Page 4 of For One Night

“How long have you two been friends?”

“Umm, Millie and I?”

“No, you and the dude staring at your ass.” He motions behind me as my face burns. “Yeah, you and Millie.”

“We met today, like you and I.”

He tosses his backpack over his shoulder. “Let’s plow.”

“Ahh, okay.” Why did I not tell him how bad that sounds? I hate it. Hate!

“So where are you from?” He holds the door for me as we leave.

“Everywhere, nowhere.” I giggle. “My dad’s a marine, so we moved a lot.”

“Alright, how about … where were you born?”

“Corpus Christi.”

“Tex-ass.” He winks.

“Yeah, that should explain my name. My mom is Hispanic, and my dad’s Italian. I grew up on military bases, and that should explain why I’m here.”

“Completely.” He stops and faces me. “It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I blush. “Where are you from originally?”

“Charleston.”

I lift my brows. “Surprising.”

“What is?”

“You picking Clemson over South Carolina.”

He winces. “Yeah well, it’s what my dad expected.”

“South Carolina alumni?”

He exaggerates his nod. “Big time, but I’m not him, and I want to make a mark for myself.”

“I get it.” I point to an empty bench. “Would you like to sit?”

“After you.”

“Carter!” a redhead runs up, wrapping her arms around him. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Hey, Misty.” He hugs her. “I lost track of time.”

She studies me for a second. “Are you ready now?”

“How about I give you a call later, and we can finish up then?”

“Sure, but don’t make it too late.” She moves so she’s between us. “Don’t keep me waiting. I want to do this tonight.”

“I’ll get at you, girl.”

She presses her lips to his jaw. “Just don’t make me wait too long.” She doesn’t look back as she walks away.