Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 93942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
That shocked me into silence. Did he really think I’d do that? Then again, maybe I hadn’t given him any reason not to think that. We were basically enemies-with-benefits. “I wouldn’t do that.”
My voice was quiet and barely there, but he nodded once. “You might have. Your first week or two here.”
“I wanted to punch you,” I admitted. “Not blackmail you.”
He smiled a little at that. Then his expression got serious again. “I guess, if someone had to find me out, it’s good it’s you, since you never thought much of me in the first place.”
That wasn’t fair. It’s not like I got here and decided he was a loser. He was stiff and rude and mean to me since day one. Since the drive up here, actually.
But I could be mature enough to separate that from this current situation. So I was honest. “I am a little… daunted, I guess. By all the women who fawn all over you and say all those explicit things.” I looked down at my hands. “I guess for someone inexperienced like me—it’s a bit overwhelming that some women can be so obvious and open about their desire.” I couldn’t look him in the eye. “They want you, and they’re not afraid to admit it.”
“They want the online persona,” he said softly. “The one who flirts and teases and shows off—while still managing to make damn good food. I think there are maybe five people who actually watch my videos for the recipes.”
“The ratio can’t be that low, with all the followers you have. I—” I stopped mid-sentence. “Oh my god.”
“What?”
“My employee, Mia. She kept asking questions about you.” I looked up at him. “I think she recognized you.”
“Mia? She’s a Langley student?”
“Yes. But Mia would never tell anyone.”
He still looked concerned.
“I’ll talk to her, and stress how important it is not to tell. She’ll understand. She’s a good employee—a good friend, actually.”
He relaxed a little. After a while, he went back to pack up his equipment. I followed and watched, oddly fascinated by the process. He had really good lights, a quality tripod for his phone, even a small reflector. It was all very professional.
“I guess in a way, it’s impressive,” I said as we walked back through the dark, empty halls. “That you found a way to pay for your schooling.”
“I guess in a way, it’s good you think so,” he said, mimicking my awkward phrasing. But then he sighed. “It didn’t start that way. I really did want to help people. Make cooking accessible. But I guess it’s like the saying goes: sex sells.”
I thought that over as we walked out of the dark dining room. “I guess it does. I… I was naïve. I thought that hard work was what helped people get ahead. But look at me. I’ve worked my ass off here, and it’s all going to be for nothing if Mrs. Greer won’t give me a good write-up.”
Asher didn’t say anything, and suddenly, I didn’t want him to. Everything else was crazy right now, so I didn’t think I could handle it if our dynamic changed—for better or for worse.
“Life sucks sometimes,“ I said quietly.
“Yeah, it does.” He took a step closer, and we walked the rest of the way back to the hideaway close enough that our shoulders were nearly touching. But they never did.
A gap of just a few inches remained between us—and probably always would.
26
ZOE
I was in my room at the hideaway, getting ready for my shift, when my phone rang. It was Peyton.
I answered. “Hey, what’s—”
“Oh my god, Zoe, I have the best news!” Her voice was breathless, bubbling over with excitement. “I’m moving in with Michael!”
I sat down on the edge of my bed. “What? You’re moving in with him?”
“Yes! Isn’t that amazing? We’re going to be so happy together.”
“Peyton, you just met him—”
“And it’s been the best few weeks of my life. He’s so sweet and smart and—oh, Zoe, I’m just so happy.”
My stomach twisted. “Does that mean you’re moving to Haverford?”
“Yes! And I haven’t even told you the best part yet.”
I stood up, already starting to pace. “What?”
“He’s paying my tuition for a semester, so I’m going to be a student at Langley too!”
I froze. “What?”
“I know, right? It’s perfect. You and I will be in the same town. We can see each other all the time.”
“Peyton, you have to apply to Langley. There are essays and recommendations and—” I was privately doubting she could get in. Langley was one of the most exclusive schools in the country. “Applications for the spring semester closed months ago.”
“No, no, no.” She said it quickly, dismissively, like she was waving away a minor detail. “He pulled some strings. I’m in.”
I gripped the phone tighter. “He pulled strings?”
“Yeah. He’s got connections there or something. Anyway, it’s all taken care of. I’ll be in town on January fifth.”