Page 64 of Reckless Kisses
“I know.But I figured the kids would like Derek, and...”I let my voice trail off.I didn’t want to say out loud that they might actually enjoy having a chaperone who wasn’t a teacher.Derek Robertson was another very successful entrepreneur my high schoolers had enjoyed listening to.
“I’ll figure it out,” I told her.“Don’t worry, and thanks again for letting me know.”
After we said our goodbyes, I glanced at Knox, noticing his frown.
“What’s wrong?”he asked.
“Next week, I’m going with the high schoolers on a camping trip.”
He laughed.“Why?You hate camping.”
“I know, but it’s a good experience for them.Anyway, this cool guy was supposed to come with us.He came for a career day last month, and they absolutely loved him.He was supposed to join us as the other adult of the group, along with me and the two other teachers.But now he can’t come, and we need another chaperone.”I bit the inside of my cheek, going to the couch.“I’ll ask one of the other teachers, I guess.”
“Think they’ll say no?”
“Someone will eventually say yes.I’ll try to rope my friend Agnes into it, although field trips are really not her thing.But I know the kids would prefer someone who’s not part of the school.They say outsiders are cool.”
“I’ll go,” he stated matter-of-factly.
My eyes widened.“You want to come on a camping trip with high school students?”
“No, I want to come on a camping trip with you.Where is it?”
I shook my head.“No, you don’t.High schoolers are crazy and can be very obnoxious.They’re full of pranks.You’re a business guy.”
“Need I remind you how Dad took us camping, fishing, hunting?I even know how to build a campfire.Do you?”
“Nope.”
Hmmm, maybe this wasn’t a bad idea.They loved Knox’s presentation, so I knew the kids would be excited to see him again.
“Where is it?”he asked again.
I sighed, then pulled up the location on GPS and showed him my phone.
“Right.Six hours away by car.”He nodded like this was all said and done, but I knew what would squelch his interest.
“By bus, Knox—school bus,” I said.His eyes bulged, and I had to laugh.“I knew that would sour the idea.”
“Nah.I actually do like camping, really.Like I said, Finn and I take Jeremy sometimes because Duncan hates it.”
Oh, man.Did he know how adorable he sounded when he said that?I still couldn’t wrap my mind around Knox as an uncle.I’d never seen him in action with his nephew, but he sounded like he’d be a great dad.
“School bus, huh?I’m in!”Knox said.
“Really, you’re sure?Riding on the bus?”
He nodded like there was no more conversation to be had.
“Then I’ll tell Ms.Adams you’ll go.The students will be thrilled, I’m sure.You were a hit.”
“Even more than that Robertson dude?”
I looked at him.“Oh, yeah.”
“Good.”
I laughed.“You’re so competitive.”
