He pulls the yellow tape measure back, his finger showing me exactly how tall I am. Which I already knew. I look at the tape, then back up at him.
“Five foot one and three-quarters of an inch,” he murmurs. “Someone is a little liar.”
He’s looming over me now, his hand braced against the wall behind my head. His blue eyes are perceptive, like he can see right through me.
“You caught me.” I sound like I just ran a half marathon.
For a brief moment, I wonder if he’s going to kiss me. His gaze snakes over me before landing on my mouth. His tongue wets his lips. I’m locked in place, anticipation building like alive wire inside me. I’m such a fool. I’ll always take what he gives me, these little breadcrumbs of attention. He’s practically been forced to let me move in to watch over me, and now I’m salivating at the proximity of his mouth to mine.
Silly little fool.
I shut my eyes. Seconds crawl by before I feel the absence of his warmth. My nipples pucker from the chill, and I hear the sound of the movie starting up again. When I open my eyes, he’s back in his chair, eyes on the screen like nothing happened. Disappointment crushes my chest.
Of course he’s not going to kiss you.
I make my way back to the sofa and wrap myself up in the blanket. I don’t check to see if Ropes responded to my message. My cheeks are on fire. I’m sick of being the one obsessed with him while he dangles his attention in front of me like a string with a cat.
I’m done with giving him the satisfaction.
I need to get out of this house and away from him. I have plenty of options. Ben wants me to meet up with him again, and this time, I don’t need a chaperone. Maybe I’ll convince Ropes we should take things off the app and into real life.
My resolve to move on gets a little stronger every time I’m faced with Sam’s rejection. Tears prick my eyes, but I blink them away. I despise how easily I keep giving into wanting him. It’spathetic.
I deserve better,a little voice whispers inside me.
20
ROPES & RED
Ropes
How you feeling about last night, Red?
Red
I can’t stop reading over our texts, if that tells you anything.
Ropes
I can’t stop looking at your picture. It’s ingrained in my head.
Red
Would you like some other options?
Ropes
I don’t know if I can take any more, knowing I don’t get to see it in real life.
But … yes.
Red
Say please.
Ropes
That’s my line, baby.
