He stretched, so unbothered. “Neighbors always call after the first or second song. Takes them until the fourth or fifth song to dispatch a police car. Another song or two for them to drive out. Normally by the time they arrive, the keg’s dry and the kids are gone.”
“That’s… actually a very organized approach.”
He smiled, nudging me with his foot. “Let’s go.”
“Where to?” I asked, my heart thumping even as my voice tried for casual.
“I got some ideas.”
His hand dropped, palm open between us. It was an invitation and a dare. “Come with me.”
If I took it, I knew exactly where this could lead. But if I didn’t, I’d always wonder.
I slipped my hand into his.
6
SCOTT: LIKE A VIRGIN
The roof of my truck wasn’t built for comfort, and judging by the way Michelle kept shifting like the metal might cave in, she knew it. She’d probably never sat anywhere that didn’t come with upholstery and linen napkins. Still, she didn’t complain. She perched beside me, stiff at first, her palms pressed flat like she was bracing for impact, but slowly her back relaxed and she stared off contentedly into the night.
From where I sat, Los Angeles stretched out below us, same as always—an endless sprawl of lights, broken freeways, and smog. But when I glanced at her, I realized she was seeing it differently. Like it was enchanted. Like those million pinpricks of light were diamonds scattered just for her. Michelle’s chest rose slow and steady, just a girl breathing easy, perched on the roof of a beat-up truck with a guy her mother wouldn’t let through the service entrance, looking at the city like it belonged to her. And I loved being the one who gave her that.
She caught me staring. I could have looked away, but what was the point? We had one night together, so I might as well make my play. I leaned in, almost touching. A shuddering little breath escaped her. That’s when I made my move. My lips onhers, a light touch at first, testing the waters. Michelle didn’t kiss me back, but she didn’t slap me either. So I kept going. I was a gambler like that. My hands slid under her hair on either side of her neck. She tilted her head and a tiny moan escaped her. Then she was kissing me. I opened my mouth, applying more pressure, using her neck to guide the direction. Our kiss grew in intensity. I moved one hand down, tracking the silky fabric toward her breasts. I’d been obsessed with them all night and wanted… just… one—
Michelle slapped my hand away. “I’m not that kind of girl.”
“Give me a chance and I bet I could make you one.”
She smiled, letting me know I hadn’t lost any ground. “You’re so confident, aren’t you?”
“If you’d let me cop a feel…” I said, emphasizing my need with my grabby hands.
“Stop.” She laughed. “My breasts are off limits to you.”
“You savin’ them for Prince?” I said, nodding like I had her figured out.
“I’m saving them for a guy who hasn’t brought a dozen girls up here in hopes of getting in their pants.”
“That’s not fair! I’ve never brought a dozen up here at once.”
“No? How many girls have you brought up here, then?”
“None.”
“Liar.”
“Okay. One.”
Her stare bored through me.
“Maybe six, tops.”
She laughed. “Now thatI believe.”
“But none as pretty as you.”
More soft laughter. “Now that I don’t believe.”
