seducing the prince of princeton

8/6/2019 Seducing the Prince of Princeton

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Chapter 1“I’m sorry, Nori, but Princeton just won’t work out. There’s not

enough time to get your grades up, considering that applications are

due next month.”My heart fell. I’m not going to Princeton. I never once thoughtthat those five words would cross my mind. I slowly stood up and slungmy backpack over my shoulder. Turning my back on Mrs. Brigsteen, Islumped out of her office.

“Wait! Nori! We can discuss your other options!” She shoutedafter me. Other options? There were no other options. It was all ornothing. And in this case it was nothing. The smudged figures thatpassed by me paid no attention. They looked so happy and carefree.They are probably going to the college of their choice. A voice insidemy head added. I reached my locker and pressed my back to it, sliding

down to the ground.“Cambell! There you are! Come on! We’re all going to dinner tocelebrate and according to my watch, you won’t have enough time toget ready. Nori?” Ethan’s voice grew quieter as he took in myexpression and he sat on the ground beside me.

“Nori, what’s wrong?” My blonde curls fell in my face as I tried tohide my tears. Ethan pulled into his arms and I sobbed. I never cried.Which was probably why Ethan seemed so alarmed.

I tucked my head into his chest and he stroked my hair.“Shhh Nori, Shhh. It’s okay. Now tell me what’s wrong.” He

pushed my chin up with his fingers, so I was staring straight into his

deep blue eyes. I caught my breath and made sure I wasn’t going tocry before I spoke.“I’m not going to Princeton.” I whispered. He wiped below my

eyes with his thumb and I saw mascara on his fingers. I laughed quietlyand shook my head.

“I probably look hideous right now.”“You’re too beautiful to ever look anything other than it.” Ethan

whispered.“Thank you…too bad that won’t get me into Princeton.” I laid my

head on his chest and I listened to his steady heartbeat. His softbreaths filled my ears and I sighed.

“Nori, I know Princeton was your first choice, but there are otheroptions…” He said carefully.

“No. No, there aren’t. There are no other options!” I whinedsoftly.

“We have another seven months before we graduate, so anotherday shouldn’t put us off track. Come to dinner, have a good time, thendiscuss this with your parents.”



hands slip under my shirt, resting on my lower back. He began kissingmy neck and then there was a rap of the window.

I turned around and blushed beat red, seeing my mom lookingthrough her cupped hands, into the window. I climbed back into thepassenger seat and opened the door. I snatched my backpack and

climbed out into the deep snow.“Bye, Ethan.” I said quickly and quietly, before shutting the door.He sped away, obviously trying to avoid an awkward conversion withmy mom that has already happened one-too-many times. Ethan and Ihave been dating since we were freshmen. My mom walked in on ourfirst kiss in my basement and she gave us the entire sex talk. Ethanand I didn’t speak until a week after. I laughed under my breath at thememory and walked passed my purple-faced mother.

“You think this is funny?” She shouted from behind me. I rolledmy eyes and turned around. I dreaded the fights between my momand me. They only last for a few minutes, an hour at most, but it

always ends in one of us storming off, because she can’t accept thatI’m right.“If we’re going to fight, can we at least do it inside? It’s freezing

out here.”“Oh, sure honey.” She wrapped her arms around me and led me

through the front door. The doorway was like a line between spring andwinter. My house was floral and warm and smelled like a field of flowers. I glared at the snow and turned to my mom.

“Were you crying?” She outlined the puffiness below my righteye with her index finger.

“No…” I said. She could tell I was lying.

“Oh, baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t meant to make you cry. It’s no bigdeal. Teenager’s kiss and I’ll accept that, but only kiss, okay? I don’twant you to get pregnant.” I blushed as she placed her hand on my flatstomach. She wrapped her arms around me, holding me.

“I don’t want to get pregnant. Don’t worry mom, if I do have it , Ipromise I’ll be safe. I hate it when we fight.” I added extra emotion tothe last sentence, beginning to feel awkward.

