I hold my index finger to my lips in a ‘shhing’ motion. Pressing myself into the wall, I swear to god that if he blows my cover, I will never forgive him.
Thankfully, Kyle nods and steers Lucas towards his car. They get in and drive off without a hitch. I wait a solid five minutes before peeking out and releasing the breath that I didn’t know I was even holding.
Fuck.
I know that eventually things will go back to normal between Lucas and I, whatever normal was. But our terrible date was only a couple weeks ago. There was no confrontation, not even a conversation between us since.
By now he must have gotten the message that I’m not interested and won’t be giving him a call for date number two. But I won’t tempt fate.
Plus, it’s awkward as fuck. Just like our date.
Over time, things will settle and I won’t run and duck like a mad woman every time I see him.
17
Corbin
Iwait outside until I’m sure almost everyone has cleared out of the lecture hall. Sure enough, as I enter there’s only a few other students milling about. And there, in the middle front row, is Hayley.
Her head is down, I imagine her eyes zipping across the page, following her hand. She’s completely in her own zone, unaware of anything around her. I shrug off my bag and settle myself against the front desk.
“Well, hey.” I press a kiss to the side of Hayley’s head and slide into the seat next to her. “What’cha writing? Is it a love letter?”
“Actually, it is. I’m having an affair with Mrs. Stornello and we like talking dirty about mathematical principles.”
“So that’s what does it for you, eh?” She actually laughs at my bad joke.
Oh wow.
The genuine smile on her face actually has me recalling in surprise. It feels like ages since I’ve seen her look so happy, and free…?
“What’s got you in such a good mood?”
“Things.”
“You mean it wasn’t last night?” I pull her closer and rest my forehead against hers.
“I suppose that might have something to do with it.” She seals her lips to mine in a chaste but tender kiss. “But also, I talked to Kyle this morning.”
“Shit. You okay?”
“No, I mean, yes! Everything’s fine. We’ve managed to resolve things.”
“That’s great. Did he apologize?”
“Yes, he did. And I forgave him. But I also warned him that if he ever got in between us again, I might not be as forgiving.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes.”
“I must be something special for you to finally go toe to toe with your brother.”
“You are. But, I think my mom might have helped move things along. I overheard her talking to him after her party.”
“I think I’m falling in love with you.” I brace myself for the blowback of my words. In the best scenario, they’ll just scare her. In my worst, I’ll open my eyes and there’ll be just a puff of smoke in front of me.
“Good. Just be sure to catch me.”
