "No, that's for sure. I really don't know many of the guys in your house though. I've practically lived at Kappa since freshman year."
"It's never too late to change that, or find non frat guys to fill your time."
"I'm actually doing the second idea already." I smiled, thinking of Chase.
"Oh yeah? I'm not messing anything up for you then, am I?"
"Nope. It's not a problem. So, what's the plan?"
"The plan?" A look of momentary confusion crossed his face.