“What are you doing?” she whispers after opening the window a smidgeon.
“We need to talk,” I whisper. “Can I come in?” I’m grateful the window is one of those newer sliding windows, and it’s large enough for me to fit through. Astrid worries her lower lip between her teeth for a few seconds before nodding. She removes the window cushion, placing it against the wall, before sliding the window back as far as it’ll go. Then she steps aside to allow me to swing myself into the room.
Tension bleeds into the air as I toe my runners off and we stare at one another with all manner of emotions standing between us like a wall. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun, showcasing her flawless skin and perfect features. A flimsy camisole pajama top clings to her tits and hard nipples, making my mouth water. It takes massive willpower not to linger on her chest or trail my gaze lower over her long, slim, bare legs, but I didn’t come here to verify her assumptions about me, and Astrid deserves my respect, so I focus on her face as I try to form the words I need to say.
Astrid folds her arms across her chest, wearing a determined expression. “Why are you here, Callan? My parents will go crazy if they discover you in my bedroom,” she says in a hushed voice.
“They won’t,” I promise, hoping I haven’t lied to her. “It’s my turn to apologize,” I admit, running a hand through my hair. My heart is pounding like crazy, crashing against my chest cavity like powerful waves beating against the shore.
“Hang on.” Striding across her room, she flips the lock on the door before walking to the other window seat and curling into one corner. She motions me forward with her eyes, and I sit opposite her, pulling my knees into my chest. “I was a dickhead earlier, and I’m sorry. It took guts to say what you said, and I should’ve been nicer. Thank you for explaining, and I accept your apology.”
“You were a total asshole,” she agrees, “but I forgive you, and I meant what I said. I’m appalled at myself.”
“Can I level with you?”
“Always.”
“You seem to have the wrong impression of me. Yes, I’ve had sex and been with different girls, but not nearly as much as people think.”
“You don’t have to explain it.” She messes with the hem on her pajama shorts, not meeting my eyes.
I lean forward. “But I do. Please look at me.”
She lifts her head, and the instant her eyes connect with mine, it’s like being zapped by lightning. I clear my throat and focus because I’m not leaving here unless things are good between us. “I don’t want you thinking I’m some gobshite who fucks around with girls all the time. That’s not who I am. I’m focused on football, and I’ve never had a girlfriend by choice because I don’t want or need the distraction. I figured we had that in common, which is why I suggested we fake date.”
Her eyes pop wide. “You’ve never had a girlfriend? Like, ever?”
“Never. I’ve seen my mates get with girls and lose their focus. That’s not happening to me.”
“You don’t ever want to get married?” She tips her head to one side, curiosity flaring in her eyes.
“I want marriage and kids, but when I’m older, when my career is established, and I have the money to look after a wife and a family.”
“It’s making a lot more sense now.”
“If you think I had ulterior motives for suggesting my plan, I don’t. I saw an opportunity to help each other out and just ran with it. I don’t expect you to fuck me, and I wouldn’t go off with other girls, either with or without your knowledge. I could never do that to you. It hurt you thought I would.”
“I wasn’t thinking straight when I said that shit. What Joe said really got to me. I thought he was fine to wait, but it’s obvious now that wasn’t really the case.”
I should’ve known his hurtful words were driving her behavior. “Your ex is a prick. You shouldn’t ever feel forced into sex or made to feel ashamed for not going there.”
“I just thought if most guys are like him, then how would it work for you if we were fake dating? Joe told me one time that teenage guys were perpetually horny and constantly thinking about sex.” She hugs her raised knees tighter. “But I should’ve asked you instead of jumping to conclusions. I’m sorry I did that.”
“It’s fine. We’re past it now. Forget it.”
“In the interests of being honest and upfront, if we do this, what will you do?”
My lips pull into the biggest grin of their own volition. It takes effort to keep my laughter low and soft as I wave my hands in the space between us. “I have my hands, a porn subscription, and a very vivid imagination.”
She almost chokes before fanning herself with her hands. “Okay, wow, thanks for your honesty.” I can’t see her properly in the low light, but I just know her cheeks are bright red.
“Don’t worry about it, anyway. It was a stupid idea.” I plant my feet on the floor. “We can tell everyone at school we had some fun at the weekend, but it was only casual, and we’re not dating. Just friends.”
“I want to do it,” she blurts, unfurling to her full height and standing in front of me.
“You do?” I was convinced she wasn’t going to go for it.
Slowly, she nods. “I made it complicated when it doesn’t need to be. Like you said, it’ll help get the cheerleaders off your back and Joe off mine, and it’ll keep us focused on our goals. It’s the perfect solution.”
