Crimson Echo by Dusty Burns Read Free Book Online Page A

jealous. And then as if my heart wasn’t racing enough just from watching Kane, a loud boom alerted me.
    “Are you going to stay out here all day?” It was Faith. Her face pressed against the driver’s side window staring at me. “Or do you want to fantasize about Kane from here?”
                I turned on the wipers and let a residual stream of water splash her in the face. I let out a thunderous giggle as she wiped her eyes. After shutting off the engine and checking my reflection in the mirror, I grabbed my bag and got out of the car. She was still whining about her ruined makeup and now frizzy hair.
    “Sorry,” I finally said.
    She sighed and stomped noisily through the puddles of water like a child.
    “I had a crazy dream last night.” I whispered, hoping it would make her stop pouting. It worked , but only after some major goading.
    “What was it about?”
    “I dreamed that you broke into the office and stole Kane’s files.” I lied, remembering exactly where I had heard it from.
    “Tristan,” S he paused and then turned to me. “That wasn’t a dream, it really happened.”
    “Oh. You’re kidding me, right?”
    “Yeah, it’s not one of my finest moments. It’s not one of my worst either.” She added with a laugh.
    “Did you find anything interesting?” I asked curiously.
    “No, not a single thing.” She frowned.
    “How much trouble are you in?” My voice sounded condescending.
    “Detention for a week, at least they didn’t press charges.” She tried to play it off.
    “What were you hoping to accomplish by doing that? You could have been expelled.”
    “I don’t really know. I couldn’t help myself.” She insisted. “
    “That’s always been your problem.” I sighed, throwing a fake punch toward her shoulder.
    “Ladies don’t throw punches Tristan.” She informed me, pursing her lips and rolling her eyes.
    “I don’t see any ladies around here!” I laughed.
    “You’re so mature.” She scolded and walked off.
                I anxiously went on about my day with Kane subconsciously in the back of my mind the entire time. It wasn’t something I was used to feeling, the butterflies and the spiked adrenaline. Though I knew I shouldn’t feel so strongly about him after only a brief conversation, I chalked it up to nothing more than a harmless crush. Faith noticed I had been keyed up since first hour, but I refused to let her in on anything, for fear her obsession with Kane and I would increase.
                At lunch I searched the crowded cafeteria for Kane as I picked at my tray of food. I wasn’t sure where to look for him since I hadn’t actually seen him sitting at a table yesterday.  Six different boys looked like they could have been him until they all turned around. I finally gave up and returned my focus to my lunch. The conversation at the lunch table had turned from the likely hood of Mrs. King being a natural red head to talk of a social gathering.
    “I really think we should find some kind of party this weekend, I’m in a rut.” Chelsea announced, pouting her lips.
      “The last time I agreed to go to a party with you all I remember getting left behind.” I eyed Faith.
    “We came back and got you…” Everett shrugged, giving me an apologetic smile. “After we noticed you weren’t with us.”    
    “It’ll do you some good to get out of the house. Please?” Faith pleaded.
    “No thanks. I’m going to visit a friend any way. I don’t think I would be able to make it back in time.”
    “A secret rendezvous with Gabriel?” Faith teased.
    “It’s Gabe and it’s not a secret.”
    “Party pooper.” Faith accused.
    I stuck my tongue out at her and automatically felt juvenile, but I didn’t care.
    “Will you at least think about it?” Everett moaned giving me puppy dog eyes.
    “I’ll think about it, but I’m not making any promises.”
                I knew I wouldn’t go. I’m what’s known as a