Free Shift (The Neturu Chronicles) by Sarah Carter Page B

did.”
                   
Shocked, Kayla stops chewing and gawks at him. “You bake?”
                   
“Among other things.”
                   
Kayla bursts out laughing. “Seriously?”
                   
A look of contempt passes over his face.  “My mom isn’t into cooking that
much, and I had to learn how to cook with the Kiej leaves.  I’m not a
gourmet chef or anything.”
                   
“Awww, no four-course romantic meals for me?”
                   
“I don’t think I would cook a romantic meal for you anyway.”
                   
“Whatever, you can’t resist my animal magnetism.”
                   
Jackson’s laughter fills the car. “Oh, you have no idea.”
                   
“It’s not that funny,” Kayla mutters.
                   
“No, it’s funnier than you think, but you wouldn’t understand.”
                   
Scowling, Kayla says, “Jerk.”
                   
“Oh, Kayla, it’s nothing bad.  I promise.  Just ignore me.”
                   
“Is that possible?” Kayla inquires with a smile.
                   
Jackson tilts his head. “It could make for a long car ride to school.”
                   
“It could,” Kayla says.  She looks at him thoughtfully.  “Can I ask
you for a favor?”
                   
“Depends on the favor, because no, I won’t sleep with you.”
                   
“Really? I think your ego is about to bust out your windshield! Get over
yourself.”
                   
Putting his hands up, Jackson says, “All right, sorry.”
                   
“I’m not going to ask you to sleep with me, and you can’t tell anyone about
what happened in my kitchen.”
                   
A surprised look passes over Jackson’s face.  “You don’t want anyone to
know we got hot and heavy all over each other?”
                   
“No, I just don’t want people to get the wrong impression.”
                   
“You have a reputation to uphold that I would tarnish?”
                   
Kayla laughs.  “I have no reputation period.  I get along with
everyone…except Jude, but I don’t have experience with guys.  I don’t want
it to seem like I was throwing myself at you.  People may get the wrong
impression.”
                   
“Kayla, you didn’t do anything.  I was the one who threw myself on you
and…it got a little heated.  I won’t say anything to anyone if you don’t
want me to.  It’s not like I want to brag about it.”
                   
“Thanks.  So charming.”
                   
Jackson groans. “I didn’t mean it that way.  Stop thinking I’m disgusted
by you.”
                   
“Aren’t you?”
                   
“Nooo, I think you're beautiful.”
                   
She raises her eyebrows.  “What?”
                   
“I just…have to keep my distance.”
                   
Kayla snorts. “If you need to keep your distance, you shouldn’t give me
rides.  I have to sit right next to you.”
                   
“As long as you aren’t sitting on my lap, I think we’ll be fine.”
                   
“I’ll try to control myself.”
                   
A grin crawls across Jackson’s face.  “You’re not repulsed by me?”
                   
“Oh, trust me, I’m not repulsed by you.  I just don’t want to date someone
who toys with my emotions.” Jackson nods in agreement. She turns to look out
the window, and they drive in silence all the way to school.
                   
During their first class,