Summer Before Her (Completed)

32- The Tryst

Kirsten's POV

"You are sooooo boning him, aren't you?" Talia teased for the millionth time as I peered over the pictures she had taken of us.

"No, it was just a cute dance" I responded blushing as obscene imagery crept into my imagination.

"You can have the pictures if you answer this question," She said, and then paused for a moment to draw out the tension.

"Whaaaaaat?" I asked.

"Would you jump his bones if you could?" she asked all too seriously.

"Yes, I would" I muttered under my breath.

Natalie laughed at my expense as she sent the photos and as if on cue, Novak appeared out of nowhere.

"Hello ladies, What hushed secrets are being discussed?" he asked with a weirdly cheery voice, even though his face did not look like it.

"are you okay?" Natalie asked, her hand reaching out to touch his forehead.

"Yeah, Why?" he asked, swatting her hand away.

"You sound like you are on cocaine?" I interjected.

"Am I that transparent?" he whispered, feigning hurt.

"Didn't take you to be the one for theatrics" Natalie mocked.

"I am hungover and might have had a little too much cold-pressed coffee" he admitted.

"Well, do you know how to not get hungover? Do not drink" Natalie grilled further, giving him a hard time.

"Yeah sure, not a choice" he curtly responded, the cheer dying out of his voice as the traces of smile faded from his face.

What happened there? Was he a drunk?

He then turned his attention to me and asked, "See you after school?"

I barely managed to nod as he walked away.

"What was that? Are you sure he is okay and did not hit his head too hard?" Talia questioned concerned.

"I don't know.." I trailed off, unable to find a response to the questions I already had.

**

As I walked out of the school amidst the clamour of students leaving the building, I saw him leaning against my car, with his motorcycle parked in front of him.

He was dressed differently than he was today morning, a pair of camo trousers and an olive green tank top, almost as if he was enlisted in the military. As I walked closer the logo on his top became more visible. ACA. American Cadet Academy.

Oh, so he was a Cadet, I wonder why he didn't enlist. What else did I not know about him?

"Nice uniform," I remarked, eyeing his exposed, flexed arms a little too hungrily.

"Uh yeah, I had some paperwork" he answered.

"DDo...Do you wanna go for a ride?" he asked, hesitation present in his voice.

"Are you asking me out, Novak?" I teased.

"No, not yet, I am planning to" he responded, smiling sheepishly.

"Yes, Yes, I want to go for a ride with you but first I need to park my car somewhere other than school" I answered, a little excited about spending time with him.

He nodded in response, moving his motorcycle out of my way.

**

A short drive to my home and a forced lunch invitation by my mother, later, we were ready to embark on our said ride.