“Me too, sweetheart, me too.” She released me and smiled withher thin lips. For forty-one, she was still so beautiful. Her almost icyblue eyes were sparkling with youth and her shoulder-length, straightblonde hair shined. The way she walked, you could tell that she

flaunted her thin figure, but my mom was never one to be selfish orirresponsible. She was a so much like my grandma. I smiled backadmirably.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going out to dinner with Ethanand a few other people tonight.”

“Not at all, darling. Have a good time.” She rubbed my shoulderand turned away, walking back to the kitchen. I could hear reruns of Oprah from our kitchen TV all the way from the main hall. I laughed



and shook my head. Slinging my backpack over my shoulder, I kickedoff my boots and trudged up the stairs.

My bedroom door creaked, as it swung open. I slammed it shut,tossed my backpack onto my beanbag chair, and plopped on my bed.

Peeking at the time forced me to gasp. Five o’clock? How did it

get so late? Locking my bedroom door, I shed my clothes and hoppedin the shower. The battle that occurred between myself on whether ornot to stay in the shower, lasted for a good ten minutes. That just gaveme another ten minutes to stay under the warm water, so I decided toget out. I wrapped a towel around myself and slid the glass showerdoor shut.

The black dress and little, white, button-up sweater I choselooked dazzling, if I do say so myself. To speed up the drying process, Itook a blow dryer to my hair, allowing the natural curls and crimps toform. I slid in a black headband and stepped into white peep-toe heels.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the white fluff falling from the

sky out my window. I groaned and stuffed the heels in my purse alongwith my wallet and lip-gloss. I applied some mascara and silver eyeshadow before checking the time again. Five fifty-three. I padded downthe carpeted stairs and slipped on my soft boots. I shrugged into mylong, grey jacket and put on matching gloves and a hat for extrawarmth, that, by the looks of the weather, I wasn’t going to get.

I heard a car honk outside and I slung my bag on my elbow,exiting the house. The snow was like a slap in the face. I closed myeyes for a second, to collect myself, then walked to the passenger side.I pulled on the handle and hopped in. Slamming the door as quickly aspossible, I let my body sink in the warmth.

“You look happy.” Ethan chuckled.“Thanks to your wonderful, wonderful car.” Keeping my eyes

closed, I blindly buckled myself.We arrived at The Cheesecake Factory and, God bless his heart,

Ethan dropped me off at the front entrance. The beautiful chandelier,hanging above the waiting area of the restaurant, gave the entirerestaurant a warm, homey feeling.

“Nori! Over here!” I heard Sasha call. I turned around and smiledat the two couples sitting at a table. I waved and walked to the table.Sasha’s dark skin was smooth and almost golden from the chandelierlighting. She was with Greg, the quarterback of the football team and

her boyfriend. He smiled, his pearly white teeth standing out from hiscaramel skin.

Mandy’s flowing brown hair was a bit messy. I pointed to my hair,trying to let her know, but she just pointed to John. John smiledsheepishly and shrugged. He ran his hand through his blonde hair,winking at me.



“Making out in the bathroom again ?” I asked, taking a seat nextto Mandy. She smiled innocently and licked her lips. I shivered andturned away to make a gagging noise.

“Oh please, Nori. We were caught making out in my car earliertoday by her mom .” Ethan said, coming up from behind me. The whole

group laughed and I look away, blushing. Ethan kissed one my hotcheeks and took a seat across from me.“So, did your mom slit your throat, or what?” John asked.“Surprisingly, she just told me to be responsible and then she

went back to watching Oprah .” I answered, taking a piece of bread inmy hands.

“See Greg? I told you, Oprah Winfrey is the solution to allproblems! Nori and—” Sasha’s lecture was interrupted when Gregstuck a piece of bread between her lips. We all clapped when he didthat and Sasha continued eating the bread.

“So how’d the college meeting go Nori? Are you going to

Princeton?” Mandy asked. Luckily, the waiter came and took our drinkorders.“Like I was saying, are you going to Princeton?” Mandy twirled a

strand of her dark hair around her finger, nibbling on a piece of bread.I took a deep breath and half smiled.“No.” My voice cracked.“Oh…Nori, I’m so sorry.” Mandy hugged me and frowned in

sympathy. I shrugged trying to swallow the lump in my throat.“Let it out.” Greg said. I took a deep breath and nodded.“Princeton was my only chance at a future. Both my parents

went threr and that’s where they fell for each other. Do you have any

idea how disappointed they’ll be when they hear that I didn’t make itin? All because my grades are too low! Now I’m not going to go to thecollege of my dreams. There’s no more hope left inside of me.” I hadwalked over to sit on Ethan’s lap during my speech.

