“That can’t happen again,” I say.
His face drops. “I understand.” His dark stare sends another bolt of awareness through me. He touches his mouth. “But damn. That was, uh . . .”
“Yes. But it doesn’t matter.”
He backs away and stuffs his hands into his pockets. “Send me the link. To the dress you want, I mean.”
“I’m not doing that. I don’t have your number, anyway.”
He tugs his phone out of his pocket. “Tell me yours, then.” He sticks his bottom lip out. “Please? I won’t bother you. I just want to do this for you.”
“Fine.” I rattle off my number. “And I’ll see you tomorrow.” I turn to get in the car. I sense him behind me still, wanting to say something, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t walk away until I’m behind the wheel.
He’s texted me. My stomach riots as my thumbs hover over the keys.
Before I can overthink it, I look up the dress I want, a beautiful green confection, and text it to him with my size. My head hits the headrest, and I drop my phone like it might be on fire.
But the more I think about it, the more I don’t feeltoobad. I mean, he bullied me. He made me feel inadequate because of my class, something I struggle to make peace with even now.
And he wants me bad. That much is clear. I succeeded in taunting him with something he can never truly have.
The problem with this, of course, is that part of me wants him too.
11
GRANT
My apartment smells like coconut when I walk in, probably from some smoothie Adam made, and the scent reminds me of Kendall. She wears this tropical-smelling lotion that might have succeeded in rewiring my brain, because even though I was calmer on the way home, I’m hit with a bolt of lust so powerful I almost shut my eyes against it.
My place is empty. I march straight to the shower, telling myself I want to wash off the grime of the day, but I know what I intend to do. I’m shaking with need. I shuck my clothing and set the shower temperature to a steamier setting than usual. I’ll perish if I don’t indulge myself.
I’m just about to hop in when my phone chimes. I look down to see Kendall’s number—I saved it in my phone—and my eyes widen.
Kendall
One more request. If I’m allowed to make another.
My heart gallops in my chest.
Me
Of course. What’s that?
Kendall
No taking care of yourself yet, if you know what I mean. I want you to squirm a little longer.
Kendall
If I have any say, that is
I hang my head and chuckle. This woman. She’s the boldest person I’ve ever met.
Me
Okay.
Kendall
