Kissing the Rival

KISSING THE RIVAL THE KISSING GAME SERIES BOOK 2 KAYLEE RYAN CONTENTS The Kissing Games Prologue Charlotte Prologue Spencer Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Epilogue Charlotte Epilogue Spencer Thank you More from Kaylee Ryan Acknowledgement Copyright © 2023 Kaylee Ryan All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Kaylee Ryan, except for the use of brief quotations in articles and or reviews. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, locations, businesses and plot are products of the author’s imagination and meant to be used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events throughout the story are purely coincidental. The author acknowledges trademark owners and trademarked status of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication and use of these trademarks are not authorized, sponsored or associated by or with the trademark owners. The following story contains sexual situations and strong language. It is intended for adult readers. Cover Design: Book Cover Boutique Cover Photography: Wander Aguair Editing: Hot Tree Editing Proofreading: Deaton Author Services, Jo Thompson, Jess Hodge Paperback Formatting: Integrity Formatting THE KISSING GAMES The Kissing Game Series There are five books in the series. Authors include: Molly McLain, Kaylee Ryan, C.A. Harms, Lacey Black, and Evan Grace. All books can be read as standalone novels, and can be read in any order. PROLOGUE CHARLOTTE Charlotte Clemson University, Freshman Year Walking into the large auditorium, I scan the room. There are students milling around everywhere and the sounds of their voices echo throughout the room. My knees are shaking and my palms are wet from sweat. I don’t know that I’ve ever been this nervous. I don’t know a single person at this university and I have more problems in my life than a math test, but I’m here, and I’m determined to see this through. I have to see this through. Leaving home and saying goodbye to my little sister was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I’ve questioned my decision more times than I can count, but at the end of the day, I know this is what’s best. She’s in good hands with Aunt Miranda. She might not be the most loving of parental figures, but she’s what we have, and I’ll check in with Audrey daily. She’ll barely know I’m not there. Finding a seat in the back, I plop down, setting my backpack with all my essentials at my feet. I’ve never been to one of the college freshman orientations. I don’t know if I need something while here, and I don’t want to be that girl—the shy one with no friends to sit with and who doesn’t have what she needs. But I’m here nonetheless. As I glance at my wrist, pain pierces my chest when I see my dad’s watch. He wasn’t wearing it the night of the accident. It’s the first thing I noticed when I went into my parents’ room. I asked Audrey if she wanted it, but she said no. It’s far too large for my tiny wrist, but I can’t seem to go a day without wearing it. Aunt Miranda tells me it will get easier—that time heals all wounds—but I’m pretty sure she’s mistaken. I don’t know that any amount of time will fill the hole of the loss of my parents. Reaching into my backpack for my phone to text my sister, I hear a deep “Hey” next to me. Turning, I see a guy with dark brown hair, the most amazing brown eyes I’ve ever seen, and a smile that I’m sure has the ladies lining up for his attention. “Hi.” I tuck my hair behind my ear and quickly type out a message to my little sister. Me: What are you up to? Audrey: I’m in business ethics class. Me: Why are you replying if you’re in class? Audrey: Why are you texting me when you know I’m in class? She has a point. “I’m Spencer,” the hot guy says. I look over, and he offers me a grin and his hand. I take it. “Charlotte.” I used to hate my full name, only my parents used it, but now that they’re gone, I long to hear them say it just one more time. “Nice to meet you, Charlotte.” “You too,” I say, going back to my phone. Me: Call me when you get out of school, and we’ll catch up. Audrey: You’ve been gone for three days, Charlie. There isn’t much to catch up on. Me: I miss you. I can practically see her rolling her eyes at me. Audrey: I miss you too. I’ll call you later. Aren’t you supposed to be in orientation? I send her a quick picture of the auditorium. Audrey: You’ve got this, big sister. Me: We’ve got this. A man steps up to the podium, raises his hand, and the room starts to quiet down. Me: Starting. Gotta go. I slide my phone back into the front pocket of my bag and keep my eyes on the man front and center. “Boyfriend?” Spencer asks from his seat next to me. I turn my head just slightly to look at him. “What?” He nods to where I just shoved my phone back in my bag. “Texting your boyfriend?” “No.” “Husband?” This time I turn and give him my full attention. “Do I look like I’m married?” My voice comes out a little harsher than I intended. That’s been my normal stance since we lost our parents three short months ago. I don’t mean to come off short, but I’m just so damn angry, I don’t know how to deal