“Your face is beet red,” she exclaims, laughing behind her hand. “I never realized you blushed so much.”
“Only when you say inappropriate things.”
“Inappropriate? Funny coming from the man who kissed me on a public bus.” Pressing her palms on the table, she leans closer, her eyes a shiny metallic. “Don’t think I haven’t forgotten your little joke.”
My back stiffens. “Joke? What joke?”
“Please, like I’m an idiot who would fall for that.”
I place a hand over hers, stopping her from leaving the table. I repeat my question slowly, “What joke?”
“The one where you make fun of me for not figuring out you were Austin. That I said all those things about him... about you... ugh.”
“In hindsight, I shouldn’t have prodded you about Austin. I guess I was surprised you didn’t even consider me as a choice.” I squeeze her small hand. “But that kiss was not a joke—far from it.”
“I don’t understand.” Too many emotions cross over her features. “Then why did you do it?”
“Because I wanted to.”And still want to.
“I can’t tell if you’re joking or not. This is a terrible one if it is.”
My thumb brushes over her knuckles. “I’d kiss you again if you’d let me.”
Now it’s her turn to blush, highlighting her sprinkle of freckles.
“We’re always fighting. You can’t stand me.”
“I never said that. You drive me crazy, in more ways than one.”
She swallows nervously. “You and me?”
“Why not?”
“That’s not a very good reason.” She snatches her hand away before I can catch her.
Why not? Why not?!Of all the reasons I could have said, that’s the one that flies out of my mouth?
“Reese . . .”
“This is a lot to unpack. I—I’m going for a walk.” Standing, she looks everywhere but at me. “Thanks again for the pizza.”
Then she sprints off like a marathon runner, leaving me confused and alone at the picnic table.
Way to go, Tristen.
Cursing under my breath, I let my head thunk onto the stack of pizza boxes. I don’t think I could have screwed that up any worse.
When night falls, Reese still hasn’t returned.
For the millionth time, my eyes stray to the cat clock hung above the door, the tail swinging with each second that passes. I’ve tried to work while she’s been gone, but it’s pointless. I pace the tiny stretch of vinyl and mull over my colossal mistake again and again.
What I should have said was that I like her. Straight to the point and no confusion behind the meaning. Then follow it up with that I like spending time with her and that she’s funny and beautiful. Mention how I used to catch myself staring at her from across the bar, hoping she’d glance my way, even when she was there with Burns.
Of course, I blow the one shot I have. Now she’s out there, in a strange place, without me watching over her.
With a growl, I check the clock again. Knowing Reese, she’s probably decided to return to Rocosa on foot just to avoid my company. She’s probably stubborn enough to do it too.
Done with waiting, I open and close random cabinets searching for a flashlight when the doorswings open. She stomps up the steps with a shopping bag in hand. I grip the counter, unprepared for the intense relief that crashes into me at seeing her unharmed.