“What if…” Greg began.“Yes?” I asked, looking up at him.“Never mind, it was a dumb idea.”“Greg, your flattening my already-crushed dreams. Tell me.”“Nathaniel Baker.” He said simply.“And he is?” The name didn’t sound familiar.“The dean’s son.”

“Okay, what does he have to do with anything?”“Convince him to talk to his dad about letting you in.”“You’re expecting me to flirt my way into Princeton?” I was

shocked, considering that Greg was always the do-gooder.“Not flirt. Seduce. ” The word rolled off his tongue and I felt a

smile forming on my lips.



Chapter 2

“No.” Ethan said shaking his head.“No?”

“You’re not going to use a guy to get into Princeton.” I was stillon Ethan’s lap as he brushed my hair behind my ear.

“Thanks for your concern dad , but I think I’m going to dowhatever I want.” I said acidly. He was beginning to make me mad.Ethan has never been very possessive.

“Is Ethan jealous?” Mandy asked, smiling widely.“No I’m not. I just…don’t think it’s the right way to get into

college. You spend years in school for a reason.” Ethan defended

himself, winding his arms around my waist. The waiter brought out ourfood and I walked back to my seat, waiting for Ethan to accept loss.“Oh please Ethan, don’t be so possessive. You guys love each

other and you have to have faith in your relationship.” Sasha said,stabbing a noodle and tossing it into her mouth. We all stared at her,mouths gaping.

“What? Oprah finally taught me something.” Sasha said matter-of-factly and lightly slapped Greg on the cheek. He rolled his eyes andtook a bit of his burger.

“Ethan, you gotta trust me. I’m pursuing my dream. I would’vewanted you to follow your dream if the roles were switched and if that

meant flirting with another girl, then so be it. Don’t you want me tofollow my dream?” My bottom lip jutted out and I began to pout. Ethanreached across the table and stroked my cheek.

“Of course I want you to follow your dream. You’re right. I trustyou and I trust us.” I smiled at him and leaned over to peck him on thelips.

“Woah you guys! Not on the table!” John practically shouted. Hisface fell flat and his eyes began to look dazed. I saw that one of Mandy’s shoes was under her chair. Considering that they were sittingacross from each other, I didn’t even want to think about what Mandywas doing with her bare foot to make John look like that.

“Check please.” Greg said to the waiter. Mandy and Johnexcused themselves and I groaned in disgust.

“I feel bad for the people who are in that bathroom.” Sasha said,shaking her head.

“It doesn’t look like they made it to the bathroom.” Greg added,looking past me. I turned around and saw Mandy, her legs wrappedaround John’s waist, kissing his neck as he carried her into a closet.



“Hormonal maniacs.” Greg said, making a gagging noise. Welaughed and the waiter came back with the check. We all paid our partand Sasha paid for John and Mandy.

“I think we should just leave.” Ethan slipped on his jacket andhelped me put mine on.

“Yeah.” Sasha and Greg said slowly, nodding. Ethan and Gregwent to pull up their cars while Sasha and I sat on the waiting benches.“They’re usually faster then this.” Sasha looked at her phone and

her eyebrows rose. I laughed and shrugged.“Maybe…” I began, but the thought seemed impossible.“Maybe what?”“What if their relationship isn’t just based on it anymore?”“You think they love each other? Neither of them knows the

definition of love! That’s why they’re so perfect for each other. Don’tbe stupid Nori.” Sasha was wiping the hysterical tears below her eyes.

“I guess your right. They’re here. Let’s go.” We braced ourselves

for the snow that was still falling.“Do you two want to come back to my house?” I asked, huggingSasha goodbye.

“I’ll talk to Greg and call you. Bye!” I jumped into the car withEthan and buckled myself.

“Sasha and Greg might be coming to my house; can you stay fora while?”

