Just Away from the Bonfire: Ellie & Rider & Kaden
Ellie had squeaked and jumped damn near out of her skin when Mr. Kaden's voice came suddenly out of nowhere. Who knew such a large man could move so quietly? Of course, not hearing him had nothing to do with having almost two cups of spiked cider and dancing with Rider.
Nobody ever looked so guilty and surprised. Ellie's hazel eyes were wide, her face first drained of color then flushed bright scarlet. Then Rider tried to take the blame and oh hell no!
"Dinna listen ta him, Mr. Kaden," she said as she stepped right between Rider and their teacher. "He's jest tryin' ta be gallant. I brought the whisky." Oh, what a lie. "I didna want to try it alone and Rider agreed it wasna a good idea fer me to drink alone."
A stubborn look came to her blushing face as she jutted her jaw up and out. The few times she'd been in trouble for shoving a bully into a mud puddle or something similar she'd worn the same look. No way was she going to let Rider take the fall for her.