“You’re sexist. You’re only saying that because I have a penis and you have a vagina. You know that, right?”
I snorted loudly, but didn’t answer.
“You wouldn’t care if I was a girl.”
“I don’t trust you, Hunter.”
“Tell me, what could I do, White?” I heard him laugh.
“Cut it out. I warned you, if you even remotely try . . .”
He turned away to the other side. I noticed it when I felt the heat of his back graze against mine.
“Go to sleep.” I cut him off, irritated.
“How am I supposed to do that? I’m just dying to touch you,” he quipped sarcastically, always wanting the last word.
Deep breath.I’m gonna slap him so hard tomorrow,I thought. Then he finally was quiet. After a long while, I fell asleep.
>> <<
The sun’s rays peeking through the blinds woke me with a start. I looked down at my bare thighs; the jersey was hiked up to my stomach. I was still on my side. I turned my head and saw James sleeping on his stomach. His chin was turned slightly upward, and his lips were parted. I was captivated by the perfect curve of his nose. His arms were stretched out as if he wanted to take up all the space, and his hand . . . his hand was on my hip. On my hip? I felt his warm imprint on my bare skin. Breathe, June.
“James, move your fucking hand,” I whispered, so as not to wake William. But with the same hand, he pulled on my hip to bring me to his chest, moving me with unsettling ease. His eyes were still closed, and as soon as his chest clung to my back, I heard him let out a guttural moan. He squeezed me tighter and squeezed my waist, smothering his face in the nape of my neck. I couldn’t breathe.
“James!”
“Um?”
Confused, he opened his eyes, but when he realized that he was clinging to me, he jerked away.
“Oh shit.”
He turned around and grumbled.
“You said you wouldn’t touch me.”
“I didn’t do it intentionally, trust me,” he mumbled raspily.
I should’ve gotten angry with him, but then I noticed that his messy hair was sticking out everywhere like a duckling’s, and I laughed. He frowned.
“I told you, it’s a reflex. I didn’t do it on purpose.”
“You hug people in your sleep?”
“Look, what the fuck should I tell you? I get cuddly when I sleep. It’s not intentional. Don’t flatter yourself.”
I burst out laughing. “What kind of excuses are you making up?”
“It’s not an excuse. It happens. Even with bitches like you.”
“Bullshit.”
“Don’t bust my balls first thing in the morning.”
I decided to ignore his more-vitriolic-than-usual attitude and sat up. William’s mattress was empty. The bed was unmade and the covers were crumpled.
“But, Will?” I asked James, grazing his arm to get his attention. James jumped out of bed and glared at me furiously.