“Yeah, sounds good.” It was a nice, quiet ride home thanks tothe hot air that put me in my own little world.

Greg’s car was sitting in the driveway when Ethan parked. Itucked my boots and purse under my arm, deciding to wear my heels

to the door. The ankle-deep snow caused my to whimper each time Itook a step. Ethan eventually picked me up, cradling me, and walkedme the rest of the five feet. He set me down inside and I kicked off myheels, running to the nearest heater. My frozen toes curled in pain andEthan laughed, rubbing my bare shoulders.

“Let’s go upstairs; I think I heard Greg in your room.” He took myhand and led my up there. When I walked in, Greg was on my laptopand Sasha was going through my closet.

“Sure, you go right ahead and make yourselves at home.” I said,throwing my purse on my desk. They both turned to me and smiled. Iscoffed and rolled my eyes. Ethan laid on my bed and opened his arms

to me. I threw myself in them and shut my eyes, relaxing.“No way! Nathaniel Baker just started school at NYU. We could

drive up there next weekend if we really wanted to.” Greg said, staringat the computer screen.

“NYU? So he’s…a freshman in college ? How do you know who heis anyway?” I asked. I could feel Ethan tense.

“Yes, he’s in college. We went to camp together when we weretwelve and we kept contact for a while, but I haven’t talking to him in a



year. So how do we get you two to meet?” Greg’s eyes glazed over inthought.

“Facebook him.” Sasha said, pushing aside hangers.“Yeah, but how are going to be positive that he’ll want to

approach Nori?” Ethan asked.

“We have to make her irresistible . And you’re not coming Ethan.”Sasha said holding an old shirt up to her.“What?” Ethan snapped.“You’re jealousy will get in the way of Nori’s acting. If Nathaniel

Baker even touches her, you’ll get all wide-eyed and possessive. Whichwill ruin the whole plan.” Sasha shrugged and began ruffling throughmy drawers.

“Nori?” Ethan looked to me for support.“I…I agree with Sasha. I love you, but I’m never going to get into

Princeton with you around…” Ethan’s arms dropped away from me andI turned over so that I was on top of him, looking directly into his eyes.

“Don’t be like that Ethan. You’ve got to trust me on this.” Ipressed my forehead to his. He snaked his arms around my waist andpulled my lips to his. I didn’t object, tangling my fingers in his hair. Iheard Greg and Sasha groan, but I didn’t stop. When I felt Ethan’shands reaching for the zipper on my dress, I pulled away.

“There are other people here.” I quietly scolded him. Hechuckled and brushed back my falling hair.

“He’s going to Rockefeller Plaza to skate tomorrow.” Greg said.“How do you know?” Ethan propped himself up on his elbows. I

heard him mumble something that sounded like “gay.” I punchedEthan’s shoulder and he rolled onto his back once again.

“His status says. He’s going around three.”“Perfect. Then you, Sasha, and I will leave around one-thirty

tomorrow.” I said, playing with Ethan’s long, tan fingers.“Sounds good. We’ll be here by one.” Greg stood up and

straightened his jacket, leaving my computer open, but facing awayfrom Ethan and I.

“Bye you guys. Dress warm!” As soon as the door shut, I wasunder Ethan. He kissed up my neck, nipping in some areas, and hishands seemed almost aggressive as they held my face. I sat up andpushed Ethan off me.

“What is wrong with you?” I barked at him. His eyebrows

scrunched.“Why are you doing this?” He shouted.“Doing what?”“I’m not as important as your dreams? Do you know how much

that hurts?” Ethan questioned, acidly. I was beginning to get angry.“Are you kidding me?! Ethan, your dream has always been to go

to Yale and become a lawyer! What if I was the one who was in theway of that dream? Which would you choose?”



“I…I don’t know. But I didn’t have to go after someone else toget into college!”

“Yeah, well sorry we’re not all as smart as you Ethan! If this iswhat I have to do to get into Princeton then I’ll do it!”

