As we wait in line, I end up standing next to James, our shoulders occasionally brushing as people move past. Studying the menu, my mouth is already watering at the specialty options listed. Hot chocolate is my secret weakness, one of the few indulgences I allow myself.
"Sweet tooth?" James asks.
"Something like that." Leaning close, my voice drops. "Don't tell the others. Kills my mysterious brooding image." Something clicks while I'm talking; this is friendly joking around. With James Hunter.When did that happen?
His smile makes my breath hitch; it's real and makes his serious face look completely different. "Secret's safe with me."
When we reach the counter, I order a Mexican hot chocolate with extra whipped cream, cinnamon, chocolate, and a hint of chilli. James chooses a classic dark chocolate, and we move to the pickup area while others place their orders.
"So," I say quietly. My voice is low enough that only he hears me. "This fake friendship thing seems to be working so far."
"Fake friendship?" he repeats, looking confused.
"Us," I clarify. "Pretending to get along for Drew's benefit. He seems pleased."
He blinks, an odd expression crossing his face. "Right. Fake friendship."
Before he can continue, our numbers are called. We collect our drinks and join the others at a collection of tables near a fire pit. Somehow, we end up sharing a small table slightly apart from the main group.
When I take my first sip, I don't bother to suppress a sound of pure pleasure; the rich chocolate mixes perfectly with the spices. It's heaven in a cup, and I momentarily forget where I am, closing my eyes to savour the flavours.
When I open them, James is watching me with an intensity that sends an unexpected tingle through me, nothing to do with the hot chocolate.
"That good?" he asks, his voice slightly strained.
"Oh, it's better than good. Try it." When I push my cup toward him, it feels weirdly personal. His long fingers brush mine as he accepts the cup and takes a cautious sip.
When I push my cup toward him, it's a surprisingly intimate move. His long fingers brush mine as he accepts the cup and takes a cautious sip.
"Not bad," he says, passing it back.
Our fingers touch again as the cup passes from one hand to the other. It's normal, accidental contact, but no one lets go. His thumb rests against my knuckle, and the warmth spreading from that point has absolutely nothing to do with the hot chocolate still steaming between us.
When I glance up, his eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that punches the air from my lungs. Dark. Focused. The kind of look that means something, though what exactly I'm afraid to examine too closely.
The smart thing would be to pull back and laugh it off. Making some dry comment about personal space.
His fingers shift slightly against mine, and my brain goes offline entirely.
"Hunter! Huntington!" Gavin's voice shatters whatever moment was forming. "You gotta try these gingerbread cookies too. Emily got a dozen for us to share."
Pulling my hand away, I clear my throat. "Subtlety isn't in his vocabulary, is it?"
"Not even in his extended vocabulary," James says, shifting in his seat. I glance down without thinking and notice his slight adjustment, the bulge in his jeans not hidden at all. That realization sends a shock through me, and I feel my face getting hot. I quickly look away, acting as if I'm super interested in my hot chocolate.
The next half hour passes easily. James and I discover that we both love weird sci-fi shows and both dislike the literature classes PCU makes us study for a 'well-rounded education'. We talk so naturally that I almost forget we're "just pretending" to get along until Drew comes over to our table.
"This is great to see," he says, gesturing between us. "I had a feeling you two would hit it off once you got past the initial... friction."
"We're finding common ground," James says neutrally.
"Turns out we both hate the same things," I add with a straight face. "Very bonding."
Drew laughs. "Whatever works. You're still coming to the Winter festival planning meeting tomorrow, right?"
James's expression doesn't change at all. Total poker face. "Wouldn't miss it."
"Perfect. Seven PM in the common room." Drew squeezes his shoulder before returning to Emily.
