He nodded, still watching me with a half-smile that made my stomach do a weird little flip.
Just then, I felt something soft and stringy brushing against my arm.
I froze. Slowly, I glanced down, and there it was. A giant, sticky spider web was draped all over my arm and stuck to the back of my dress.
“Oh my GOSH, it’s ON ME!” I screamed, leaping into the air like I’d been hit with a taser. I flailed wildly, arms pinwheeling, trying to shake off the web that seemed to be growing by the second. “GET IT OFF!”
Topher stared at me for a split second before bursting into laughter. “It’s just?—”
“IT’S A SPIDER!” I shrieked, now hopping around like I was dodging landmines. “I CAN FEEL IT CRAWLING!” I was spinning in circles, slapping my own back like a lunatic.
Topher was doubled over at this point, tears in his eyes. “It’s a fake spiderweb, not an actual spider! You’re fighting Halloween decorations!”
I stopped mid-spin, still slapping at my shoulder. “Are you SURE? Because I’m about two seconds away from setting myself on fire to make sure it’s gone.”
He was laughing so hard he could barely breathe. “Trust me,” he wheezed, “if it were real, it wouldn’t survive how fast you’re moving.”
I glared at him, trying to muster some dignity, but the web still clung to me like it had a vendetta. “I swear, this thing is multiplying!” I yanked at it, only managing to stick it to my other arm, which made Topher laugh even harder.
Still chuckling, he started untangling me. “Hold still before you knock over the tiki bar.”
I stopped long enough to glare at him. “This isn’t funny!”
He stepped closer, still grinning like he couldn’t help it. “Oh, it’s funny.”
“Okay, maybe it’s a little funny,” I admitted. Every nerve seemed to hum as his fingertips brushed against my back. His touch was light, barely there, but enough to make my breath hitch. The warmth of his body so close sent a strange tingle through me. I couldn’t help but think of the hug earlier.
I swallowed, trying to shake off the feeling. “But I swear, if there’s an actual spider?—”
“There’s not,” he said softly, pulling the last of the web from my shoulder. His fingers lingered for just a second too long, and my skin seemed to buzz where he touched me. “You’re safe.”
I huffed, straightening my sundress, pretending his closeness didn’t completely throw me off. “Great. The spiderwebs win this round.”
Topher’s eyes were still sparkling with amusement.
“I’m gladoneof us is having fun,” I said, crossing my arms in mock indignation, though the smile tugging at my lips ruined the effect. “You know, you’ve been smiling a lot more these days.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I never smile.”
“Oh, really?” I shot back, raising my own eyebrow. “Because you’re smiling right now.”
He paused, as if he were genuinely contemplating this. “No, I’m not.”
I pointed at his face, leaning in. “Uh, yeah, you are. Right there. The corners of your mouth? They’re betraying you.”
He gave a small huff, pretending to be annoyed. His gaze met mine, and for a moment, something shifted in the air between us. Then, to my surprise, he quietly said, “Because of you.”
The words were so simple, yet they landed with an unexpected weight. It was like he hadn’t planned on saying it, and once it slipped out, we were both left blinking at each other.
“Wait,” I said, holding up my hands, “Imake you smile?”
“Apparently,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Well, now I feel powerful.” I grinned, crossing my arms again. “I can makeTopher Brodiesmile. Should I add that to my résumé?”
He shook his head, chuckling despite himself. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
“Oh, it’s too late for that,” I teased.
