Gypsy - Book 3 of The Academy Kids Series

Mchottie Date #2

"I still can't believe you're really going to go through with this Manda. Are you insane?" Chase was curled up on my bed, watching me get ready for my date.

"Yes. When you find someone you're this incredibly attracted to, you'll understand. You'll want to do anything and I need to show Micah what I'm capable of. I think he sees me as some flighty, hippie chick." That was all any of them knew me as really and I was determined to change that. If Micah couldn't handle today's date, well I didn't what I'd do honestly. Still, I wouldn't let it stop me.

When Micah texted me earlier and told me I could pick where we went on our date, it felt like fate. I knew he'd never expect my choice and that was part of the point. I wasn't exactly a normal girl and I needed to know these boys could keep up with me.

I peered into the mirror over my dresser, checking that my hair was secure in it's low twist. I needed it out of my way for our date. The meeting yesterday had been odd and stuck in my mind, influencing my choice of date tonight. There was more to my boys than just hot bods and brilliant brains. Normal teenagers didn't need to distract people in office buildings. And they were so organized, like a team. I didn't share any of my observations with Chase, and it was the first time for that. I just felt like I needed to figure out this particular mystery on my own.

The rumble of an engine reached my ears and a grin stretched across my face. I raced down the stairs and out the door, Chase on my heels. I launched myself at Micah, whose entire face went slack with shock. His arms wrapped around me, clutching me tight.

"Whoa! Where's the fire?"

I squeezed him and stepped back. "Just excited." And really wanting to avoid my dad and brother before either could start their overprotective crap. I spun and waved at Chase, staring at us from the porch and shaking his head. "Later Chase." His mock glare combined with the smirk told me I'd be getting a text later demanding details.

Micah opened the passenger door for me, eyes raking over my body. "I love those floaty skirts you wear, but this is cute too. You look incredible."

"Thanks." I dressed carefully for our date, a pair of jeans loose enough to move well in hung from my hips, a crochet halter peeked out from under a loose denim button down and a simple pair of sandals on my feet.

"Where are heading?" Micah asked as he climbed into the driver's side.

I gave him the address and his brows scrunched in confusion. "That's a -"

"Laser tag." I finished for him, watching his face carefully as he headed in the right direction. Though he seemed surprised, he just smiled and shrugged.

"Sure, this will be fun."

~~*~~

A couple hours later found us back at my house. My hair had long since fallen out of it's careful twist but I didn't care. The whole date had been a whirlwind of laughter, fun and flirting. Micah took the whole thing in stride when he discovered just how good I was. My dad had taken my brother and I several times over the years. As the car stopped, I jumped out. Micah grumbled something about indepent women being the death of him and I shot him a grin. He chuckled and shook his head, grabbing hold of my hand as we headed to the porch.

"You were something else out there today." His thumb ran over the back of my hand sending shivers down my spine.

"There's more to me than just a pretty face and sexy moves."

"Oh I never doubted that." Micah turned to me as we halted on the front porch. "Can I kiss you?"

My eyes went wide. Who asked that these days? I chuckled even as I leaned forward and pressed our lips together. Short, sweet and absolutely perfect as a first kiss, it sent tingles through me. I practically floated through the front door, only to come crashing down when the scowling face of my father greeted me on the other side.

"Boys who kiss my daughter on my front porch better be getting introduced to me real soon." He growled. I sighed. This was going to be awkwrd to explain.