Evie's Knight by Kimberly Krey Read Free Book Online Page A

asked her to partner with him–was looking forward to learning about her past. The question was, how much more of his own past was he willing to share?
    ***
    “I told you he had a thing for you,” Kelly said, opening the passenger door to Evie’s car. She propped a piece of toast between her teeth and pulled on a jacket before climbing in.
    Evie glanced in the rearview while backing up. “You told me he had a thing for me?”
    “Yes. All guys have a thing for you.”
    Evie’s eyes widened. “Is that a joke?”
    “No. Every guy wants the cute little goody-goody girl in school.” The phrase rolled off Kelly’s lips like it was common knowledge.
    “Are you kidding? No guy wants the goody-goody in school.” She took a brief second to consider that truth of it, and then shrugged. “Not that I care.”
    Kelly shook her head. “Look at Tyler–and all his friends for that matter–they knew you’d probably never date anyone like them and they still chased you for years. It’s like the ultimate hard to get.”
    The mere mention of her stupid ex-boyfriend caused her gut to twist. “Yeah, all it took was for Tyler to find out he wouldn’t get what he wanted and they all lost interest.”
    Kelly shrugged and took another bite of her toast. The morning traffic zoomed by as they waited at the light.
    “How were your classes yesterday?” Evie asked, easing off the brake as the light turned green.
    “Awesome. I swear, if I could do all my classes online, I would. I’d sit there in my sweats and my bed-head and eat Doritos all week long.”
    Evie nodded. Her online days used to be her favorite, too, but now she dreaded them. Those were the days she didn’t see Calvin.
    “Tawny wants to know if we’re coming to that party at the mansion this weekend,” Kelly said.
    Evie sighed. “Ugh, you’re really wanting to go to that thing? Seriously, Kelly, I’m hating the idea.”
    “Why? Cuz Tyler might be there?”
    “No. It’s just that whole crowd.”
    Kelly turned her entire body in the seat and spoke with emphasis on every word, “Evie Mae Wylder. We’ve been busting our butts to keep up with the college crap for an entire month. Time to experience some of the good life.”
    The mere mention of ‘the good life’ caused an image of Calvin to seep into her brain. For Evie, the possibilities of what might bloom between Calvin and her were thrilling. The idea of discovering who he was–the chance he might just be as fantastic on the inside as he was on the out–was exciting. And for her, that was definitely part of the good life.
     
    “Who in here knows,” Professor Milton drew out the word as he eyed the classroom, “what they’ll be sharing for next week’s project?”
    Evie eyed the raised hands in the room, a nervous wave washing over her. While she liked the idea of working with Calvin, she hated thinking about the assignment itself. She turned to see her handsome partner–who had stolen jock boy’s seat again–and smiled when she noticed his hand wasn’t raised either.
    He leaned forward and whispered into her hair. “You’re such a slacker.”
    She gave him a playful glare. “So are you.”
    “Not really.” His lowered voice sounded even more alluring than she’d remembered. “I know what I’m doing. I just didn’t want to flaunt it.”
    “Yeah right.” Her gaze lingered on his handsome features. The rich tone of his olive skin, the dark shadow lining the squared shape of his jaw.
    Professor Milton gained her attention once again. “I’d like you to commit to a theme by Monday. You’ll bring the finished piece for your partner to analyze next Friday in class. Have a great weekend.”
    Evie pulled her bag over one slumped shoulder . She’d been racking her brain for days now–digging for some momentous event that wouldn’t hurt to share. She wanted something safe and simple. Uncomplicated.
    “You worried about the project?” Calvin asked as he stood. Concern showed in his rich