“Even if that means the end of us?” Ethan’s question took me off

guard. My eyes softened and a lump rose in my throat. Ethan wrappedhis arms around me and shook his head.“I overreacted. I’m sorry. Do what you have to do to get into

Princeton.” He lightly kissed my lips and got off the bed.“I think I’m going to go. Good luck tomorrow.” He smiled and

took my hand in both of his. Ethan kissed my hand then my forehead.“I love you.” I whispered.“I love you too.” He softly shut the door behind him.I slipped on sweatpants and an old swim team t-shirt, putting my

hair in a messy bun. After wiping off my makeup, I felt fresh. I shut off my lights, but noticed that my laptop was still open on the beanbag

chair. Curiosity got the best of me and I looked at the screen.It was open to Nathaniel Baker’s profile. The first thing I noticedwas that he was exactly a year older then me. Which was pretty cool.Second thing was that he was…absolutely gorgeous. He was so goodlooking. I smiled at his profile picture and shut my laptop, placing it onmy desk.

Tomorrow would be fun and I was excited. I barely got any sleep,because I was so fidgety and nervous.

I woke up at ten and plotted to the bathroom. I gasped at thesight of my reflection. Pulling on my eyes and splashing my face withwater did no good for the bags that were practically caves on my face.

I took a quick shower and put on a pair of comfortable jeans and asweater. The sweater was one that my grandma had given me for mybirthday two years ago.

My makeup helped with the bags a bit, but I still wasn’t theprettiest sight. I straightened myhair and clipped it back on one side. The smell of fast food drew me tothe kitchen before I was done ready, though.

“Mom…what? You never get fast food.” I stared at theMcDonalds bag, my mouth watering.

“I know, but I thought maybe we could have a fun mother-daughter day and cheat… You’re going out aren’t you?” Watching her

face fall made me feel horrible.“Um…yes.”“Well, that’s alright. Maybe tomorrow? Where are you going?”“Rockefeller Plaza with Greg and Sasha to skate.”“Ethan’s not going?”“Nope.”“Well, have fun sweetheart. You can still have the food.” Her lips

parted for a small smile and she turned on her heel, walking towards



her workout room. I shook my head and put a French fry in my mouth. Iguiltily grabbed the whole bag and went back up to my room.

I sat on my bed for a while with my laptop until I heard a knockon my bedroom door.

“Come in!” Greg and Sasha came in looking…puffy. I laughed at

their appearance and closed my laptop, putting it to the side.“Shut up, Nori! We wanted to be warm!” Sasha shouted.“Your jackets are huge!” I was laughing so hard it hurt. I

eventually got control of myself and grabbed my huge jacket andslipped it around me.

“Looks like your joining the club, you hypocrite.” Greg said,chuckling. I smiled and grabbed my scarf and gloves.

I dove into the back of Greg’s SUV and bathed in the heat thatwas blowing towards me. The drive was no more then a half hour, butthe walk from out parking space to the rink added about forty-fiveminutes. When we arrived, we each paid for our skates and tied them

on. After about five minutes I was done. My cheeks were scarlet fromthe chill and my joints were frozen. But no, I had to find NathanielBaker before we left. What Sasha says, goes. I rubbed my glovesagainst my cheeks and watched my feet as I skated around.

“Ooof!” My skates caught on someone else’s and I fell, landingon top of them.

“I am so sorry.” I looked down into the deep aqua eyes of Nathaniel Baker and my heart almost melted. He shrugged and smiledrevealing a perfect set of white teeth. His grin had an adorable slant toit too.

“No worries, I’m fine.” He said. I nodded, not moving.

“So…do you skate a lot?” He asked, searching my eyes.“Um…uhh…yes! I used to take lessons when I was younger.” My

mind trailed off and I lay on top of him in silence once again. He tiltedhis head up a bit, so his mouth was by my ear.

“People are staring.” His breath on my neck sent chills down myback. I smiled, and then realized what he said.

“Oh! Yeah.” I laughed and got off him. I craved the warmth of hisbody as soon as I stood up. I offered my hand and pulled him up.

“Thanks…” He said, patting down his chestnut hair that reachedhis ears and fell over his forehead.

“Yeah, sorry about that.” I blushed deeply and looked down at

my feet. His gloved hand was under my chin, pulling it back up to meethis eyes.

