Taking The Reins (The Rosewoods Book 1) Read Free Page B

the same way I had his only moments before. “I like it.”
    “I’m glad it meets your approval,” I said, enjoying our banter.
    “Come on, you two,” Evan protested, picking up his end of the trunk. “You can flirt on the way.”
    I almost choked on my own saliva.
    Running ahead of them so I wouldn’t have to respond to Evan’s remark or worse, acknowledge it in front of Will, I led the boys up the concrete stairs, through the open doorway and into the Rosewood main building.
    From the research I’d done online when my parents told me I’d be attending, I knew the dorms were in this main building, along with administrative offices, dining hall and some of the smaller classrooms. Behind it was the rest of the campus, scattered about in several stone buildings, many that were smaller copies of this one. There was also a running track, baseball diamonds, soccer fields and a whole indoor sports complex, with an Olympic sized pool, squash courts and a full gym. Not to mention the stables—what I was most excited about. I’d had to give up my equestrian lessons when we’d left the States—Mom refused to drive in England, and with Dad always off at his meetings, I was stuck without any way to get to stables. But now that I was attending a school with horses, I was eager to get back into riding.
    “The service elevator is just up there on the right,” Evan said from behind me as I stepped into the marbled lobby, his voice echoing off the high ceilings.
    I turned to look at the boys and shook my head. “You’re going to use the lift? Really? So much for impressing me.”
    “Screw that,” Evan said, smirking. “I’ll impress you with my appreciation for modern technologies.” He jerked the thumb of his free hand toward Will. “If Mr. Dark Ages wants to impress you, he can haul your trunk up the two flights of stairs on his own. And,” he gave Will a wide-eyed look. “May I remind you those two flights each have landings—fourteen foot ceilings, and all.”
    Amused, I glanced at Will.
    “Dude,” he said shaking his head. “I don’t want to make you look bad when I put this thing over my head and carry it up the stairs like Atlas. I wouldn’t do that to you; we can use the elevator.”
    Then he looked at me and winked.
    Rendering me speechless.

Celia
    A s it was move-in day for everyone on campus, we had to wait our turn for the elevator, which meant more time with Evan and Will, which I was definitely okay with. The way the guys joked with each other, it was obvious they were friends, which made it even more fun to hang around with them. And it sort of took the pressure off me to carry a conversation. A good thing, since being with them was a bit overwhelming.
    They did ask about me some, though, surprised to find out I’m American.
    “But that accent,” Will said. “It’s so...”
    “Dodgy?” I finished for him.
    “Charming,” Evan said at the same time.
    Will shook his head and stared into my eyes. “Sexy,” he said. I had to look away, unable to handle the intensity in his gaze. If he was flirting with me like Evan had said, I loved it, but it was a little overwhelming at the same time. I’d never been drunk, but maybe this is what it felt like; like my insides were vibrating and I wanted to jump up and down. In private, of course.
    Still, I was beginning to really understand what made girls get stupid over attention from guys. Will was definitely making me feel like I could get stupid over him.
    Luckily, the elevator arrived at that moment, the ding interrupting the tension between us. The guys picked up the trunk and shuffled into the elevator car, putting it down, so they could turn around. I entered last with my backpack and carry-on spinner, turning around quickly to face the door so I wouldn’t have to look at Will, but as the halves met together, I realized it was mirrored. Will caught my eye and smiled. I looked down at my hand resting on the handle of my luggage, silently