by B. N. Hale
“What’s that smile for?” Jackson asked, accelerating onto the main road.
“If I needed your help to answer her invite, would you help?”
He cracked a smile. “Is it going to be fun?”
“Definitely.”
“Then I’m in,” Jackson said. “What’s your plan?”
Reed detailed his idea of how he intended to answer Kate’s invitation. It wasn’t complicated, but the preparation would be a challenge. It would also show Kate what he felt, a fact not lost on Jackson.
“This is going to show Kate you like her,” he said. “A lot. Are you sure you want to do that?”
“She went out on a limb to tell me what she felt,” Reed said. “I need her to know that I feel the same.”
“Without saying you’re committed,” Jackson finished.
“Exactly.”
Jackson came to a stop at a light next to the stadium and leaned back in his seat. “We’re going to need a freezer. A big one.”
“You think Marta will help?” Reed asked. “Her uncle owns a restaurant, doesn’t he?”
“Of course,” Jackson said with a smirk. “Ember may be the ringleader, but Marta is just as clever.”
“You’ll have to drive me around,” Reed said. “We’ll have to move fast to set it up, but it will take time to freeze.”
“She’s going to wonder why she hasn’t gotten a response.”
“I’ll take care of that,” Reed said.
His phone was still in hand, so he sent a quick text to Kate. Not feeling well this morning. Can I text you later?
Evidently expecting a response after he’d seen his car, her answer was quick in coming. Do you need medicine? Can you not make it to class?
The first question was obviously intended to console, while the second was trying to see if he’d seen his car. He considered his response carefully and then typed back.
I think I’ll be fine. I’ll take something and go back to bed.
Do you want me to stop by after work?
It would be nice to see you, but I don’t want you to get sick. I’ll call you when I wake up.
Okay. Hope you feel better.
“What did you say?” Jackson asked.
“That I’m not feeling well,” Reed said. “It’s true enough. Walking out to see your car stripped to the bones is guaranteed to make you sick.”
Jackson nodded and glanced at the clock on the dash. “You think we have time before your class?”
“I’ll be late,” he said. “But Dr. Caldin will understand.”
“Are you sure about this?” Jackson asked.
“I just bought us some time,” Reed said, smiling at the image of Kate’s face. “Let’s make it count . . .”
To continue to Volume 10, you can find 27 Dates: The Race Date on Amazon here.
Author Bio
Originally from Utah, Ben has grown up with a passion for learning. While still young, he practiced various sports, became an Eagle Scout, and taught himself to play the piano. As a teenager he began creative dating and continued the practice into college, where he took a break to do volunteer work in Brazil. After school, he launched his first series, The Chronicles of Lumineia, and has since published over 20 titles across multiple genres. He loves to snowboard, build treehouses, and play board games, especially with his family. His greatest support and inspiration comes from his wonderful wife and six beautiful children. Currently he resides in Missouri while working on his Masters in Professional Writing.
To contact the author, discover more about 27 Dates, or find out about the upcoming sequels, check out his website at 27Dates.com. You can also follow the author on twitter @27Dates or Facebook.
