Chapter 20: Gossip in the Gymnasium

KARA

The whistle blew loudly, echoing across the gymnasium. I cringed at the shrill sound.

“All right, kids. It’s free time, so pick your choice,” our teacher announced and blew the whistle again, giving us the freedom to do as we pleased.

I sighed a breath of relief, happy that this Monday was calm so far.

“How was tutoring?” Jess asked as we walked over to a cart that had a soccer ball. She grabbed it between her hands and led us to a secluded area where we could kick it back and forth.

I bit my lip, pondering how to explain. “It was…” I looked for the right word. “Interesting” was what I settled for.

Jess cocked an eyebrow. “How interesting can math be?” The ball made a thud sound as she kicked it toward me.

I stopped it with my foot. “I wish math was what I could focus on.” The ball skidded toward Jess. “We went on a date, I think.”

This information caused Jess to miss the ball completely, as it tumbled past her. Her dark eyes were locked on me. “What?”

I nervously glanced around to see if anyone was listening in. “We went to the fall festival. And he”—I walked closer to her just in case.

Jess eagerly leaned closer to me—“gave me head in the corn maze.”

Jess gasped loudly. “Holy fucking shit.” A blush spread on my cheeks. Jess pulled back and looked me up and down with shock.

“I would’ve never thought you’d be the first one out of us to do something like that.”

My eyes rolled in their sockets, but I was still blushing. “Trust me, I didn’t exactly plan it.” Not that I minded at all. I was more than thrilled to feel Jason all over me.

“I’m proud—and actually kind of jealous.” Jess gave me a knowing smile. “It’s kind of hot.”

My head bobbed up and down. “You have no idea how anxious I was that we would get caught, but that also turned me on so much.” Jess cocked her eyebrow, clearly amused at my reaction. “It felt amazing.”

“Glad to hear that,” the familiar deep voice chuckled behind me. My body stiffened and my face heated up in embarrassment. Jess’s eyes widened as she leaned to look behind me. I slowly turned to face Jason.

He wore a loose gray tank top that showed off his muscular arms, and his blond waves were a mess, like always. My core clenched, knowing I had gripped his hair multiple times before.

I glanced down and saw our soccer ball held between his hands. I let out a small humph and snatched the ball from his hands, causing him to laugh at my reaction. That’s what he got for eavesdropping.

Jess took our moment to walk over to Quintin, who was standing a few feet away watching our interaction.

I watched in amusement as he lit up when she said something to him, before they both looked our way, watching in amusement.

“I didn’t realize your friends knew,” Jason commented, and my stomach turned. I didn’t realize he was aware that I was telling people, but it was my best friend.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I haven’t told anyone else.” My lip tucked between my teeth as I bit the inside of my cheek. This was embarrassing.

“Honestly, I don’t care who knows,” Jason stepped closer to me, causing my heart to race. “I just haven’t told anyone for you.” My heart swelled that he had taken me into consideration.

“Well, anybody except Q, but I’m sure you can understand.” He smiled sheepishly, and I nodded, giving him a small smile.

“It’s nice to vent sometimes,” I breathed. The ball was still in between his hands, and it was the only thing separating us.

The air shifted, and I just knew he was feeling the same thing I was. “And if you enjoyed last night,” Jason whispered huskily, “just wait until our next tutoring session.” My body shivered in delight.

Jason dropped the ball into my hands, giving me a small smirk before walking toward Jess and Quintin.

***

Arriving home from school, I opened the front door to find Charlie and Liam playing on Xbox.

“Kara!” Liam paused the game and ran up to me. I hadn’t seen him since the day after Layla’s birthday party. A moment later, I was engulfed by Liam, and I let out a laugh before hugging him back tightly.

“Hey, Liam,” I chirped, and pulled away.

It was great seeing Charlie and Liam together again. These two were hilarious when they were together.

They were best friends, and their friendship was one of a kind. Liam sauntered back over to the couch and plopped down next to Charlie.

“Kara, good news.” Charlie sat up and turned his body to face me. I cocked an eyebrow, letting him know to continue. “Since it’s going to be nice most of this week, I decided that we should go to the cabin.”

“Yes!” I instantly jumped up and down in excitement. Liam and Layla’s family bought a cabin. Both of our families visited frequently. It was in a beautiful area.

“So you’re in?” Charlie grinned widely. I nodded eagerly, and he cleared his throat. “Okay, well, I’m going to have to call in on Friday.”

I nodded. I was ahead in homework and rarely ever missed school, so this was an exception. A mini vacation away from here was much needed.

“I’m definitely in. Can I bring Layla and Jess?” I asked. I had to bring my best friends with me. It’s been so long since the three of us went there. I wanted to spend more time with them.

Charlie nodded back. “Yeah, we’re going to get a group to go. Besides, Liam here is coming with us, so I’m sure he won’t mind bringing Layla.”

“Someone has to make sure none of the guys hit on her.” Liam shrugged lazily.

“That would be Milo, her boyfriend.” I laughed, reminding him. Milo and Layla have been dating for a little over a year.

Liam’s face turned puzzled. “They’re still dating?”

I let out a loud snort. “Shows how much you know about your sister.”

Liam let out an irritated scoff. “Like Charlie knows everything about you.”

“I do,” my brother replied almost instantly.

“I know her favorite color is yellow, she loves fall, is deathly afraid of spiders, hates when I mess up her hair, loves sleeping, and can eat more than her body weight.”

I smirked at Liam when he looked at Charlie in disbelief.

My big brother and I fist-bumped each other. “The list goes on.” He grinned back at me, probably knowing that if he said anything embarrassing I would beat his ass.

“Anyway, you’re cool with me bringing Quintin, right?” I nodded back at my brother. “Good, he’s bringing your boyfriend,” Charlie added while pretending to look at the TV.

I sat up straighter, perking up at this new information. “Boyfriend? I don’t have one, Charlie.” My voice sounded more eager than I had anticipated. My cover to act cool failed.

“Oh yeah.” He smirked. “You guys are ‘just friends,’” he mocked, and I elbowed him roughly. My face flared as I remembered yesterday’s events.

My phone rang loudly, snapping me out of my fantasy. The two guys continued their game. “Hello?”

“Layla just informed me about the trip.” I could practically hear Jess grinning.

“Charlie’s inviting Quintin and Jason,” I replied as casually as possible.

“This is going to be very interesting.” Jess’s voice oozed smugness.

My eyes rolled. “I’m going to go pack. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Jess hung up, and I threw my phone onto the coffee table.

I was both thrilled and anxious to see how this trip would go.