“I don’t think you should look a your feet while your skatinganymore. Plus, why hide those beautiful eyes?” He asked, chuckling. Ibit my lip and half smiled.

“I’m Nate. It’s nice to meet you.” I placed my hand in hisextended hand and held on.



“I’m Nori. It’s nice to meet you too.” He kept hold of my hand ashe stared into my eyes.

“Um…do you want to grab hot chocolate after this?” He asked,cocking his head. I smiled and nodded. We slowly began circling therink, side by side.

“Did you come here with someone?” He asked, rubbing his handstogether.“Yeah, my two friends. They’re actually right over there.” I

pointed. Sasha was on the ground and Greg was in the process of falling.

“Did you come with anyone?” I asked, circling him.“Nope. I just came to enjoy the view.” I nodded, looking around

me. It really was a spectacular sight. Although it was freezing, it wasworth it.

“I love it here.” I did a little spin, spreading my arms, to gestureto everything.

“Me too.” He grabbed one of my arms and stopped me, mid-spin.I almost fell again, but he caught me.“I think you’re trying a little too hard.” He laughed and helped

me get flat on my feet again.“That time was your fault!” I defended my clumsiness and

giggled. He shook his head and focused my pink cheeks.“You look cold…” He mentioned.“Just a little.” I said sarcastically.“Are you ready to go then?”“Sure, just come with me so I can tell them I’m leaving.” I skated

to one corner of the rink where Greg and Sasha were laughing.

“This is Sasha and this is—” Nate interrupted me.“Greg. We went to camp a couple years ago. I thought I

recognized him.” Nate said.“Hey man!” They hugged each other quickly and Sasha’s eyes

widened, while looking at Nate.“Nate and I are going to get hot chocolate. Do you want to meet

somewhere? I can call you when we’re done.” I said, running myfingers through my hair.

“Well, it’s getting kind of late and Greg and I wanted to go out todinner so…” Sasha trailed off, but Nate finished her sentence.

“I can take Nori out to dinner if she wants and we can meet after

that?” He looked at me quickly and I nodded.“Sounds good. We’ll call you.” Greg and Sasha skated off,

waving.“You ready?” Nate asked.“Sure.”



Chapter 3

“What do you say to Panera?” I asked, skipping out in thefreezing New York air.

“What do they serve there?” Nate chuckled and tucked his fistsin his pockets.

“You’ve never been? Let me think about that, bread, bread, andmore bread.” I looked back and smiled. The tip of his nose was thebrightest of reds, which caused me to laugh under my breath.

“Do I look that ridiculous? Bread sounds great.” His stridesbecame longer as he tried to catch up with me.

“You have the longest legs of any girl I’ve ever met.” He finallymatched his steps with mine and we were walking side by side. Ilaughed at his comment and shrugged.

“Thanks? It’s right around the corner.” I looked up at the pink skyand stopped.

“Are you okay?” Nate asked, turning to look back at me. The firstflakes hit my eyelashes and stuck there. Which brought my mind backto Ethan. I shivered at the guilt that filled me.

“Yes. I’m fine. Come on, it’s cold.” I wrapped my slim fingersaround Nate’s wrist and pulled him inside.

We ordered and took our foot to a small booth in the corner of the restaurant.

“So tell me about yourself.” I said, putting a spoonful of chickensoup in my mouth.

“I’m a freshman at NYU. Um, I’m born and raised in New York…My dad’s the dean at Princeton University…”“I can’t imagine he’s too pleased with your decision of colleges?”

I guessed.“Not really, but it’s not like it was his choice. What college do you

go to?” My cheeks flamed when he asked this question.“I’m hoping Princeton.” I said quietly, not wanting the fact that

I’m younger to get in the way of our connection.“Oh…” His voice caught in his throat. “You’re a, uh, senior? In

high school?” I nodded unsurely, my blonde curls bouncing around myface.

“Well, that’s cool. So you’re hoping to get into Princeton? Did youalready turn in your application?”I felt my eyes begin to moisten and I rubbed them with my

palms. “No...” I said quietly, messing with my hair nervously.“Oh….hey, don’t worry about it. There’s still time.” He said,

setting his hand over mine. I smiled, wiping away my senseless tears.



