Kai hadn’t been expecting it, but that hadn’t stopped him from returning my kiss. We ended up kissing forever that night, it seemed.
In the times that followed, I almost wondered if he was baiting me. Going into despair mode so that I’d be the one to move in, brush my lips against his, and distract him from the worries in that handsome head of his.
I wonder the same thing now. There he is, in that oh-so-familiar pose, all self-loathing and sighing.
I nudge in closer, steadying myself with one hand on his shoulder. With the other, I trace my fingertips lightly over his chiseled jaw. A stinging ache sinks deep into my heart. This is the face I love. Kai is the only guy I’ve ever loved. And heaven help me, but I’m in love with him even still.
Kai keeps his eyes closed and exhales a jagged breath, hot against my thumb as I trace his mouth.
Tingles of anticipation rush over my skin as I lick my lips, lower my head, and ever so lightly press my mouth against his. Timid at first, testing, but still so, so good.
Mmm.
As I move in a second time, I part my lips. Kai does too. His kiss is hot, inviting, and hungry. He raises his head to take more, sliding his hands around my hips and thrilling me with a firm squeeze.
A whimper gets caught in my throat. Kai echoes the sound with a raspy sigh of his own.
I sink into the bliss of his glorious mouth on mine as he kisses me again, a long, lingering motion that has me fisting his shirt with both hands.
I remind myself that this is real. Kai is here in the flesh, wanting me as much as I want him. Even more, he’s moving back to Arizona, where he plans to stay. There’s no reason we can’t make this work if we both want to. And at this moment, I want that more than anything.
That thought plays over my mind as Kai pulls away from the beanbag and moves to lie on the floor, encouraging me to join him.
I don’t hesitate.
I move onto the plush carpet and curl into his cologne-scented chest.
Kai’s legs weave through mine. He cradles my face, his gaze locked on me. The depths of those brown wonders melt me in a million ways.
“I want you back,” he breathes, and moves in to kiss me again. This time, there’s something new in his kiss—a spark of urgency. We only have one day left. Soon Kai will head back to California to finish school. Soon the reality TV show that brought us to this place will demand an answer—will we work on the relationship or decide we’re better off apart?
I let Kai’s whispered confession wash over me. Assure me. He wants me back. I only hope that means he’s willing to give me what I need.
Chapter Seven
Day5
A boutof nausea thrashes through me as I zip up my shiny pink case. A sense of déjà vu floats in the air, giving the name of the show—Time Warp—a whole new meaning.
Here I am in the same dress I showed up in five days ago, ready to lug my pink case back to the town car. And here I am, still wondering just what’s going on in Kai’s mind.
Yes, we’ve made a lot of progress. And yes, he told me right out loud that he wants me back. But does that mean he’s willing to give me the one thing I need to put our past behind us? The one thing I told Colt Findley and all of America that I need?
I can’t back out now.
The school bell chimes over the speaker, and Colt Findley’s voice blasts out. “We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay here, Tucson High alumni. Please make your way to the magic bookcase, one at a time. You’ll be directed from there. Oh, and wheel your suitcases to the front door on your way. Kai, you go first. Nikki, stay put and wait for my cue.”
A round of fireworks goes off in my chest. This is torture.
“Hey, Nikki?” I hear someone say from the hallway. It’s Kai.
Colt comes from the intercom. “No communicating before our final exercise, please.”
“Her suitcase is broken,” Kai explains. “I’m going to get it to the front door for her.”
“Well, well. Kai, Kai, he’s a heck of a guy,” Colt sings. “Nikki, can you hobble yourPeptoparcel over to the door for Kai?”
I tug the big case off the bed. Kaiisone heck of a guy, and I can’t help but swoon over the thoughtful gesture. I drag the heavy thing to the door, fling it open, and see a very tentative-looking Kai in the doorway.
