I roll my eyes at my remaining friends. “Like that wasn’t subtle.”
“Remember what we talked about?” Carly says. “Anything is possible.”
“I just want to live my life without worrying about anything. I’m totally fine with just being friends with Kylen.”
“Uh huh,” they both say.
Okay, maybe I can admit to myself that my feelings for Kylen might be teetering toward more than just friends. I love spending time with him and getting to know him again. And yes, I do stay up at night thinking about kissing him. But like I told myself and my friends a million times, I just want to enjoy my life without constantly analyzing every moment or conversation I share with Kylen. Besides, I don’t even know if he feels more than friendship for me.
“Can we just have fun this weekend without you guys trying to play cupid?” I ask.
“We’ll try,” Carly says.
“But we’re not making any promises.”
I sigh dramatically. “I guess I’ll have to make do with that.”
When we reach the main building, we find that other students are already gathered there, including Caleb, who is currently hugging Addie. They look so warm and cozy together. It must make Addie feel so protected and loved.
“Where’s my guy?” Sophie asks with a frown. She gazes in the distance, to where the apartments of the faculty are located. “I don’t see him.”
“I miss Ryder like crazy,” Carly complains.
I giggle. “Can’t you guys be apart for more than a few hours?” I tease.
“It’s torture being apart for more than a few minutes,” Carly says.
“More than a few seconds,” Sophie corrects.
“More than half a second!”
“More than a millisecond!”
As they continue, I notice a group of guys heading toward us. It’s Kylen and his friends. Unlike us girls, they aren’t lugging suitcases. Apparently, they managed to stuff all the things they need into their backpacks.
“Why do guys pack so light?” I complain.
“Ryder thought I was crazy when I told him I was bringing my suitcase,” Carly informs us. “He was like, ‘You know it’s just the weekend and not a whole week, right?’” She playfully rolls her eyes. “Boys.”
“I stashed some of my things in Caleb’s backpack,” Addie tells us as she and her boyfriend join us. “I’ll grab them before we separate to our rooms.”
Sophie slaps her forehead. “Why didn’t I think of that? Be right back! I’m going to grab some books.” She dashes away.
“I told her to just bring her e-reader,” I mutter.
“Poor guy,” Carly says. “Damian will have to carry her heavy books on his back.”
“The things we do for love,” Ryder says with a sigh as he joins us. “But we’re more than glad to do it.”
Kylen and his friends finally catch up with us, Kylen’s whole face lighting up when he notices me. I smile as I play with mysuitcase handle, butterflies flapping around in my stomach. Just his smile alone warms my insides.
“Man, this trip will be sick,” Beck says. “Can’t wait to hit the slopes and show all the kids here how it’s done.”
Kylen gives him a look. “The last time we went skiing, you nearly broke your arm.”
“Because Leo tripped me with his ski poles.”
“What the heck? No I didn’t.”
