You’re pretty good at it too
Best kiss ever?
Dave
LOL
If I say yes, will it go to your head?
Nah. Might just make me wanna kiss you again.
Good night, Sutton
Dave
Good night, Cooper
FIFTEEN
SUTTON
The two hoursI’m supposed to be spending with Dr. Manning this morning is useless.
It’s like that game, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Somehow, everything keeps going back to Cooper. Being around him isn’t easier either.
I’m plagued by our kiss. The faint, ghost-like feeling of his lips on mine that feel too real and have my fingers dusting over my mouth. Vivid, lucid dreams when I’m sleeping, and mind-consuming fantasies when I’m awake.
Are kisses supposed to bethatgood? Is good even the right word to describe it? Would foot-popping be better?
Dr. Manning dismisses me, clearly sensing I’m distracted. I pack up my stuff mindlessly, and say goodbye, at least I think I do.
“Sutton, wait up.” I stop, my loafers skidding to a halt in the hallway outside of Dr. Manning’s office.
“Hi.” He relaxes, pushing a hand through his blond hair, letting it linger on the back of his nape. His hair is freshly cut, the sides almost buzzed, revealing the tips of his ears that are turning pink. It’s strange feeling like I make a boy flustered…or want to chase after me.
“Zach.” I return his friendly smile. “How are you?”
“Better now.” The dry-fit long sleeve he’s wearing stretches across his broad chest when he inhales. “You’re a hard person to track down. Did you know that?”
I give me head a quick shake. “Well, you found me now.”
“Can I walk you to your next class? It’s next to mine…I believe.” The pink on his ears morphs to red and spreads to his cheeks. It’s cute. Really cute.
“Tracking or stalking?”
Zach laughs and butterflies spring to life from their cocoons inside me. “How’s your independent study going?”
My ears and shoulders perk up. “I didn’t know you knew about that…” I trial off. Once again Cooper and that stupid kiss infiltrate my thoughts. “Um. It’s keeping me busy with research and the paper portion, plus my case study is a bit more…” Personally challenging? Unraveling me instead of his intrusive thoughts and anxiety?
“I get it.” Zach laughs nervously, and I hope he doesn’t get it. “Did you lose your phone?” he asks as we head through a bustling lobby and outside.
As expected, Zach holds the door for me. Then takes my bag as I pull out a beanie and scarf to twist around my neck.
“I’m sorry, I’ve been meaning to text you.” My apology is sincere. There’s a Post-it in my planner with an unchecked box that saystext Zach.
“We can resolve that. Do you have your phone now?” I nod. He opens his hand palm up in a simple request.
I dig my hand into the center pocket of my overalls, dropping my phone into his palm. Zach taps the screen, turning it around to get my passcode. I have to slip my glove off to enter it. My phone unlocks, and he pulls up his contact.
