Page 89 of Crash Course

“AHHH!” I wrap the towel around me and sprint out of the bathroom. “Megan!” I shout in case she’s still here.

No answer.

I scramble for my phone and send off a text to my friend. She only left a few minutes ago. They could still be outside.

There’s a knock on the patio door. I run to it and jerk it wide.

Jameson’s there in a jacket and jeans, his hair messy from the wind. “What’s wrong? I heard you scream.”

He’s all commanding intensity. Knowing he’s on my side, it’s oddly comforting.

“Shay? What is it?” Theo’s right behind him.

I look between both Ashfords. A moment ago, I would have been thrilled for two saviors, but I’m realizing I’m standing here in a towel and they’re not looking at one another.

“It’s in there,” I whisper, pointing toward the bathroom.

Jameson moves closer and inspects me for damage. While he does, Theo brushes past us into the hotel room.

“I’ve got this,” Jameson calls after Theo.

“Do you?” Theo’s already at the bathroom door.

I’m too edgy to roll my eyes as I follow them toward the light. When I get to the doorway, they’re both standing staring at the corner of the shower.

“That’s it.” Jameson blinks.

“A spider?” Theo sounds underwhelmed. “You’re scared of a spider.”

“No one said scared.” I fold my arms defensively.

Theo goes to the other room, returning a moment later with a shoe from the mat by the door.

“Don’t kill it!” I protest, holding out a water glass from the counter. “Take it outside.”

Before he can, Jameson grabs the glass from me and stalks over to the shower. In one smooth attempt, he catches it and traps it between a hand towel and upside-down glass.

He leads a strange parade of the three of us toward the patio.

There’s a line of students along the walkway, watching the last of the drivers get off the bus.

I’m in a towel, flanked by Ashfords.

Great.

A pointed look from Jameson has them dispersing, but they’re whispering.

“Thanks for the help. Both of you,” I amend.

Theo’s gaze flicks down my body. “You need anything else? Or is Jamie handling that too?”

Jameson starts to speak, but I hold up a hand.

“I’m fine, Theo. Thank you for the save.” I force a smile.

He looks as if he wants to say something else, but only nods. He grabs a duffel bag by the door.

“Don’t stay out too late,” he says to his brother, and starts down toward the hotel lobby. I stare after him.