One of Them Girls by Cala Riley (the gingerbread man read aloud txt) 📕

I can feel the tension through the phone. I feel raw. Exposed. Like I just gave him a hand-drawn map to me.

As if he can sense my panic, he clears his throat.

“Romance, huh? No wonder your single, Adra. Men aren’t romantic. That’s some pussy shit,” he teases.

I let out a short laugh, feeling that panic recede. “A girl can dream, right? I mean, is it too much to ask for a man to surprise a chick once in a while? Maybe some random flowers or a trip somewhere?”

“I think you’ve been watching too many romance movies. Don’t give us men too much credit. We don’t think that far ahead.”

I let out a playful sigh. “One day, maybe.”

“You hold out for it. You deserve only the best.”

My fingers reach up on their own to touch my lips as I feel a smile spread across them.

How did I go from a ball of fury to a smiling fool within minutes?

He does that to you.

“Thank you. That means a lot.”

“Good.” I hear a commotion in the background on his end of the phone. “Fuck, Jack. Chill out, man.”

I chuckle. “Tell Jack if he doesn’t chill I’ll come kick his ass.”

He repeats my words, causing Jack to grumble in the background.

“Listen, Jack is drunk as fuck at the moment. I don’t know what he was thinking drinking early, but I’m going to take care of him. I’ll text you tomorrow?”

I smile to myself. “Text me whenever you want. ‘Night Avi.”

“‘Night Adra.”

Hanging up the phone, I stare at the ceiling. I can’t help the lightness that fills me every time I talk to him. It’s like he’s breathing new life into me.

I can’t help but feel like if I’m not careful, I could get addicted to this feeling.

5

Cassi

Walking out of my last class for the day, I head off toward my dorm.

“Ace.” I spin, smiling as Jack makes his way through people to get to me.

“Noob. How are you doing today?” I ask as he stops in front of me.

“I’m not a noob.” He glares, but the hint of a smile throws the look off. “You’re just an ace. Anyway, not why I’m here. What are you doing tonight, tomorrow, and well for the entire weekend?”

I narrow my eyes. “Why do I feel like I’m being conned into something?”

His eyes grow wide. “Why Miss Davis, I would never dare to con you the way you conned me. One of us has to be the good influence in this friendship.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m free this weekend. Why?”

“Wrong answer. You are busy hanging out with us this weekend. Go home and pack. We’re going on an adventure.” He skips away from me.

“Wait. Where are we going? What do I need to pack?” I call out after him.

He turns, walking backward, and repeats himself, “An adventure, Ace. Pack for an adventure.”

An adventure.

What the hell are these boys getting me into now?

Pulling out my phone, I call Xavier as I hustle to the dorm.

He answers on the first ring.

“You all packed?” His warm voice fills my ear.

“You send your lap dog to do all your errands?” I quip.

His chuckle fills the air, making the butterflies swarm my belly. “Jack was already on campus. I planned to accost you at your dorm, but he wanted to be the one to break it to you.”

“Sure. Likely story. Are you even going to give me a hint on where we are going?”

“Nope.” He pops the P.

“At least tell me what to wear then.”

His voice gets husky. “You want me to pick out outfits for you?”

My breath catches at the heat in his tone. “I want to be dressed appropriately.”

He groans, “Fuck, if you let me choose I’d pack the skimpiest clothes I could find.” He clears his throat. “Two hints. It will be warm and there will be water. That’s all you get.”

I smile. “One more question.”

“I can’t tell you anymore.”

“Fine, but can you tell me if my roommate is invited,” I ask.

“Sure. We can make room for her.”

“Thanks, Avi. I’ll be ready in an hour. Pick me up?”

“Of course. Can’t have you dragging your millions of suitcases all the way over here.”

“Hey, I resent that.”

“You forget I know other females. I bet you will have at least two with you.”

“What’s my prize when I win?”

“You mean if you win? Anything you want. Winner’s choice.”

“Great. This trip is looking better and better.”

“Go pack before I regret this impromptu trip.”

“Bye, Avi.”

I hang up as soon as I hear his goodbye and call Rebecca.

“What’s up? You coming out tonight?” she asks over the loud bass of the music in the background.

“No, but you might want to come home. We’ve been invited on a trip.”

“Really? Where?”

“It’s an adventure. You have an hour before they come pick us up. Better hurry home,” I tell her, letting myself into our room.

I hang up the phone before she can respond and chuckle when she immediately calls back.

Ignoring her call, I pull out my bags. I can only have one, so I need to choose wisely.

Going to my closet, I sift through my choices.

It’s going to be a three-day trip, but you don’t count today. So really only two outfits, sleep clothes, and a spare outfit just in case.

I grab a sundress, one pair of jeans, one pair of shorts, and three t-shirts. Grabbing my panties and bras, I remember his second clue. Water. Does that mean the beach? Or a pool?

I grab two bathing suits just in case. Then I grab my toiletries bag, which already has all my hygiene items packed carefully inside.

Looking at my haul, I glance back to my options for bags.

I could win by choosing the biggest one, which would easily fit everything I need, but I want to impress him. He thinks he can paint a broad stroke against all women.

Let’s show him.

Picking one of my backpacks up, I pack my clothes inside. It’s a tight fit, but I smile with victory in my veins as it zips closed.

“I’m here.