“Thanks. So, uh, why NYU instead of Princeton?” I slid my handfrom his, pushing my hair behind my ear. This Ethan thing wasbeginning to take over my mind.

“Good question,” He shrugged and took a long sip of his coffee.“Ever felt like you just know when something’s right?”

“Of course. I used to use that tactic all the time during tests.”He let out a short chuckle. “Well that’s just how it felt. I love NYU,couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.”

“I admire that. Although everyone expects you to go toPrinceton, you do what you want. You do what you feel .” I slumpedback in the booth, messing with my grey knit mittens. They’re the kindwith the removable top, so they can be mittens or fingerless gloves.

“Where are you from in New York?” He took a leisurely gulp of his steaming chicken noodle soup.

“Oyster Bay,” I smiled at the thought of my home. “You?”“Manhattan.”

“How does that work with your dad working in New Jersey?“I stay with my mom and we see him when we can.” He gatheredour trash and went to put the dishes on the counter. My phone did theKim Possible jingle and it was a text from Sasha saying she and Gregwere ready to go if I was.

“You’re leaving?” Nate guessed as we walked out into the bittercold.

“Yeah, but thank you for dinner and the skating tips and stuff.” Ilaughed a turned toward.

“Any time. Do you..want to exchange numbers? Maybe we coulddo this again next time you’re in the city.”

“I’d love to.” His sigh almost sounded like relief and he passedhis phone over to me. I quickly typed in my number and handed himhis phone back. I purposely didn’t give him my number. I didn’t want towant to be with him. I was with Ethan. I shouldn’t like this guy.

We awkwardly stood face to face, unsure of how to say goodbye.He took a stiff step forward and planted a light kiss on my lips. Andthat was it. I lost it. The whole fireworks, boom bang, the big explosion.It happened. I took a step backward that probably looked more like astumble.

“I’ll call you,” He said coolly, walking off into the crowds.I brushed my pink fingers over my lips. It almost stung, putting

the cold on my heated lips. This isn’t good.I practically floated back to the rink, only thinking of that kiss. My

kisses with Ethan were nothing like that.“Nori?” Sasha grabbed by arm as I almost walked past her.“Huh?”“Are you okay?” Sasha slightly shook me, raising her perfect

eyebrows. “Greg, we didn’t send her to dinner with a creep did we?”



“Last I checked, no. But I haven’t talked to the guy in a year.”Greg rubbed his large hands up and down my arms.

I burst out laughing, which startles both of them.“What?” They both ask in unison.“Guys, he’s not a creep. He just kissed me. Let’s get to the car.

I’m freezing.” I tucked my curls inside my beanie and almost jogged tothe car. By the time we were in the car, Sasha and Greg bombardedme with questions.

“Why’d you kiss him?”“Do you like him?”“Did you kiss him back?”

I let out a slight shriek which managed to shut them up.“He kissed me and I kissed him back. I have to play the part.” My

voice trailed off towards the end. Sasha and Greg gave each other aslight glance and began the drive back home.

I sighed deeply when I spotted Ethan’s car in my driveway.“Good luck,” Sasha said with a short laugh. I shut the car doorand trudged inside, not wanting to deal with Ethan’s jealousy. I barelygot in the door when Ethan popped up in front of me. He planted a kisson me and then jerked back.

“You kissed him.” His tone was as if he was talking to amurderer.

“He kissed me,” I said with a shrug. I slipped out of mymarshmallow jacket and tossed it in the coat closet. I rubbed my eyesin exhaustion and walked to the living room, flopping down in one of our oversized couches.

“Nori!” Ethan whined/shouted.“Ethan, it’s okay,”“No, no it’s not okay. You kissed this guy. I’m your boy friend.

This is definitely not okay.”“Ethan, quit being insecure! The kiss didn’t mean anything!” I

wondered if what I had just said was true.“Whatever, Nori,” He grumbled and dramatically left the house.

“Jesus!” I shouted. I couldn’t deal with Ethan’s crap right now. Iscrambled up to my room, turning off the lights and falling into a deepsleep. Those warm lips were the last thing in my mind before I drifted

off.

seducing the prince of princeton

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