Fault Line (Coastal University #2)

by Ki Stephens

She’s in her element now, confidence radiating from head to toe—from her wide smile to her self-assured posture to the notable pep in her step. She’s a fucking vision, isn’t she?

“Well, I’m sure you killed it. You’re gonna top your girl Kaia, no doubt.” “I’d definitely fucking like to,” I say, grinning at the innuendo that’s slipped right over poor Rai Rai’s head. “That’s one thing I know for sure.”

thought you guys were dating. It’s kind of blowing my mind.” “Okay . . . ?” Her tone is skeptical. “Sorry to disappoint.” I grin. “Doesn’t disappoint me at all.”

“You know, I missed you last week.” “What?” “I missed talking to you,” he admits, his gaze intense. “This ignoring shit you’ve been doing? Yeah, it doesn’t really work for me.” I’m momentarily speechless. Honestly, I assumed that he didn’t care either way if we talked. “Holden,” I murmur softly, uncertain of what else to say. “Kaia.” He parrots my tone. “Look, if you’re pissed at me, then just tell me. Fight with me. Yell at me. But don’t shut me out. I don’t like seeing you everywhere, knowing that you’re just gonna look the other way.”

“You still think I don’t like you?” I lean back, running a frustrated hand through my hair. “Kaia, I fucking adore you.” Her brow furrows. “What?” “I admire the hell out of you. I think you’re smart, funny, witty, beautiful.” I stop myself before I get truly carried away. “There’s never a dull moment when we’re around each other.”

“If it wasn’t obvious by now—I kinda give a shit about you, Karras.” I tense up in his arms. “Ah, I see.” “And I think you give a shit about me, too.” “Yeah,” I quietly, hesitantly agree. “Yeah, maybe I do.”