He glances around, his gaze coming to rest on Carrie.
“On my lap! Now!”
“I’d rather die,” Carrie answers, unimpressed.
“I could sit on your lap if you want!” A random girl has materialized out of thin air, but Donovan doesn’t even notice her, too immersed in his silent stare-down with Carrie. She’s so short, her forehead barely reaches his chin, but she isn’t budging an inch. I like the quiet determination she’s radiating right now.
“What?” she asks, utterly unbothered.
“I’ve got the comfiest lap on campus,” he argues.
“Do you really?”
Their eyes stay locked until Becca puts an end to the tussle.
“She’s just not that into you, Don. Move on.”
I can feel Lane shaking with laughter, and I straighten my back, tightening my glutes, suddenly aware of how I’m sitting.What the hell am I doing? This is just more ammunition for Kirk.
Just when I’m about to slide off Lane’s lap and get to my feet, I feel him tighten his grip, his arm snug around my waist, his breath hot against my skin as he whispers in my ear.
“One more minute.”
I twist in my seat for a glimpse of Kirk, but Lane’s face fills my entire field of vision. He’s so close I can’t see past him.
“You tried to play the game your way, and it didn’t work. Time to play dirty. Him being pissed is a good sign—it means you’re in control.” He gives me a soft, knowing smile.
My eyes dart back and forth from his eyes to his lips. The sounds around us are starting to fade, my skin is on fire. All I can feel is the weight of his arm around me, Lane’s chest pressing into my back with each breath he takes. I feel like I’m melting away into his body.
A voice breaks the spell.
“Kirk turned around. All clear!”
I shake myself out of my daze and slide off Lane’s lap, settling myself between Adam and Becca. As I catch Lane’s gaze, I flash him a smile. He did an amazing job helping me troll Kirk.
“Who’s going to Jonas’s party?” Donovan’s eyes are locked on his phone.
Lewis and Adam both cheer. This party rings a bell, but I can’t remember why.
“Lane?” Don presses.
“Not sure. I should head out; I’ve got a ride.” He gets to his feet. “Got your keys, Lois?”
“Yep.”
“I’ll be home late.”
I’m about to ask what his plans are, but I change my mind. It’s none of my business—plus his voice has suddenly gone all cool, and I have no idea why.
I listen distractedly as the others chat back and forth.
Becca turns to me. “Want to join me and Carrie for a study session?”
“Not today. I think I’ll head back.”
It’s still early, so I decide to walk home. Maybe the fresh air will help me digest that Kirk drama. It takes me over an hour to get back to the apartment, and I spend a while tidying the living room, cleaning the bathroom. Before I know it, the evening has drawn in. I don’t want to hit the gym tonight, so I cozy up under a blanket on the couch and binge on chips and TV instead. Talking to Kirk today ruined my mood. He didn’t even mention my new hair, didn’t even notice all the effort I’ve been making. This sucks.
I need to talk, so I stay up waiting for Lane. But he doesn’t come home.
