My body flushes warmer as I read that. Why is something as simple as him admitting to thinking about me enough to make my stomach dance and my chest flutter?

Me: What a coincidence, teach. I’ve been thinking about you too.

Stone: Really?

Me: Yeah. If we’re going for honesty tonight, I never really stop. You’re basically on a constant loop in my mind.

Stone: What are you doing?

Me: In bed, talking to you. You?

Stone: Same. Kinda want to get out of the house and go for a drive, though.

Me: It’s after one in the morning.

Stone: Late night drives help clear my head sometimes.

Me: You should do it, then.

He doesn’t respond for a moment. I think he may have taken my advice, and I probably won’t hear from him again… until my phone dings.

Stone: Would you want to join me?

Holy shit. My stomach lunges into my throat. He wants me to go for a drive with him. In the middle of the night?! Am I dreaming?! My dumb ass actually reaches down and pinches myself. Nope. Not dreaming.

Me: Yeah. Sounds fun.

Stone: Okay. Give me a few minutes. I’ll text you when I’m outside.

Ripping the covers off me and flying out of bed, I fight with my sweats to get them pulled up, tossing a clean shirt over my head and pushing my arms through. Finding a matching pair of socks—which is harder than you’d think in the dark—I shove them on, slipping my feet into my Nike slides. I quietly dart for the bathroom across the hall, taking a leak, washing my hands, and brushing my teeth. By the time I’m done, a text is waiting for me, letting me know he’s outside.

What’s he wanting from this late-night drive? To talk, most likely, but maybe more kissing? After the way he acted after both times we’ve kissed, though, I doubt it. He’s probably wanting to put a stop to whatever this is. Let me down easy, but do it outside of the classroom.

That thought makes my stomach twist and leaves a sour taste in the back of my throat.

Pocketing my phone, I quietly make my way out of my room and down the stairs. For it being a Friday night at a frat house, everyone is surprisingly either not home or already asleep. Works in my favor. I don’t really want to explain to anyone where I’m wandering off to in the middle of the night.

Getting to the sidewalk, I look to my left, not seeing anything. Turning my head to the right, a set of headlights flashes on and off… bingo! Not wanting to appear too eager or excited, I saunter toward the Mercedes, hands in my pockets.